Everyone is scared of Snacks retiring and what it’ll mean for the Lions going forward. Not did he not have an impactful year by his own standards but we as fans expected and wanted so much more from him and the rest of the defensive line. After checking out the latest news on Snacks potentially retiring, see why we see how the Lions can actually turn this negative into a huge advantage for the team…
Source: Snacks Harrison hasn’t made decision on whether to return to Lions
He missed almost all of training camp after staying away for the entire offseason program. He struggled with his conditioning to open the season, with Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray noting he looked “tired” down the stretch during the Lions’ collapse in the opener against Arizona. He went on to battle injuries all year, and even missed a game, the first time that had happened since 2012 — snapping the top iron-man streak in the league at his position.
After finishing as the top-ranked interior defender against the run for five straight years, Harrison plummeted all the way to 65th last year according to ProFootballFocus. He ranked 75th at the position overall.
“My mind is still telling me I can do it,” Harrison said during an emotional chat in front of his locker after the season, “but my body’s just not there.”
#Lions Damon “Snacks”Harrison tearfully said he hasn’t made decision to retire yet final “I got too much pride…so if I can’t be the player that I’m used to being I think my teammates deserve better, my family deserves better…I never cheated the game a day in my life” pic.twitter.com/Mo4FGz8AdR
— FOX 2 Sports (@FOX2Sports) December 29, 2019
Nearly a month later, he still hasn’t reconciled the two emotions. There’s no hurry for him to make a decision either, with the start of free agency still two months away. But there is work to be done regardless of what happens, with defensive tackles A’Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels eligible to hit free agency after down years. That leaves Da’Shawn Hand as the top guaranteed returner, and he played in three games last year because of injuries.
There is serious work to do on the interior of Detroit’s defensive line. And if Harrison ultimately decides to walk away from his stellar career, the void will continue to grow.
So Snacks retiring potentially is still up in the air at this point, when the Lions are getting prepared for the 2020 NFL Draft by coaching the Senior Bowl. Also having the #3 overall pick, it becomes incredibly challenging for the current staff to know what position to focus on to help improve the team.
Keep in mind there were already significant needs to be filled even if Snacks returns to the Lions for next season. Just look an any game from the dismal 3-12-1 season and you’ll see them shouting and waving their hands; i.e. not hard to find.
Now, let’s Snacks retiring is the reality here’s how and why the team will be alright!
Don’t forget who’s still on the roster, and will get the chance to potentially fill in to Snacks spot…
Also don’t forget who’s waiting to get his opportunity to get on the field officially as a Defensive End to be a running partner with Tre Flowers
Now with nearly 49 Million in capspace and high draft pick positioning, the Lions can decide which way they want (primarily) sack opposing QBs…
- QB Sacks Due Pressure
- QB Sacks Due To Coverage
If Pressure Sacks Are The Goal…
Then you have to decide there are better options on the FA Market than your own guys who are about hit Free Agency like A’Shawn Robinson, and Mike Daniels; that you can get for a reasonable price.
It’s a great chance you’ll have pay the “Lions tax”, but if it’ll land you a top pass rusher or run stopper then take it.
If you get a defensive tackle in Free Agency, then you draft the best edge rusher you can get with the 3rd overall pick although you may be drafting him a little high. a player like…
Aj Epenesa
If it is a top defensive end like JaDaveon Clowney that you aquire then you draft the best DT in the draft; such as Derrick Brown from Auburn
But If Coverage Sacks Are The Goal…
Option 1
Re-sign A’Shawn Robinson to a nice () deal in efforts to keep continuity; no time needed to learn the system. He’s already playing the position and the Lions can draft a dominant corner to play opposite of Darius Slay therefor helping the D Line get to the QB for sacks due to coverage.
Pay Slay top $$$ to be a Lion until he retires!
Draft a edge rusher in the 2nd or 3rd round to help with the rotation of constant pressure of Hand, Bryant, Flowers, Okwara, and draft pick
Option 2
Let A’Shawn Robinson walk!
Re-sign Mike Daniels knowing he’ll likely play only 6 games!
Pay Slay top $$$ to be a Lion until he retires!
Get one of the better FA DBs to sign, yeah you’ll have to overpay but this is a win now type of upcoming season right!
Draft an edge rusher in the 1st round although you’ll likely be drafting a guy too high if Chase Young is not an option!
So after going through all of that…we’re saying that Snacks retiring isn’t the end of the world but we’d rather the Lions convince to play another year if his health is up to the challenge!
Do you agree with our plan if Snacks hangs up his cleats?
The post Everybody Is Scared Of Snacks Retiring…Here’s Why The Lions May Be Alright appeared first on LionsPassion.com | Detroit Lions News.
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