What happened to Larry Warford and the Detroit Lions Offensive Line?

[sggatecl]

I read this last week and meant to share. Thought it made some interesting points, curious what some of you think about it.

http://sidelionreport.com/2015/09/25/happened-larry-warford-detroit-lions-offensive-line/

It seems as if it were just yesterday when the Detroit Lions were being heralded for making the steal of the draft when they chose Larry Warford in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Warford bested Travis Frederick, Eddie Lacy and Keenan Allen to become Pro Football Focus? Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Understand how good Warford was in his first year. He wasn?t just PFF?s offensive rookie of the year; Warford was the highest graded offensive guard Pro Football Focus had EVER graded. Not even Mike Iupati graded out higher.

Warford wasn?t the Lions? only offensive lineman making waves as fellow rookie LaAdrian Waddle stepped out of the undrafted ranks into the spotlight. Waddle would eventually seize a starting gig alongside Warford on the right side of the Lions offensive line. It hadn?t been pretty for several years, but through hard work and effort the 2013 Detroit Lions possessed one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

It goes on to look at scheme changes that might be a big part of why the Oline looks like horse manure.

 

[kdp1980]

They suck, that's what happened. Pretty easy to see by watching every offensive drive so far this season. Fuck those clowns

 

[dtroitlionsfan951]

it is obv scheme. They all took a step back under caldwell, as every single offensive position did last year. Except for golden tate. For some reason their protections are confusing for two straight years also. The offensive line constantly doesn't know who to block.

 

[dubbsco]

I really find it hard to believe that Larry Warford had the best performance ever by an offensive guard in the history of this publication. No idea how far they go back, but that seems ridiculous.

 

[brewer229]

Warford was their highest graded rookie guard ever...based on the link provide within the story. Appears he was the 4th highest guard that year.

Puts into question the entire article knowing they can't read another story and understand the basic principle

 

[tbone413]

Good article....that picture they included is damn comical. I blame the coaching staff for this mess of an O-Line, much more than Mayhew.

 

[coel73]

It's always something. But I agree, everyone can't go from looking decent to terrible unless coaching was the issue, and Lombardi seems WAY over his head. They should put him out of his misery and FAST. Maybe losing another nationally televised game in humiliating fashion will do the trick. Ahhhhhhhh, no it won't :-/

 

[tomdalton22]

It's always something. But I agree, everyone can't go from looking decent to terrible unless coaching was the issue, and Lombardi seems WAY over his head. They should put him out of his misery and FAST. Maybe losing another nationally televised game in humiliating fashion will do the trick. Ahhhhhhhh, no it won't :-/

The Dolphins fired their coach after a 1-3 start...maybe the Lions will follow suit!

 

[jdeb]

Warford was their highest graded rookie guard ever...based on the link provide within the story. Appears he was the 4th highest guard that year.

Puts into question the entire article knowing they can't read another story and understand the basic principle

Look who was next to him

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[tonyballs]

The Dolphins fired their coach after a 1-3 start...maybe the Lions will follow suit!

Philbin was HC in Miami since 2012. Thinking Caldwell is going to get fired is hilarious. Especially after his first year going 11-5. Touchdown back to reality....the water is warm.

 

[JScottWriter]

I think the main problem with the OL is Swanson. So many teams show A gap pressure and we have yet to get better at running or pass protection. They need a good C and stud LT.

 

[dtroitlionsfan951]

I think the main problem with the OL is Swanson. So many teams show A gap pressure and we have yet to get better at running or pass protection. They need a good C and stud LT.

Please don't forget right tackle. Unless you are saying Reiff slides into that spot.

 

[brewer229]

I think the main problem with the OL is Swanson. So many teams show A gap pressure and we have yet to get better at running or pass protection. They need a good C and stud LT.

Oh ok. I wonder why they didn't think to grab a stud LT. I mean how hard is that?

 

[JScottWriter]

Oh ok. I wonder why they didn't think to grab a stud LT. I mean how hard is that?

Never in my post did I say it was easy, but that is what they need. Reiff at RT would be better than the dumpster fire over there. Which leads back to what I said, we NEED a good C and a stud LT.

 

[zyxt9]

They spent years not getting Raviolli replaced, I don't see them replacing Swanson for at least a decade.

 

[tomdalton22]

Oh ok. I wonder why they didn't think to grab a stud LT. I mean how hard is that?

typically you need a top 10 pick. When you have it you usually have a difficult decision to make...do I take the LT or the TE?

 

[Mitchrapp]

typically you need a top 10 pick. When you have it you usually have a difficult decision to make...do I take the LT or the TE?

Lol.

 

[sggatecl]

typically you need a top 10 pick. When you have it you usually have a difficult decision to make...do I take the LT or the TE?

Tom, you savage mother fucker.

 

[tonyballs]

typically you need a top 10 pick. When you have it you usually have a difficult decision to make...do I take the LT or the TE?

Lewan would have been nice at 10.

 

[sggatecl]

Lewan would have been nice at 10.

What was the knock on him coming out? I honestly don't remember.