Is there a reliable running game in the Detroit Lions future?
There has been a lack of offensive balance with the Detroit Lions for far too long. Is new head coach Dan Campbell getting ready to change that?
It is somewhat ironic that the discussion is in regards to the team that resides in Motown because the topic has become a broken record. However, it’s hard to ignore the numbers and their impact on the Detroit Lions offense.
Over the past seven seasons dating back to 2014, the Lions have appeared in a total of 114 contests, including postseason clashes with the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks. Regardless of the head coach, offensive system or players, the club has failed to reach the 100-yard mark on the ground 78 times, including both playoff losses.
In that same time frame, the franchise ranks 28th, 32nd, 30th, 32nd, 23rd, 21st and 30th, respectively, each of the last seven seasons in the NFL when it comes to rushing yardage. Pretty abysmal. This past year, the club managed a mere 93.7 yards per game on the ground.
That being said, veteran Adrian Peterson (7) and 2020 second-round pick D’Andre Swift (8) did combine for 15 rushing touchdowns. But the club finished with the third-fewest running plays in the league in 2020.
This offseason, new general manager Brad Holmes altered the backfield depth chart (via Ourlads). While Peterson remains an unsigned free agent, the Lions added former Green Bay Packers’ running back Jamaal Williams via free agency. The team also parted ways with 2018 second-round selection Kerryon Johnson, who struggled to stay on the field. Meanwhile, the aforementioned Swift led the club with 10 total touchdowns and flashed some big-play ability.
Of course, Holmes, new head coach Dan Campbell and new offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn know it takes more than a few new faces in the backfield. The Lions used the seventh overall pick in April on University of Oregon tackle Penei Sewell. He joins standouts Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow on an emerging offensive line.
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If the exuberant Campbell and the NFC North’s worst team each of the past three seasons are to make life easier for new quarterback Jared Goff and the league’s worst defense from a year ago, a bigger commitment to the ground game is essential.