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Notes: Despite struggles, Lions excel running through A gap

Per PFF, there’s at least one area where Detroit excels in the rushing game. 

By Kellie Rowe

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NFL: Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Due to injuries, especially Kerryon Johnson out after Week 7, the Lions rushing game was a tad uh, lethargic this past season. But Pro Football Reference points out Detroit has been productive in a very specific area — when rushing through the A gap since 2018.

And what’s a big part of that? Frank Ragnow and Graham Glasgow have been a force when it comes to the run game, PFF explains. Ragnow ranks 13th among and Glasgow 14th among guards/centers in run blocking grade since 2018.

Speaking of Glasgow, with his rookie contract expired, the four-year starter is a pending free agent. Despite his versatility and playing at an above-average level, the Lions did not offer him an extension — he’ll likely test the market.

“We’ll see how everything works out, and I guess we’ll see in March what happens,” he said.

But most of all: “I would like to feel like I’m wanted.”

And while on the subject of running backs, you can check out a piece from John Maakaron of Sports Illustrated’s LionMaven on the pros and cons of the Lions drafting a back in the second round.

Onto the rest of your notes:

  • Dave Birkett of The Free Press reports Bob Quinn said in a SiriusXM NFL radio interview that he is “totally comfortable and happy that Matthew Stafford’s our quarterback” and that he’s “pretty much at full health.”
  • The Detroit News’ Justin Rogers explains how Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy sees some parallels between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers.
  • Detroit Lions Radio personality and FOX 2 Sports Director Dan Miller picked his five favorite calls from this past season. You can submit your vote for a chance to win two tickets to the Detroit Lions Draft Party and a $500 Kroger gift card.
  • With rosters revealed, the Lions will have a range of potential draft targets that may be appealing. Chris Burke for The Athletic takes a look. (Subscription required).
  • Scott Warheit over at LionsWire explains why he feels the Lions are missing an opportunity by not hiring new coaches before Senior Bowl. “I’m all for the Lions taking their time and making sure that they hire the right person for the job, but there’s no reason why the hiring process for these position coaches should be taking this long.”
  • Max DeMara for heavy.com has a list of five free agents he thinks the Lions should steal from the Packers.

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