Detroit Lions Week 14 snap counts: Mike Daniels has bounce-back game vs. Vikings

Here’s a look at the Detroit Lions’ Week 14 snap counts against the Minnesota Vikings and some observations along with them.

Offense:

Quarterbacks

David Blough: 71 (100%)

Running backs

Bo Scarbrough: 34 (48%)
Ty Johnson: 21 (30%) — 6 special team snaps (22%)
J.D. McKissic: 16 (23%) — 5 (19%)
Isaac Nauta (FB/TE): 6 (8%) — 12 (44%)

Tight ends

Logan Thomas: 40 (56%) — 9 (33%)
Jesse James: 38 (54%) — 7 (26%)

Wide receivers

Marvin Jones Jr.: 71 (100%)
Kenny Golladay: 67 (94%) — 1 (4%)
Danny Amendola: 57 (80%)— 7 (26%)
Chris Lacy: 3 (4%) — 12 (44%)

Offensive tackles

Taylor Decker: 71 (100%) — 2 (7%)
Tyrell Crosby: 37 (52%) — 2 (7%)
Rick Wagner: 35 (49%)

Guards/centers

Frank Ragnow: 71 (100%) — 2 (7%)
Graham Glasgow: 62 (87%) — 2 (7%)
Joe Dahl: 62 (87%) — 2 (7%)
Kenny Wiggins: 19 (27%) — 6 (22%)

Observations:

• With no T.J. Hockenson, it’s a little concerning that free agent Jesse James saw less playing time than Logan Thomas, a converted quarterback that is earning 3x less than James.
• The guard rotation this week was split evenly between Graham Glasgow and Joe Dahl.
• After Rick Wagner’s mid-game injury, Tyrell Crosby came in and played more than half of the game.

Defense:

Defensive end

Trey Flowers: 37 (51%) — 1 (4%)
Romeo Okwara: 33 (45%) — 8 (30%)

Defensive tackle

Mike Daniels: 53 (73%) — 4 (15%)
John Atkins: 46 (63%) — 2 (7%)
Damon Harrison Sr.: 45 (62%)
A’Shawn Robinson: 41 (56%) — 2 (7%)

Linebackers

Devon Kennard: 67 (92%) — 5 (19%)
Christian Jones: 52 (71%) — 11 (41%)
Jahlani Tavai: 49 (67%) — 4 (15%)
Jarrad Davis: 36 (49%) — 1 (4%)
Jalen Reeves-Maybin: 3 (4%) — 23 (85%)
Steve Longa: 0 (0%) — 16 (59%)
Jason Cabinda: 0 (0%) — 12 (44%)

Cornerbacks

Darius Slay: 72 (99%) — 1 (4%)
Amani Oruwariye: 56 (77%) — 7 (26%)
Justin Coleman: 37 (51%) — 3 (11%)
Dee Virgin: 0 (0%) — 24 (89%)
Mike Ford: 0 (0%) — 19 (70%)

Safety

Tavon Wilson: 72 (99%) — 10 (37%)
Tracy Walker: 68 (93%)
Will Harris: 34 (47%) — 10 (37%)
C.J. Moore: 2 (3%) — 12 (44%)
Miles Killebrew: 0 (0%) — 24 (89%)

Observations:

• The Lions’ game plan defensively was pretty clear: Stop the run. John Atkins, Damon Harrison Sr. and A’Shawn Robinson all played more snaps than Trey Flowers. In some ways, their strategy actually worked. The Vikings averaged just 3.1 yards per carry. However, the pass rush certainly struggled—especially since there were less opportunities for Flowers to make an impact.
• That being said, what a comeback game for Mike Daniels. Last week, we were wondering why Daniels only played in 23 defensive snaps over the past two games. This week, he played more than any other defensive lineman, and did quite well:

Obviously, the injury to Da’Shawn Hand played into Daniels’ increased role; prior to Week 14, Daniels had not played more than 43 percent of the defensive snaps in any game with Detroit. He was at 73 percent on Sunday.

• Perhaps the biggest surprise of the game was Amani Oruwariye not only getting the start, but completely replacing Rashaan Melvin. Melvin was active for the game, but did not play in a single snap: defensively or on special teams. At this point, it’s difficult to know whether the Lions are simply seeing what they’ve got in their fifth-round rookie or if Oruwariye has surpassed Melvin on the depth chart.
• With Tracy Walker nearing full health, the Lions are scaling back Will Harris’ role in the defense. The rookie safety played in just 47 percent of snaps, his lowest since Week 7.

Special teams

Sam Martin: 11 (41%)
Don Muhlbach: 9 (33%)
Matt Prater: 2 (7%)

• Sam Martin finally took back kickoff duties, meaning Matt Prater is back to just FGs and XPs.