SAD NEWS: Jared Goff, the quarterback for the Detroit Lions, was recently suspended when it was revealed that…
James Houston, a pass rusher for the Detroit Lions, is supposedly “very close” to getting back on the field and could play this week against the 49ers.
James Houston, an edge rusher for the Detroit Lions, shattered his ankle in the team’s Week 2 match. He hasn’t worked out in over a month. After his injury, Houston has not played in a game since beginning practice on December 28 and was added to the 53-man roster last week.
But it might happen very soon.
Regarding the team’s opponent in Thursday’s NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn of the Lions stated, “I think he’s pretty close.”
There are several reasons why the Lions have not kept up with Houston. They must first ensure that he is back to playing football and that he is a distinct advantage over their other available personnel options. However, they are exercising caution in light of his injury because a player who plays a lot of bending needs to have a fundamentally good ankle.
“Most of the time, we want to protect that player from themselves,” Glenn said. I’m serious about injuries, so listen up. We should closely follow the advice provided by the medical staff to ensure that the athlete advances at the proper rate. He is performing admirably in practice as a result. He is obviously returning to his previous state. When we get to use that player on the field, maybe he can assist us with a couple plays.
During his last few months with the Lions, Houston did nothing but make plays. Houston concluded the 2022 season with 8.0 sacks, which was second on the team, while playing primarily as a reserve for only seven games. And he recovered from a forced blunder.
The Lions have had difficulty replacing Aidan Hutchinson with a pass-rushing danger this season. With 11.5 sacks at the end of the regular season, Hutchinson had the most of any edge defender.
However, there are a few difficulties with the 49ers game this week. Trent Williams, the left tackle for San Francisco, is one of the best in the game. The 49ers’ quarterback, Brock Purdy, is also known for his fast throws, so the Lions’ current defensive back-blitzing strategy could not be effective. This hinders the front four’s and Purdy’s passing lanes’ ability to shut swiftly.
Due to the timing of the attack and his ability to shift the ball out, Glenn claimed that you actually don’t get to him very often. Because he is smaller than me, the only thing I tell the d-line is, “Man, you’ve got to get your hands up.” In addition, he’s really good at guessing exactly where he’ll toss the ball.
You must therefore generally succeed in the four-man rush plan. They must. Because occasionally, even with six shots, it’s possible that you won’t arrive and the ball will disappear. Your players only need to set up in man coverage; they will take care of the ball somehow. We have to actually change things and do them really well as a result.
Houston would provide the 49ers with a test and invigorate the Lions. Glenn thinks Houston’s style of play has advanced past the outside speed movements that typified it in the previous season, which is even better news for Detroit.
Glenn remarked, “He’s learned new moves this entire summer, beyond just being able to bend around the corner on folks.” I believe that everyone is eager to witness the variety of pass-rush strategies he employs as a result.
Will he be able to use some of his new moves this week? For over two weeks, Houston has been listed as a full practice participant on the injury report. And now that a trip to the Super Bowl is at stake, it might be the ideal opportunity to discover Houston’s true potential.
