Lions’ Rookie Tate Ratledge Embraces Learning Curve in NFL
Tate Ratledge, the rookie offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions, faced a challenging initiation into the NFL during his debut against the Green Bay Packers. Despite the tough outing, he is determined to learn and grow from the experience.
Accountability in the Huddle
In a moment that garnered attention, veteran tackle Taylor Decker took responsibility for a miscommunication that contributed to Ratledge’s struggles on the field. A viral clip showcased a mix-up during a critical play involving Ratledge and fellow lineman Graham Glasgow. Decker clarified, “I ran the same play that Tate was running. Everybody else, the other three, ran a different play. So, no, it’s not on the two guards. It’s everybody. It’s all of us together. There was just miscommunication. It’s not any one person or two people’s fault.” This acknowledgment underscores the collective nature of the offense and the importance of cohesion among players.
Reflecting on Performance
After practice on Thursday, Ratledge addressed his performance candidly. “There were some bad mental errors on my part,” he admitted. “Of course, there’s always going to be a technique to clean up, no matter how good or bad of a game you play. But the big thing for me is cleaning up mental errors, because I had some bad ones on Sunday.” His willingness to own up to his mistakes highlights his commitment to improvement.
Confidence from Coaches
Offensive coordinator John Morton remains optimistic about Ratledge’s potential. “You just take it game by game,” Morton said. “You learn from what you did in the game and then you just move on. Okay, so it’s correctable and you just stay on top of it. The more he plays, the better he’s going to get.” Morton expressed confidence not only in Ratledge but also in the overall performance of the team’s rookie guards.
Anticipation for Home Debut
As Ratledge prepares for his upcoming game at Ford Field, excitement fills the air. “Everybody told me it was going to be exciting,” he shared. “They said it’s one of the best environments they’ve ever played at and I’m looking forward to it.” The anticipation of playing in front of the home crowd adds an extra layer of motivation for the rookie.
Adjusting to NFL Speed
Transitioning from college football, Ratledge recognizes the need to acclimate to the faster pace of the NFL. “I feel like I’ve been told from the vets here, there’s a preseason speed, there’s an in-season speed, and there’s a playoff speed,” he explained. “So, getting a taste of that in-season speed and knowing what it’s going to be like when you’re all going out, I think it was a great thing for me.” This understanding is crucial as he aims to elevate his game.
Emphasizing Communication
This week, communication has been a focal point for the Lions’ offense. Ratledge stressed the importance of clear interactions among players to minimize errors. “Just make sure there’s no reason for someone not to get the call, like I did a few times,” he noted. His proactive approach emphasizes the need for unity and clarity as the team moves forward.
Focus on Improvement
Looking ahead, Ratledge is committed to enhancing his performance. “Just gotta go out there and play better than I did last week,” he stated. His goals include playing with physicality, intelligence, and ensuring alignment with his teammates.
Building a Strong Rushing Attack
In an effort to bolster the rushing attack, the Lions’ offense has dedicated additional practice time to running plays. Ratledge conveyed the importance of these extra sessions, saying, “I think all the reps that we can take together as a unit is great. Working our combos, this, that and the other. So, those extra, extra reps are going to be great.”
As Ratledge continues to navigate the complexities of NFL play, his dedication to improvement and communication will be essential for his growth and the success of the Lions’ offense.
