Detroit Lions Weblog

Add Michael Oher to the List of Lions Misses? Trade Deadline Tuesday

It is no secret that the Lions have needed to upgrade their offensive line for years and years (and years…). They have had ample opportunity to draft a quality left offensive tackle, and have chosen to pass on that position during recent drafts.

Names like Joe Thomas, Ryan Clady, and now, Michael Oher will continue to make me shudder in agony as a Lions fan, especially each and every time I watch Jeff Backus (pronounced Sack-us) be abused by a mid-level, league average edge pass rusher.

Oher, who is the Ravens starting right tackle, was shifted to left tackle last week against the Bengals. Oher, the protagonist in Michael Lewis’ “Blind Side” book (and soon to be feature film), was facing Antwan Odom, a current league leader in sacks with eight, and held him to two tackles and zero sacks. That certainly doesn’t anoint Oher among the league elite, but it is certainly a hell of a start.

With Tuesday’s trade deadline approaching, and the Lions entering their bye week, one has to wonder, if the Lions end up being 1-5, will they be a participant? With the emergence of DeAndre Levy, and the promotion of Zach Follett from the practice squad, and the seeming disappointment that the Lions have in the performance of Julian Peterson, maybe the Lions will consider taking a draft pick(s), regardless of how marginal, for the aging Peterson.

I also wonder if the versatility of Anthony Henry, while being utilized in nickel and dime packages, would be of increased value elsewhere. The Lions secondary remains pitiful, but Henry still retains value, if not expected to be a primary stalwart in coverage.

With the bye week approaching, the Lions will take an additional look at street free agents who may be able to provide additional assistance at weak personnel positions or in places where the team has suffered from attrition. Even with Turk McBride providing additional assistance along the defensive front, I wonder if Shaun Smith, Chuck Darby or Terdell Sands could receive another look from the Lions as they continue to tinker with their ineffective defensive line.

One thing I can say for Martin Mayhew, if anything, is that he isn’t afraid to jigger the team’s personnel and will not likely stand pat over the next week or so, if a desirable opportunity arises.