Detroit Lions cut ties with Stephen Tulloch
By Jon Dove
The Detroit Lions have decided to move on from veteran linebacker Stephen Tulloch.
Detroit’s decision to cut ties with Stephen Tulloch means they are going younger at the linebacker position. Tulloch had a very solid career in Detroit, but saw his production slip due to injures.
The Lions have several options to replace Tulloch which include Tahir Whitehead, Jon Bostic, Antwione Williams, Josh Bynes, Zaviar Gooden and Jerry Franklin.
Moving Whitehead to inside linebacker might be Detroit’s best option to get the most talented players on the field. This transition would open up a spot on the outside for Kyle Van Noy who showed some promise this past season.
The rookie Antwoine Williams will also get a hard look during training camp and could claim the starting job.
Either way, this move means that the Lions will be counting on Deandre Levy to be the leader of the linebacking corps. He’s another highly-talented player who has struggled with injuries over the past few years.
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Detroit needs their defense to raise their level of play as the offense won’t be as explosive with Calvin Johnson no longer with the team.
The new middle linebacker should have an easier time flowing to the football thanks to the presence of Haloti Ngata and rookie A’Shawn Robinson. These are two massive defensive tackles who excel at occupying blockers.
They’ll keep the offensive lineman from reaching the second level which will create space for the linebackers to pursue. This will also put pressure on the middle linebacker as there will be little to no excuses for missing a tackle.