Detroit Lions Weblog

The Enigma of Shaun Rogers

Shaun Rogers has been an enigma throughout the duration of his Lions career. At times, he is one of the true dominating forces in the entire league. He can single-handedly plug up the middle of the line of scrimmage, creating a major disruption for opposing offenses. He is an excellent run-stuffer who is also capable of pressuring the QB and blocking kicks. Rogers’s physical abilities have never come into question and his skills are off the charts. Yet, Rogers can also appear disinterested and surly, too.

He refuses to speak to the Detroit media after games. Rogers is a fomer Pro Bowler but has never been perceived to be a team leader. Matt Millen even utilized a strange motivational ploy early in Rogers’s career. Millen made it public knowledge that Rogers was available for trade in an attempt gain more productivity from Rogers. Through all of this Rogers titillates Lions fans with his freakish talents.

This season Rogers was incredibly dominant in the Lions first game against Seattle. Since that point, he has faced consistent double and triple teams and has been chip blocked by running backs and tight ends. His impact has been severely diminished with this strategy and his teammates have been unable to pick up the slack in his stead. The Lions have even attempted to move him around on the line of scrimmage in hopes of freeing from opposing blocking schemes.

In order for the course of the Lions season to change, Rogers has to be a more effective member of the defense. He needs to exhibit the determination and tenaciousness necessary to overcome opposing blocking schemes. Otherwise, the defenive struggles will continue or worsen.