Detroit Lions: Is Ameer Abdullah the key to playoff success?
If former second round selection, running back Ameer Abdullah, can stay healthy, is his production the key to the Detroit Lions having postseason success?
After posting 597 rushing yards and three total touchdowns his rookie season, Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah was set to have a breakout year in 2016. Unfortunately, a season-ending foot injury Abdullah suffered in Week Two against the Tennessee Titans ended his year before he could really make an impact.
In Year Three, and if Abdullah can stay healthy, is the 24-year old the key to the Lions’ finally finding playoff success?
Last season, predominantly without Abdullah, this Detroit team finished the year with a 9-7 record and posted their second trip to the playoffs in the past three seasons. But once again the Lions’ exited early, not having recorded a single postseason victory since 1992.
But that could certainly change in 2017. Abdullah recorded 12 carries for 63 yards in a win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week One of last season. He also posted five receptions for 57 yards and a score.
Carry that average over 16 games and you’re looking at over 1,000 rushing yards in a season. A feat no Detroit running back has accomplished since Reggie Bush in 2013.
Although the Lions’ offensive line was dealt a blow earlier this offseason when second-year left tackle Taylor Decker went down with a shoulder injury, that doesn’t necessarily mean this Detroit team won’t feature an effective rushing game.
The entire right hand side of the Lions’ offensive line has been revamped as general manager Bob Quinn signed pricey free agents T.J. Lang at guard and Ricky Wagner at right tackle this offseason. Their presence alone should help bring Detroit’s stagnate rushing attack to life.
"“As badly as the Lions figure to miss Decker, the return to full health of other players could more than make up for it,” wrote Pat Caputo of The Oakland Press over the weekend. “Even with Decker, the Lions did not run the ball effectively. It wasn’t only because of an ineffective offensive line, but Detroit’s mix at running back. It’s difficult to calculate how much different 2016 would have turned out if running back Ameer Abdullah had not been injured during the second game. He was off to an outstanding start.”"
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The bottom line here is a healthy Ameer Abdullah running the ball changes things for the Detroit Lions in a very positive way. Without him, the Lions’ were one game away from winning their division, posted a 9-7 record and made the playoffs anyway. How much better could Detroit be with Abdullah? Hopefully, we’ll find out soon.