One of the biggest gambles that the Detroit Lions have taken so far this season came at the trade deadline, as they didn't execute any moves to attempt to land either another pass rusher or another guard for their ailing offensive line.
It was always going to be difficult to try and swing a trade for the latter, especially since decent starting guard talent is quite tough to come by. Detroit knows that all too well, having lost Kevin Zeitler this offseason in free agency and having to deal with the aftermath of it behind a young, and injured, Christian Mahogany at starting left guard.
Well, the Lions took that gamble, and so far, it's paying off. In Week 10 against a hobbled Washington Commanders team, the Lions started Kayode Awosika at left guard alongside Graham Glasgow and rookie Tate Ratledge. The result? Zero sacks allowed on Jared Goff.
Lions gamble has some positive early returns against Commanders
The real test is coming against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11, as they took a swing some Lions fans were hoping to see benefit Detroit. Philadelphia landed pass rusher Jaelan Phillips at the deadline, adding to their defensive front that is already well-anchored by Jalen Carter and Zach Baun.
Detroit has struggled mightily this season against good pass-rushing teams, which is mostly why it seemed foolish not to be more aggressive at the deadline to snag a starting guard. Fortifying their pass protection is key to Jared Goff's success, so the team has to hope that Awosika - and the rest of the Lions' line - can have another performance like the one they just had in Washington.
READ MORE: Commanders defender accuses Amon-Ra St. Brown of instigating Daron Payne ejection
Awosika, a fifth-year veteran and a former member of the Eagles, helped to fortify the line on Sunday by allowing zero sacks as well as allowing a pressure rate of only 22.9 percent, per The Athletic's Colton Pouncy. The line also committed zero penalties on the afternoon, showing discipline up front behind a Dan Campbell-led offensive attack.
Awosika might not be the Lions' long-term solution at guard, but he surely made a case to remain in the starting lineup moving forward while Mahogany rehabs. Injuries continue to mount for Detroit in their secondary and on their offensive line, but they will continue to have faith in the next man up to provide just as much pop as the player in front of him.