The Detroit Lions want to assemble a group of versatile defensive linemen and linebackers who can make plays, pressure the quarterback and be reliable tacklers.
Outside linebacker James Houston made a name for himself in 2022 when he recorded eight sacks in his debut against the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, a broken fibula derailed his second season in the NFL.
In the season opener against the Giants, the former sixth-round pick seemed to be out of position at times and received a penalty, which calls his overall development into question.
Although he is not currently on the Lions’ roster, he will have to show more in the coming weeks and in the preseason games against the Chiefs and Steelers.
Nate Lynn, Isaac Ukwu and Mitchell Agude were more productive and consistent in the first few weeks of training camp.
According to Detroit Football Network, “James Houston is not making rapid progress as an off-ball defender. The third-year player has looked lost at times, especially compared to more experienced veterans like Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Ben Niemann. I think the latter has performed well and solidified his position on the roster.”
Head coach Dan Campbell has been asked repeatedly about Houston’s development. Last year, Detroit’s popular head coach dropped hints about the kind of coaches he expects from Houston.
“He’s got to get into the playbook. He’s got to know the instructions,” Campbell said. “He’s got to understand all the adjustments to the formation and things like that, and once he grows, once he gets to that point, he might not walk off the field. But he’s got a long way to go until he gets there.”
Against the Giants, Houston was not as impressive as other players on the roster. In the offseason, he worked with Derrick Barnes to improve his overall performance as a linebacker.
Houston has clear pass rush skills, but the linebacker position requires significantly more, especially to play more in Aaron Glenn’s scheme.
Houston has worked to drastically improve his decision-making, adapt to different personnel configurations, and recognize formations before the snap. According to film critics, recognizing keys and reacting quickly has been slow to develop.
“If Lynn, Ukwu or Mitchell Agude continue to perform and show more versatility, that will at least be a topic of conversation.”
Further reading
1.) Film review of Ennis Rakestraw against the New York Giants
2.) Burning question: Do the Lions need a new backup quarterback?
3.) Grades: Attack struggles to find its footing after sloppy defeat
4.) 5 insights from the Lions’ snap counts in the season opener
