By Moses Joshua 
Lions face crucial stretch with interior line still struggling to protect Jared Goff
Interior Line Woes Could Haunt Detroit in Upcoming Matchups
The Detroit Lions enter Week 12 with one of their biggest question marks still unresolved: the offensive line. While tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker continue to perform at a high level, the interior trio of Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge, and Kayode Awosika has struggled to provide consistent protection.
In Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles, the three allowed a combined seven pressures on quarterback Jared Goff, contributing directly to his inconsistent performance. With matchups against top NFC defenses — including the Packers, Cowboys, and Rams — looming, Detroit knows that these struggles could be magnified.
Campbell Stands by His Linemen
Despite the concerns, head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in his offensive line, emphasizing the unit’s potential and the importance of cohesion.
“I believe in these guys. I think the more they play together, the more they mesh and we just do things that we do well…every game is different. There’s a couple things I wish, maybe I’d do differently…I just believe in these guys. They’re good enough. They know how to play together, we just gotta be a little more consistent in areas, and it takes everybody. It really does.”
Campbell’s trust signals his commitment to developing the line internally, even as fans grow anxious about the team’s ability to protect Goff against elite pass-rushers.
Spotlight on Glasgow and the Guards
While rookie Tate Ratledge has shown flashes of promise and Kayode Awosika deserves more games before judgment can be passed, Graham Glasgow remains the sore spot at center. Being thrust into the position to start the season was always a risk, and the results so far have been uneven.
Several batted passes and pressures in Week 11 highlighted the Lions’ vulnerability inside. If Detroit hopes to contend in the NFC North, the interior line must start producing results against quality defensive fronts — especially with games against the Packers and Cowboys just around the corner.
No Quick Fix, but Room for Growth
There is no immediate solution in sight for Detroit’s offensive line, and the team must rely on coaching, chemistry, and incremental improvement. The Lions need Glasgow, Ratledge, and Awosika to step up quickly if Goff is to have time to execute downfield, and if Detroit hopes to maintain its NFC North aspirations.
For now, it’s a waiting game. Fans can only hope that continued practice and internal adjustments will turn the line into a unit capable of handling the league’s toughest defenses.
The Lions’ path to the postseason may very well depend on it.