Detroit Lions: Doubts remain about improved running game

Is the Detroit Lions rushing attack poised to succeed in 2017, or has the offseason optimism been considerably overblown?

Despite the supposed consensus that the Detroit Lions running game would see significant improvement in 2017, it appears that many NFL pundits remain unconvinced.

In fact, in a recent NFC North: Q & A via ESPN.com, three analysts from divisional rivals were asked the question: “Has the Lions run game improved enough to take pressure off Matthew Stafford?” The results aren’t particularly encouraging if you’re a Lions fan.

Indeed, Green Bay Packers reporter Rob Demovsky, Chicago Bears reporter Jeff Dickerson, and Minnesota Vikings reporter Ben Goessling all shared their doubts that Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Zach Zenner, Matt Asiata and company can lessen the responsibilities placed on their quarterback.

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Demovsky and Dickerson offer rather bleak outlooks, citing the backfield’s unproven nature and proneness to injuries, both agreeing that absent an Abdullah breakout, the outlook likely won’t change significantly from 2016. Goessling, on the other hand, offers the most measured take, and perhaps the most realistic assessment of the situation:

"Can I go with “maybe”? Rick Wagner and (T.J.) Lang will certainly help in that regard (though Lang’s health is a concern), and the Lions have a solid complement of running backs with Abdullah and Riddick leading the group. It should be at least functional, which is a big improvement for a team that ranked 30th in the league last year, and Abdullah has room to grow in his third season after missing most of last year because of injury."

It’s not the most ringing endorsement one could hope for, but at the very least, Goessling sees the potential for improvement. However, he makes it clear that he still believes this team will only go as far as Stafford’s talents will take them:

"But I still think the Lions’ fortunes will hinge on what Stafford does for them, and a quarterback who has thrown the ball at least 592 times in each of the past six seasons probably is still going to be asked to sling it quite a bit. The injury to Taylor Decker is also a big concern for the Lions, so while the running game should improve, the Lions’ ability to protect Stafford and let him go to work will probably determine how good their offense can be."

Really, this is nothing new to Lions fans. As Goessling states, the running game finished 30th in 2016, but perhaps a lesser known fact is that the unit finished 32nd in 2015, 28th in 2014, and has generally been a bottom-of-the-barrel performer over the last decade.

While it is frustrating to see commentary like this, it’s certainly understandable why critics might have their doubts. For years, it has been a given that the Lions would field a poor rushing attack, and the only way to change that perception is to produce on gameday.

Next: NFL 2017: Each team's biggest question before training camp

There is little doubt that the Detroit Lions running game has much to prove in 2017. Having said that, there are certainly enough contributors in this backfield to make success an attainable goal. With a handful of talented and versatile players in the mix, this could finally be the year that the unit earns some much sought after respect.