Earlier this week, we published our latest SB Nation Reacts survey, sponsored by the folks at FanDuel Sportsbook, and asked Detroit Lions fans:What’s your concern level for the Lions’ offensive line after Cade Mays’ injury?
Last week, Mays reportedly broke a small bone in his wrist and is expected to miss 8-10 weeks, meaning he could return after the Lions’ Week 5 bye. The Lions have elected to explore their in-house replacement options and have leaned on Seth McLaughlin and Michael Niese as their next-up center options, while Juice Scruggs recovers from a soft tissue injury. With the future—at least the next two months—of the Lions center position up in the air, the concern level of the fan base was mixed:
The poll ended with a slight lean toward optimism, and based on the comment section, it seems to be rooted in trust in the coaching staff to find the right replacement, while also having enough time to get them ready for the regular season.
Let’s take a look a bit further into the comment section of our original article andThe Feed post to see fans’ explanations for their selections (lightly edited for clarity).
- Waitingsince57: “Moderate, and here’s why: 1) Holmes fortified the OL this offseason 2) The trade for Juice was certainly part of the plan for better interior depth, including Center 3) Seth is a formidable, award-winning Center from OSU just 2 years ago. He knows how to play the position. 4) Petzing and Hank will figure it out!”
- Enor: “It all starts with the middle of the line. I’m very concerned.”
- 12Jamie: “Concern level is pretty low. A team is very unlucky to get lots of injuries; a team is very lucky to get only a few. Most teams have a fair share. And the season is long. If the Lions are serious about being contenders, it’s how healthy they are in January that matters.”
- Hungry Lion: “Moderately High. I’m glad the Lions have Juice Scruggs, but it’s not the same level of play.”
- ULTIMATEpunisher007: “I’m not as worried as I thought I would be. Juice should be able to hold it down the first quarter of the season. This isn’t nearly as bad as losing Frank.”
- PrideLander: “My level of concern is moderate, due primarily to the present uncertainty around the position. Fortunately, it is still early enough in the preseason to sort out a viable solution with Juice, Tate, or McLaughlin.”
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.