He’s more of a very solid run stopper set an edge guy. We (arguably) have that already. We need someone with the wiggle to create pressure.
Hard to find at this point in the calendar. I think we are going to have to be aggressive with play calling and scheme pressure.
I'd feel a lot better about the D line if we knew they were loaded with proven run defenders. And I get what they are betting on which is size. Judging by PFF scores, and granted they aren't the be all and end all -- all the additions are below average run defenders -- Wise, Kinlaw, Goldman.
Feels like the bet is some of them once were good. Based on PFF scores, Goldman years ago was great against the run. but its been years for him. Wise has been mostly average, with more below average seasons than above. Kinlaw has mostly been average to below average.
Bullock who spends more time watching Commanders players than anyone I can think of on social media likes to say its a "maybe" as to this new gang stopping the run. It's hope based on big bodies making a difference.
Armstrong was bad against the run at least according to PFF metrics and to my eyes for the two games I rewatched.
But Wise is a bigger dude so in theory he will be better than Fowler.
But Clowney at his best, is a very good run stopper. At his peak, he was an elite run stopper. He would be the one addition on that front who isn't a projection on that front. He's the real deal.
I do agree with your point about neeing some juice. As far as pass rush, if I am going purely on PFF scores -- Von Miller by a mile should be our target. He had a mid-80s score last year. Top 10. But after that Zadrius Smith and Clowney have similar pass rushing scores by them, Smith ahead but not by much.
This one Lions blog thinks Clowney hitting the market will expedite Z. Smith's signing. If I recall I saw somewhere else that Z. Smith's price is high for some teams. But if so, not sure what it is. Am good with any of those three pass rushers signed for different reasons.
I think I lean though Clowney because I think he will minimize the threat of our run defense being bad again. I don't think for sure we are out of the woods on that front.
The Detroit Lions have plenty of questions coming into the 2025 season. They return most of a roster that has been a contender in the NFC the past two seasons b
detroitjockcity.com
Clowney’s track record with 58 career sacks instantly makes him one of the top names on the free agent market. It would seem like his presence would reduce Smith’s chances to return to Detroit as a younger pass rusher. But it helps considering other teams that need help with their pass rush will pursue Clowney instead of Smith.
That would be great news for Detroit, who still needs a pass-rushing partner across from Hutchinson. Smith recorded four sacks and 36 quarterback pressures after coming over from the Cleveland Browns last October but the Lions released him
due to a $2 million roster bonus that was due in March.
Smith still hasn’t found a team willing to pay his asking price and his odds of returning to Detroit increase as the season draws closer. If a team signs Clowney, Smith could not be far behind and it would give the Lions another answer as they head toward the 2025 season.
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