NFL 2018: Biggest obstacle each team must overcome

Detroit Lions: Previous struggles at running back

To say that Matthew Stafford hasn’t always received the best support in the backfield throughout his career would be a huge understatement since the Detroit Lions quarterback always seems to be facing extra pressure for having to rely on his receiving corps more. This time around, however, the Lions have actually done a solid job at improving their running back situation by signing a key veteran in LeGarrette Blount along with the selection of Kerryon Johnson in the draft.

So after all of those years spent looking for help in the backfield, Stafford should be able to see a major difference right away while hopefully getting Detroit back into the conversation of being a contender in the NFC after missing out on the playoffs last year. There was a time during the final month in which the Lions were in control of their own destiny to earn a Wild Card spot, but unfortunately that ended up being too much for them to handle.

Stafford has always made the players around him better with his competitive nature, and the improvement at running back could result in him having one of his best seasons to date. Of course, as long as Detroit makes the playoffs, that’s what matters the most for Stafford and company.