Detroit Lions: Is running back Ben Tate a good fit?

The Detroit Lions had a very successful 2014 season, but there was a lot room to improve in certain areas.

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One of those areas that has needed improvement for the Lions was their running game. Last season, the Lions were the 28^th ranked team in the NFL in total rushing yards at 1,422 total rushing yards.

After two good seasons with the Miami Dolphins, the Lions would sign free agent running back Reggie Bush in an attempt to help their rushing game. Bush had the reputation of not being able to be an every-down running back, but in Miami he had over 200 carries each season.

The Lions would sign the explosive Bush to be their main running back, and in 2013 Bush had a very good season as the starting running back. In 2013, Bush totaled 1,006 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, and a good 4.5 yards per carry average.

In 2014, Bush had an awful season, as he totaled 287 rushing yards, 76 carries, and played in just 11 games. This season, Bush will no longer be on the Lions, as he went to play for the San Francisco 49ers.

As Bush’s production went down in 2014, it was running back Joique Bell who was the main beneficiary. In 2014, Bell totaled 860 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, and 3.9 yards per carry average. Bell was the Lions’ leading-rusher, but a yards per carry average under 4.0 is not good.

Bell is likely going to be the Lions’ starting running back in 2015, but there are some questions marks. This offseason, Bell had surgeries on both his Achilles and his knee, which isn’t good for a running back. With some uncertainty about his health and production, the Lions are working out free agent running back Ben Tate.

Source: RB Ben Tate has a flight scheduled this evening to head to Detroit for a workout with the #Lions Tuesday.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 8, 2015

After three seasons as the backup running back to Arian Foster with the Houston Texans, Tate was a highly sought after free agent last season. He would sign with the Cleveland Browns in the offseason, but 2014 was not a good year for Tate.

With the Browns, Tate played in just eight games, totaling 333 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, and a poor 3.1 yards per carry average. After being released by the Browns, Tate would sign with the Minnesota Vikings where he would also be a non-factor. In three games with the Vikings, Tate totaled 38 yards and 13 carries.

If two teams weren’t enough for one season, Tate would also play in one game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs as an emergency fill-in for Le’Veon Bell.

With the issues in 2014, Bell was not a sought after free agent this offseason. Tate does have some talent, and with some uncertainty in the Lions’ backfield, he may be worth a shot.

In the 2015 NFL Draft, the Lions drafted running back Ameer Abdullah in the second-round. Drafting a running back in the second is fairly high, and Abdullah could very well become a big part of the Lions’ backfield in 2015.

Tate won’t be a huge factor for the Lions, but if Bell isn’t 100%, Tate would be a good addition to help add some depth into their backfield.

Next: Will Joique Bell be the starting RB?

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