Jason Fox says offensive linemen have been pushing each other in the weight room

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The Detroit Lions offensive line will be noticeably bigger next season.

Center Dominic Raiola has added 20 pounds, left tackle Riley Reiff has packed on 10, and rookie Larry Warford, if he can win the starting job, brings a massive 333-pound frame to the right guard spot.

Jason Fox, who will compete with Corey Hilliard to start at right tackle, has also bulked up.

"I've gained a little weight myself," Fox said. "I think that just shows you that everybody has been working really hard in the weight room. Even with the break before (minicamp) and the break coming up, guys are going to continue to work hard to be in the best shape for the start of the season."

When working out together at the team's practice facility, Fox said there's a natural tendency for the players to push each other, but there's also an expectation among the offensive linemen to continue working hard when they're away from the building.

"We know the biggest goal is for us to succeed as a group and as a team," Fox said. "We know everyone is accountable to keep that up on their own while we go to our separate places the next few weeks."

Detroit's offensive line did an admirable job protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford last season. The unit allowed just 29 sacks despite Stafford attempting an NFL record 727 passes.

They'll look to maintain that success in pass protection, while using the added bulk to create and sustain bigger running lanes for the backs this season. 

The Lions averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 2012 and have consistently registered in the bottom half of the league in that area over the past decade, never topping 4.4 yards per attempt during that stretch.


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(mlive.com)
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