NFC North: Biggest question for each team in 2020

Detroit Lions: Have the Men from Motown finally found a ground attack?

It has not been an easy time for the one-time defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots. Matt Patricia owns a 9-23-1 record in two seasons at the helm of the Detroit Lions. A year ago, the team opened the year 2-0-1 but Patricia’s club would win just one more game the remainder of the season. Granted, losing quarterback Matthew Stafford for the final eight contests didn’t help. But this club enters 2020 riding a nine-game losing streak.

One of the Lions’ biggest issues for far too long has been the lack of a consistent ground attack. Talented Kerryon Johnson, a second-round pick in 2018, has shown flashes but has struggled to stay healthy. In April, general manager Bob Quinn once again invested a second-round selection on the position and grabbed Georgia’s D’Andre Swift.

"“We’re super excited to have him,” explained offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell recently (via Zoom and courtesy of Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press). “We feel like he’s a really talented, well-rounded running back. A guy you feel like could handle the run but as well as that he has ability in the pass game, where you could do some things with him there. So really just a complete guy.”"

Patricia could have quite the 1-2 punch if Swift lives up to billing and Johnson can stay healthy. The last time the Lions didn’t finish 20th or lower in the NFL in rushing was back in 2013 (17th).