Detroit Lions: Stevan Ridley, Taylor Decker biggest X-Factors

99% of the analysis around the Detroit Lions focuses on the aftermath of Calvin Johnson‘s retirement, which is why people actually cared about a diplomatic filler quote from quarterback Matthew Stafford.

In reality, the Detroit Lions biggest issues aren’t specifically related to the passing game. Last season, Matthew Stafford completed 67.2% of his passes with 32 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in what was the most mature season of his career. After spiraling under the “guidance” of Joe Lombardi, Stafford turned his season around in under-appreciated fashion.

The Lions didn’t replace Megatron one-for-one, but signing the best free agent wide receiver, Marvin Jones, was the best thing they could have done. Jones is an underrated, smooth receiver who can rack up touchdowns and make plays with the ball in his hands.

Detroit’s wide receiver depth is questionable, but Golden Tate and Eric Ebron return as legitimate plus players. Throw in Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick, and Stafford can- and will- spread the ball around to quick players who can win in space.

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However, the only way all of this effectively works is if the Lions running game holds up its end of the bargain. Stafford spoke about how the Lions offense can be better without Megatron due to the unpredictability factor, but, in truth, any improvement from this offense will occur as a result of a more efficient ground attack.

Almost remarkably, the Lions managed just 3.8 yards per carry last year. Though blocking is to blame, Joique Bell, Zach Zenner, and Riddick were all woefully inefficient, averaging 3.5 yards per attempt or less.

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets running back Stevan Ridley (22) stiff arms Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Manny Lawson (91) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Thankfully, the Lions bright spot at the running back position is most important, because Ameer Abdullah had a decent 4.2 yards per carry on 143 attempts.

Judging by Abdullah’s low workload in the face of his much greater production, it’s fair to wonder if the Lions would prefer to manage the RB’s workload.

Even if this isn’t the case, the Lions signed a former 1,200-yard back in free agency by the name of Stevan Ridley, and he is a real X-Factor in the backfield.

Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker (68) blocks against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

When he ran for 78.9 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry in 2012, Ridley transformed the New England Patriots offense into a balanced attack, and even though the team lacked a true outside threat at the wide receiver position and most relied on Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski, he was enough of a factor to allow them to reach the AFC Championship game.

Ridley, a former third-round pick, sounds as optimistic as ever about his ability to seize this opportunity, even if shaking off two major injuries isn’t easy. Familiar with Lions GM Bob Quinn from their days together in Foxboro, Ridley looks like the Lions best rusher in-between-the-tackle on paper, and while he is the definition of a two-down RB, Detroit’s other top backs (Abdullah and Riddick) are excellent receivers.

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

What was missing from the Lions offense in Bell’s atrocious 2015 was a true power back. Ridley can wear down defenses, and he showed that in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Undoubtedly a player with the potential for a feel-good story in 2016, Ridley isn’t the only X-Factor in this offense. Rookie left tackle Taylor Decker is another, and his importance to this team is ten-fold.

Rookie offensive tackles are rarely a success, and we’ve seen players like Jake Matthews make remarkable transitions after rocky beginnings.

Decker seems raw, but he is already the clear-cut starter at left tackle, mercifully allowing the slow-footed Riley Reiff to shift to right tackle. Though Stafford needs his left tackle most in the passing game, it’s fair to be skeptical of the former Ohio State standout being a quality player in pass protection as a rookie. He can only help, but will his work in the running game be easier to see in 2016?

Probably, because he was effusively praised for being a violent blocker in college, one of the reasons why analysts saw him as an easy top-20 selection. Not only does Decker allow the physical Reiff to move to right tackle, but his own strength and toughness could allow him to immediately upgrade this team’s run-blocking punch.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, who compared Decker to Sebastian Vollmer, called the 16th overall pick a “long-time starter at right tackle”. While some fans will be concerned about this less-than-ringing endorsement of Decker’s pass blocking, perhaps the fact that this can also be construed as praise for his run blocking will be mildly re-assuring.

Going into next season, the Lions running game is one of the units I am closely watching around the league, and Ridley and Decker are two players to circle on the roster when the games begin. Everyone in the NFC North believes they have a chance to do some damage this season, but for the Lions to achieve that, they’ll likely need their tough guys Decker and Ridley to do some damage of their own.

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Detroit Lions: Stevan Ridley, Taylor Decker biggest X-Factors on offense

By Kevin Parvizi | Jun 27, 2016

99% of the analysis around the Detroit Lions focuses on the aftermath of Calvin Johnson‘s retirement, which is why people actually cared about a diplomatic filler quote from quarterback Matthew Stafford.