Injury Bug Bites
August 11th, 2009 | by detfan1979 |Well, it turns out the Lions Congregation was right on many fronts…namely, the idea that the depth on this Lions team is so thin that injuries can have a greater effect than on other, more well-stocked franchises.
Thankfully, CJ is only out precautionarily. Cook is on IR. The two that sting, to me, are Bullocks and DeVries. Damion Cook was a backup OG/OT — a versatile player to have, but not a starter. Bullocks, however, was competing to start at S — and now will be shut down for a few weeks…essentially taking him out of the preseason race, and possibly onto the PUP list. Manuel or Schweigert needs to step up and take that other starting spot soon. If Bullocks can’t stay healthy, it looks like S may be a need again — and take a high pick for the 4th time in 5 years next draft.
DeVries hurts more. Depth was thin at DE to begin with. Smith, picked up from Cleveland is more of a DT I woudl think, although the coaching staff may try IAF and Smith out there to see who does best… for now, Hunter will be playing more. I do like that White and Avril will be on the field together more, and I know Peterson was going to be a pass-rushing end on many downs. But Devries was the kind of solid, hold the point DE that got a pressure, even if not a lot of sacks. He didn’t have to be gameplanned for, but did have to be accoutned for. A hard worker, and locker-room leader, he’ll be missed. At his age, this injury coudl be career ending for him.
There isn’t a lot left out there at DE. One thought was to try to trade for a DE such as Jarvis Moss in Denver — he’s having a bit of trouble adjusting to the scheme, and may be had fairly cheap. While the Lions can wait until the waiver cuts hit to pick up another DE (possibly) they will still be a fairly raw player who has essentially missed camp. That will not replace Devries.
I like IAF on the inside, although with the now-cluttered DT situation, it is hard to tell. Right now, I see all the DT’s on the roster fighting for 5 spots. I’ve even changed my mind on some roster locks, and feel that none of the DT’s are safe — not even Jackson. None of them have contracts that would preculde cutting them for cap reasons either…
IF the young guys step up, and develop well, the Lions may still be thin at DE, but DT could be a pleasant surprise…IF…
By chiefger139 on Aug 12, 2009
depth is a problem in many areas even wide receiver this year, running back, secondary you name it, huge predicted a 9-7 season, but I will have to see who starts at qb and us in a real game before i will get any hopes for a winning season.