Q&A with the Sidelion Report

Aug 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions center Dan Gerberry (64) lines up against the Buffalo Bills defensive line during the fourth quarter of a preseason game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

So far, for the past three preseason games, we have reached out and asked some questions to the editors at the respective fansided team sites that the Buffalo Bills have played.  This week is no different.  We went to the Sidelion Report and got a hold of Zac Snyder, Editor, for the fansided site that covers the Lions.  Here are the questions that we asked him and his take on the Lions.

1. What is the biggest position battle on the team?

Things mostly seem to be coming into focus but there is still some uncertainty on the right side of the offensive line. Jason Fox seems to hold the lead to start at right tackle but Corey Hilliard has been battling and undrafted free agent LaAdrian Waddle has received some support of late. At right guard it would seem that rookie Larry Warford wins the job but he’ll have to fight off a couple veterans to lock it down.

2. Who will be a surprise cut by the end of the week?

I’m not counting on it but some have started to wonder if Mikel Leshoure’s roster spot could be in jeopardy. Again, I don’t expect that it is this year but he seems to have fallen behind Joique Bell to sit as the team’s number three running back.

3. Who is the biggest disappointment thus far through camp?

I thought we would see more burst from Mikel Leshoure now that he two years removed from his Achilles injury. I know he was never going to be a burner but I thought he would come back this year with a little more spring in his step than we saw last year. That hasn’t really happened.

4. Which rookie is poised to start and have a breakout season?

I’ll go outside the box on this one and say rookie punter Sam Martin. He may lead the league in touchbacks handling kickoff duties and he has shown impressive punting skills so far. Don’t underestimate the importance of field position.

5. What Lions player is having the best off-season/training camp so far?

Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh have been outstanding so far. Expectations were high for the duo coming into camp and they have absolutely lived up to it and more. The only cause for concern is Fairley racking up too many personal foul penalties but these guys play nasty and it works.

6. Which player to you think has the most to gain from the preseason that hasn’t already been touched on?

That would be Chris Greenwood. The Lions took him in the fifth round of the 2012 draft out of NCAA Division III Albion (MI) but ended up on the PUP list and then IR instead of getting valuable experience on the practice field. He was hampered by a hamstring injury this year but has been back at practice and got in the game last week. The fourth preseason game usually isn’t important for most players but Greenwood needs snaps to give the Lions reasons to hold on to him for another year while he develops.