“It’s definitely tough.” The Lions’ pass rush takes another hit before the Titans game

The Lions have lost another pass rusher ahead of their Week 9 game against the Titans.

The Detroit Lions have had terrible luck with their pass rush lately. Marcus Davenport suffered an injury during the team’s Week 3 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. In addition, the Lions lost Aidan Hutchinson in their recent dominant victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Josh Paschal will miss the Week 8 game against the Tennessee Titans.

Fortunately, Paschal does not have a bodily injury. The Lions declared him out on Friday due to an unexplained ailment. However, that is a significant blow to a Detroit squad struggling with its pass rush. Paschal admitted it was difficult for him to miss this game because the squad had built so much momentum.

“It’s definitely tough just because you’ve been playing so well and you want to keep the momentum going but at the same time life’s going to throw you some curveballs and man, I’m just thankful that I got my faith to rely on but I also am able to just keep going,” the Lions defender said, via the Detroit Free Press. “You’re going to get trials and tribulations but at the end of the day it’s how you respond. and so I just want to stay steadfast, keep my head down and keep working.”

Josh Paschal’s illness further depletes Detroit’s already weak core of edge rushers. The Lions will rely heavily on three edge rushers against the Titans on Sunday. This week, James Houston, the recently signed Isaiah Thomas, and Al-Quadin Muhammad will all get lengthy looks.

Houston has previously demonstrated his ability as a dynamic pass rusher. In fact, he recorded eight sacks in seven games during his first season in 2022. However, head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn had already worked with Muhammad. Muhammad became acquainted with them while they were all playing for the New Orleans Saints.

“You don’t have to worry about that guy playing the game with some nastiness and aggressiveness, strength,” Campbell said, via the Detroit Free Press. “He’s going to set an edge and he’s going to play hard. He’s competitive, he’s a finisher. And he’s got a little bit of rush ability.”

As the season progresses, the Lions must apply greater pressure on the quarterback. However, Detroit faces a difficult task in Week 8. It’ll be intriguing to see how the team’s pass rush does against the Titans on Sunday.