The Detroit Lions have had brutal luck with their pass rush as of late. Marcus Davenport was injured during the team’s Week 3 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. And the Lions lost Aidan Hutchinson in their dominant win over the Dallas Cowboys most recently. Before their Week 8 game against the Tennessee Titans, another defender is absent as Josh Paschal will miss Sunday’s game.
Fortunately, Paschal did not suffer any physical injuries. The Lions ruled him out Friday with an undisclosed injury. However, it’s still a big blow for a Detroit team struggling with its pass rush. Paschal admitted that it was difficult for him to miss this match because the team gained a lot of momentum.
“It’s really tough just because you played so well and you want to keep the momentum going, but at the same time, life is going to throw some upsets at you and man, I’m just grateful I had my faith to rely on , but I’m also able to keep going,” the Lions defenseman said via the Detroit Free Press. “You’re going to have trials and tribulations, but ultimately it’s how you react and so I. just want to stand strong, keep your head down and keep working.
Lions pass rush takes another blow ahead of Titans game
Josh Paschal’s illness further weakens an already shallow group of edge rushers in Detroit. The Lions will rely on three edge players primarily against the Titans on Sunday. James Houston, recently signed Isaiah Thomas and Al-Quadin Muhammad will get closer looks this week.
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Houston has shown he can be a dynamic passer in the past. In fact, he finished his rookie season with eight sacks in seven games in 2022. However, head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have previous experience with Muhammad. Muhammad crossed paths with them while they were all spending time with the New Orleans Saints.
“You don’t have to worry about this guy playing the game with some nastiness and aggression and force,” Campbell said, via the Detroit Free Press. “He’s going to take the lead and he’s going to play hard. He’s competitive, he’s a finisher. And he has some rushing ability.
The Lions need to attack the quarterback more as the season goes on. Detroit has its work cut out for it in Week 8, however. It will certainly be interesting to see how the team’s pass rush performs against the Titans on Sunday.
