Lions Rookie's First Start Shows Promise for Improved Results vs. Bears

Lions' Rookie Showed Promise in First Start

Lions rookie guard Tate Ratledge was put in a tough spot in his first start as he and starting center Graham Glasgow were tasked with filling the huge void left by Frank Ragnow's retirement ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Still photos of Ratledge missing assignments circulated on the Web as the Lions rookie guard had his share of tough moments.

Ratledge's first start was better as a whole than many fans realized according to one Lions reporter.

"Lions RG Tate Ratledge posted a 57.5 PFF offensive grade in Week 1," reporter Al Karsten wrote.

"6th among 13 rookie OK in Week 1 —behind only 1st-rounders, ahead of three other 1st-rounders and five players drafted before him."

Karsten told fans to relax as he shared that Ratledge's debut was solid compared to other recent rookies dating back to 2023.

Lions' Offensive Line a Keystone Factor Going Forward

The Lions' offense did not look like its usual high scoring, high flying self last week against the Packers as it was unable to build momentum against a swarming Packers front seven.

Detroit's new offensive coordinator John Morton didn't call up the usual trick plays Lions fans have come to expect with Campbell at the helm of the team, leading Campbell to assert that Detroit must get its "bread and butter" plays down pat before it can start working in the more complex plays.

Ratledge, Glasgow, Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker and the Lions have an advantage on paper against the Bears' defense.

Now it's up to Morton and the rest of the Lions' offense to show it still has what it takes to make Detroit a contender in a game that was close last season and could be another barn burner this time around at Ford Field.