Can the Detroit Lions dethrone the Green Bay Packers?

Sep 21, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers free safety

(33) is unable to catch Detroit Lions running back

(21) as he runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

1. Improve the run game

Detroit were fantastic at stopping opposing team’s running attacks last year, but forgot how to run the ball effectively themselves. It was a disappointing season for the ground game, averaging just 88.9 yards per game – ranking 28th in the NFL.

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back

(35) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Joique Bell was the only back with any real production for the team, rushing for 860 yards and seven touchdowns from his 223 carries. He was also impressive in the passing game, catching 34 passes for 322 yards and a score.

After struggling early in the season, Bell came on strong in the second half of the season. In the final eight games, he ran for 547 of those 860 yards. The only concern for the Lions with Bell is that he didn’t rush for 100 yards in a single game.

Outside of Bell, the unit disappointed. Reggie Bush had an injury-plagued season, but under-performed even when he was healthy. Bush’s 76 carries added up to just 297 yards and two touchdowns.

Bush, who will be 30 years old by the time he is next handed the football, could be a cap casualty this offseason. Cutting him would only save the Lions around $1.7 million, but in a year when Ndamukong Suh is set to become a free agent every dollar matters.

How can they improve?

They need to add talent to join Bell.

Theo Riddick, drafted in the sixth round of the 2013 draft, could provide help, although head coach Jim Caldwell wouldn’t fully commit to utilizing the young back more often (per Kyle Meinke of MLive).

"“It depends,” Caldwell said. “It depends on what we want to do. He’s capable of carrying it more than what we gave it to him.”"

If Riddick isn’t the answer, the Lions will have to look for help elsewhere.

Looking into free agency, Shane Vereen could be a player of interest for the Lions. It’s likely Vereen will leave the New England Patriots and according to the Boston Herald is hopeful of earning $5 million per season.

Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen (34) runs the ball against the New York Jets during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Vereen ran for a career-high 391 yards and two touchdowns on 96 carries and totaled 52 receptions for 447 yards and three touchdowns.

Vereen could compliment Bell in the backfield. He adds a threat in the passing game, too; the Lions could benefit from adding another talented pass-catcher. It’s unlikely they would need to break the bank for him, either.

In the draft, Miami’s Duke Johnson shares similarities to Vereen in terms of build and style of play.

As shown in the video, Johnson is a dangerous threat in the passing game. He is agile and quick, and has an ability to break tackles.

Johnson would be able to pair with Bell and could help seriously upgrade the Lions’ run game. Johnson may be available for the Lions when they draft in the second-round pick, which barring any trades would be the 54th overall selection.

If general manager Martin Mayhew opts to select a running back as early as the first-round, the likes of Georgia’s Todd Gurley and Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon could be available with the 23rd overall pick.

Sep 27, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Tennessee 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Gurley is a different style of back than Johnson. He’s often compared to Marshawn Lynch, and the similarities are certainly evident. Gurley (6’1″) is slightly taller than Lynch (5’11”), and they are of similar build.

Their similarities don’t end there. Gurley blends power and speed, and he excels after initial contact. According to NFL.com, Gurley added 61.9 percent of his yardage after initial contact in 2014.

The only concern is with his health. Currently recovering from an ACL tear, the Lions would want to keep a keen eye on his progress. Providing he returns to full health, he can become a workhorse in the Lions’ backfield and could completely transform their struggles with the ground game.

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