The Detroit Lions will look different when they visit Lambeau Field in Week 1. Along with losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, a key piece to the team's success has now walked out the door.
Lions four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow surprisingly announced his retirement in a move that sends shockwaves throughout the NFC North. Ragnow is one of the best in the game and played a starring role in the Lions' dominant offensive lines of recent years.
While the Lions have to reshuffle their offensive line, potentially shifting rookie guard Tate Ratledge into the vacated center spot, the other NFC North teams will have a close eye on how Dan Campbell's squad handles Ragnow's surprise departure.
The Green Bay Packers will get the first swing at a much-changed Lions squad in Week 1, and Ragnow's departure is significant.
Frank Ragnow has shut down Packers throughout his career, making his retirement significant
The Packers have endured all kinds of problems trying to break through the Lions' blue and silver wall in recent years. Detroit has boasted the league's best offensive line outside of Philadelphia. Ragnow calling it a career could have a massive impact.
Per Pro Football Focus, in Ragnow's 13 career games against the Packers, he allowed zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and 10 pressures (four in his rookie season).
Green Bay's defensive line will test a suddenly inexperienced interior line in Week 1. Kenny Clark is still among the best interior pass-rushers in the game, and he could give Ratledge his welcome-to-the-NFL moment, regardless of whether the rookie is at center or guard.
The Lions will now likely pivot to either Ratledge, who played zero snaps at center in college, or to veteran Graham Glasgow, who offers starting experience but is coming off his worst career season. Per PFF, Glasgow allowed a career-worst five sacks and 11 hits last term.
Detroit's offensive line laid the foundations of the league's No. 1-ranked offense last season. While it should still rank near the top, the Lions have now lost two 2024 starters: Ragnow to retirement and right guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency.
Between their offseason losses, questionable draft picks, and having to replace both coordinators, the Lions are a clear regression candidate this season.
It's up to the Packers to close the gap to the back-to-back NFC North champions, and they have a chance to make a statement in Week 1. The Lions will now arrive at Lambeau without one of their unsung heroes from the most recent meetings, and it could dramatically shift the opening contest.