7 Reasons the Lions Will Be a Dumpster Fire in 2016

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Matthew Stafford took a beating last season, due to poor offensive line play. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

The Detroit Lions are heading into the 2016 season with plenty of question marks and not very many good answers. Here are seven reasons the Lions are going to be bad this year.

The 2015 Lions were the worst in the NFL at running the ball. They were a top 10 passing team. Between then and now, they lost a hall of fame receiver and reshuffled their offensive line. The defense was average against the run and the pass. Between then and now, they’ve reshuffled just about every position group with mixed results.

The 2016 outlook does not look good. Here’s why:

7. Still No Running Game

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite finishing with the worst rush offense in the NFL last season, the Lions’ only addition to the running back group was Stevan Ridley. Ridley was signed essentially to replace Joique Bell and his production and he isn’t even a lock to make the team.

Jim Bob Cooter has mentioned that he expects Theo Riddick to make a push for more carries this year, but the lions’ share of the carries ought to go to second-year back Ameer Abdullah. Zach Zenner may also push for a limited role in the backfield, although the bulk of his snaps will be on special teams.

The Lions are heading into 2016 with pretty much the same group of backs that were worst in the league in 2015. Cool. Cool cool cool.

Next: Number 6: Defense

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