Oh yeah crappy scheme and coaching isn't helping the run game
I don't know what the answer is TBH. I'm just an armchair fan like anyone else. I used to be a data driven FFer - which is a natural fit, I'm a CFO and CPA - but in the last 5-7 years Waldman and Harris have turned me into a film rat. This is just anecdotal stuff related to teams I studied a lot this year and I don't know exactly what the fix is for the Lions, but I think it's instructive to compare their run game with other teams.
Baltimore - the Ravens had as much or more O-line injuries than the Lions, yet when it came to the next man up, they seemed to not miss a beat. When the Lions have replacement starters, they typically (Mahalik was the exception) have been simply awful. Is that strictly personnel and talent? I don't know to be honest, but our depth has been non-existent.
Cincinnati - the only team in the NFL with a worse run game than Detroit. Some interesting comps - I think they had 3 new starters on the O-line this year. About mid-point in the year they started to gel as a unit in the run game. Like AA, Mixon was getting hit at the point of the exchange early in the year. Yet you could remain hopeful because every game he flashed elusiveness. One difference between the teams is CIN handed the reigns to the rookie almost completely; before the concussion, Mixon dominated touches over Gio. Hill was a starter in name only early in the year and has been out a long time, complete non-factor. Bernard has looked much better late in the year, I think his knee still wasn't quite right PS and early. I think this O-line has less talent than the Lions but we've seen progress. You can't say that about Detroit. The Bengals remain awful in pass pro.
Tampa Bay - another dreadful offense. The shoulder injury is going to be a catch all excuse, but Jamais really regressed this year. Obviously he looked great in his last game. The run game was non-existent while Martin was suspended. He looked great the first couple games. After that, it seemed like he was constantly being hit in the backfield. Maybe it wasn't all the line, though - they put two starters on IR, and in the same week they could open holes for Peyton Barber (Martin looked bad in the same game before he fumbled away his job.) Looks like they'll be a new lead back in 2017. Not a great line by any means but they can move people, something the Lions are unable to do.
Washington - another line beset by injuries. Samaje had a few good games but they have really struggled the last couple weeks. But when they are healthy they have a competent run game, even when Fat Rob was the lead back. Again, I don't think other than the LT they have more talent than Detroit.
Just seems like our line is incapable of opening up holes, and they're almost the worst in the league at pass protection. Lang and Wagner were good players before they came to Detroit. Both have been hurt a lot this year; early on, the right side was definitely the superior run blocking unit. I see other teams plug in reserves and even guys off from practice squads and still have success. That leads me to believe that Detroit's offensive line issues are not solely a talent issue. I think it's mostly coaching and scheme. When I see Warford and Reif doing better with their new teams, it really makes me question if our coaching staff is capable at all.
