Allen Park— This was supposed to have been a typical NFL transition. Nothing beyond the Lions' reach.
They would replace center Dominic Raiola, who served nobly for 14 seasons but whose time for a less stressful life had arrived.
Riley Reiff would become more nimble and dynamic at left tackle in the fashion of first-round picks who at age 26 are obliged to shine.
Chances in 2015 for rookie Laken Tomlinson, or even Manny Ramirez, to make folks forget about the retired Rob Sims were considered high-percentage, if not an utter certainty.
And with Larry Warford and giant-sized Cornelius Lucas looking at least serviceable on the right side, the Lions hardly were expecting an 0-3 record, let alone this testament to a rancid 2015 running game:
u25a0 The 32nd-ranked rushing offense in the NFL at 135 yards.