Pride of Detroit
Our weekly check-in with the Detroit Lions’ coordinators covers a couple of defensive players who drew high praise from Kelvin Sheppard, a fearless John Morton, and Dave Fipp falling victim to the 6-7 meme talking about the Chicago Bears’ infamous double-doink.
Here are the six biggest takeaways from the Lions’ three coordinators.
I ain’t afraid of your stacked box
According to NFL Pro, the Detroit Lions face a stacked box—defined as eight or more defenders—on rushing plays 32.2% of the time, third-highest of any team through five weeks. On those plays, the Lions have produced the sixth-highest EPA/rush, eighth in success rate, and second in rushing attempts (49).
It makes sense that defenses are trying to stack the box against Detroit’s dynamic running game. But why are the Lions still running—and being successful—when the numbers may not favor them? As Morton explained, they simply aren’t afraid of stacked boxes.
“This is who we are. You know that,” Morton said. “I mean, we’re going to pound it no matter what. 10-man box, it doesn’t matter. So, we’ll just keep doing it until they stop it.”
Obviously, a strong offensive line gives Morton that faith, but he credits his wide receivers, too. They aren’t just blocking on the perimeter, they’re getting their nose dirty right there at the line of scrimmage early and often.
“We block it up, man, because we’ve got wideouts that can block,” Morton said. “Now, if you don’t have wideouts who can block, that’s a different story. But our wideouts block. They’re the best in football, and a lot of teams, they see a loaded box like that, they’re just throwing it. But not with our guys. It’s pretty impressive what our wideouts do. That’s the reason why we’re one of the tops in the run game, because of what they do.”
Tate Ratledge is coming along
After a tough opener, it’s easy to see the progress the Lions are getting in second-round pick Tate Ratledge. As Detroit’s offensive line settles in, Ratledge’s job at right guard is getting less and less noticeable—a good thing for an offensive lineman. Morton has been impressed with Ratledge’s improved communication.
“I just think he keeps getting better and better and better with the RCE [Recognize, Communicate, Execute] as I say,” Morton said. “And when you do that, the game kind of slows down for you a little. You just have to make sure your technique is sound. It’s just a couple things with his technique, whether it’s a twist here and there and the communication. So, I think that’s where he’s grown. Again, I think he’s got a bright future.”
Jack Campbell sees the defense like Shep does
It’s fair to say Lions linebacker Jack Campbell is in the midst of his year-three jump. He’s currently third among linebackers in PFF grade (90.7), t-fourth in tackles to go along with his two forced fumbles.
Sheppard could not have spoken more highly...
