The Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns are already heating things up ahead of Sunday’s matchup at Ford Field, and this time, it’s rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham firing back.
Earlier this week, Lions offensive coordinator John Morton turned heads when he confidently declared, “I don’t think they’ve seen a run game like ours yet.” Morton was referring to Detroit’s top-tier rushing attack, powered by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, which just ran wild for 224 yards and four touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football.
The Browns didn’t take long to respond. Enter Mason Graham, the rookie defensive tackle out of Michigan, who isn’t buying into the Lions’ hype.
“We’ve stopped the run every week and that’s what we’re going to continue to do,” Graham said on Thursday.
The Back-and-Forth Heats Up
Morton’s confidence isn’t unfounded. The Lions rank near the top of the NFL in rushing yards per game, leaning on one of the most versatile backfields in football. Gibbs’ explosiveness on the edge and Montgomery’s bruising downhill style have made them a nightmare for defenses.
But the Browns bring plenty of muscle to the table too. Cleveland leads the league in rush defense, holding opponents to just 57.3 rushing yards per game. They’ve already silenced some of the NFL’s most respected ground games, bottling up the Ravens, Bengals, and Packers in back-to-back-to-back weeks.
Now, Graham says, Detroit is next.
A Rookie Already Embracing the Spotlight
For Graham, this isn’t just talk, it’s a chance to put a stamp on his young career. The Browns drafted him with the idea that he could be a difference-maker in the trenches, and his physical style has quickly made him a favorite of Cleveland’s coaching staff.
His statement shows he’s not shying away from the challenge of facing a Lions team that prides itself on dominating the line of scrimmage. If he can help the Browns contain Gibbs and Montgomery, Graham could establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.
Sunday’s Matchup Feels Even Bigger
The Lions are riding high after their statement win in Baltimore, while the Browns are looking to continue their defensive dominance. Both teams know the battle up front will decide who controls the game.
Morton has confidence in his guys. Graham has confidence in his. Something has to give.
Don Drysdale
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