Detroit Lions: Positives to take from the 2018 season

Kerryon Johnson

Lions rookie running backs have come in with expectations before but it has been a while since one met them so quickly as Kerryon Johnson did this season. In fact, it seems the only thing holding him back was the coaching staff insisting on a rotation that limited Johnson’s snaps, and therefore his ability to have an impact on the game. When he did get the ball, his impact on the game was undeniable.

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The Lions have been in search of a running game for years now and one finally surfaced once Kerryon Johnson arrived. Adding another high draft pick to the offensive line hasn’t hurt but Johnson’s performance running the ball has surpassed all other Lions backs who also ran behind that same line – in some cases dramatically so.

The offseason signing of LeGarrette Blount made sense at the time but has not been a good decision in hindsight. Before Johnson was lost for the season due to injury it felt like every carry that went to Blount instead of Johnson was a wasted snap.

Johnson’s season ended with an average of 5.4 yards per carry while Blount couldn’t crack 3.0. The yards per carry averages were better for Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner but neither of them could touch Johnson’s average either. Only Zenner has come within a full yard of Johnson’s average.

Unfortunately, running back may not be totally off the need list heading into 2019 but at least the Lions have their headliner at the top of the depth chart.