Earlier this week, we published our latest SB Nation Reacts survey, sponsored by the folks at FanDuel Sportsbook, and asked Detroit Lions fans:
Which group will you be watching most closely in the Lions vs. Commanders game?For this week’s survey, we gave fans five groups to choose from to answer our question: Offensive skill players, offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, and secondary. While each group got some attention, one group overwhelmingly received the most fan votes.
It’s not surprising
that fans landed on the offensive line in this survey, because while each of the above groups still has some unsettled questions, many have been answered as training camp has progressed, while the offensive line seems to have even more unknowns.
The left guard competition may be settled, as the Lions appear to be sticking with Christian Mahogany. But is that because he won the job, or because Ben Bartch can’t stay healthy, Miles Frazier has shifted to a swing role, and Juice Scruggs is now needed at center?
Scruggs seems like he’s in the lead for the temporary center role—while starter Cade Mays recovers from a broken wrist—but how much better is he than Seth McLaughlin? Also, has Scruggs fully recovered from the recent soft-tissue injury that kept him out of the Lions’ first preseason game?
Additionally, we’re expecting to see the Lions’ starting offensive line play in this game—including Mahogany at left guard and Scruggs at center—but that is also because they need to work on their communication.
Let’s take a closer look at the comment section of our original article and The Feed post to see fans’ explanations for their selection (lightly edited for clarity).
- UpAllNight: “The success of this season hinges on the O-Line, and it’s far from settled, particularly at the pivot. Can Seth rise up to the challenge, or will Juice, the seasoned vet, be the better option?”
- Lee County Flydog: “This team will go as far as the Offense takes them. They have excellent players at the skill positions. Therefore, the OL is the key to their success.”
- Panzer1943: “The O-line. This team runs (no pun intended) through that position group. It “should” be better this year. Time will tell, obviously.“
- sprtn66: “I’m more worried of the OL and will be watching as much as I can. The fact that none of the starters are playing next to who they did last season scares me. Cohesion is so important there.”
- Tappy: “In the end, I think this team wins and loses based on the performance of the offensive line, so that’s what I’m most interested in.”
As a reminder, this survey was sponsored by the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook, who currently have the Lions listed as +1900 to win this year’s Super Bowl, +900 to win the NFC Championship, and +150 to win the NFC North as the current favorites.
Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Detroit Lions fans and fans across the country. If you want to receive these surveys by email weekly, you can sign up here.
