The Reiff Factor: A Closer Look Into Riley Reiff’s Impact
Aug 25, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Riley Reiff (71) during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Lions 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
First round draft pick Riley Reiff saw his most playing time of the year on Sunday. It just so happens the Lions had their best day running the football, averaging nearly 5 yards per carry with 138 yards. Reiff showed power in the run game, moved well in space, and did a nice job pass protecting. Offensive coordinator, Scott Linenhan, has added a new wrinkle in using Reiff as an extra blocker. In the team’s 1st four games, the Lions only used Reiff in their 13 personnel package (1 RB, 3 TEs, 1 WR). During Sunday’s game however, Reiff was used only in the team’s 12 personnel package (1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs). Either way, the team has gotten positive results when Reiff is in the game. I’ve charted the 1st 5 games and found that Reiff has played 5 snaps in the team’s 1st four games, and played 22 snaps in the team’s last game. When Reiff is in the game as an extra blocker, the team is averaging 4.55 yards per carry (91 yards on 20 attempts) and 13.5 yards per attempt (81 yards on 6 attempts). Below are detailed plays in which Reiff has played as an extra blocker, and their results.
10/14/12 At Philadelphia Eagles (1st quarter)
Time |
Down & Distance
Field Position
Play
14:52
2nd-10
Det 20
M. Leshoure up the middle for 5 yds
9:43
1st-10
Det 20
M. Leshoure left end for 14 yds
8:20
1st-10
Det 44
J. Bell up the middle for 13 yds
7:06
1st-20
Det 47
Pass deep middle to C. Johnson for 28 yds
6:28
1st-10
Phi 25
M. Leshoure up the middle for 3 yds
5:38
1st-10
Phi 17
M. Leshoure up the middle for 4 yds
0:25
1st-10
Det 45
Pass short left to M. Leshoure for 12 yds
10/14/12 At Philadelphia Eagles (2nd quarter)
Time |
Down & Distance
Field Position
Play
12:27
1st-10
Det 36
J. Bell left guard for 9 yds
11:51
2nd-1
Det 45
J. Bell right end for -1 yds
11:06
3rd-2
Det 44
J. Bell left tackle for -2 yds
8:20
1st-10
Det 14
M. Leshoure right tackle for no gain
7:00
1st-15
Det 21
M. Leshoure up the middle for 2 yds
5:49
1st-10
Det 28
Pass incomplete deep right to T. Young
10/14/12 At Philadelphia Eagles (3rd quarter)
Time |
Down & Distance
Field Position
Play
3:36
1st-10
Det 18
M. Stafford scrambles right end for 3 yds
3:17
2nd-7
Det 21
M. Leshoure right tackle for 6 yds
10/14/12 At Philadelphia Eagles (4th quarter)
Time |
Down & Distance
Field Position
Play
13:39
1st-10
Det 20
N. Burleson left end for 16 yds
13:08
1st-10
Det 36
Pass deep right to C. Johnson for 37 yds
12:38
1st-10
Phi 27
M. Leshoure up the middle for 3 yds
10:21
1st-10
Det 34
J. Bell right tackle for 8 yds
9:44
2nd-2
Det 42
J. Bell right end for 3 yds
09/30/12 Vs Minnesota Vikings (1st quarter)
Time |
Down & Distance
Field Position
Play
1:16
1st-10
Det 20
Pass short right to M. Leshoure for 4 yds
0:40
2nd-6
Det 24
Pass incomplete deep left to M. Leshoure
09/16/12 at San Francisco 49ers (3rd quarter)
Time |
Down & Distance
Field Position
Play
6:21
3rd-1
SF 31
J. Bell up the middle for 4 yds
09/09/12 vs St. Louis Rams (2nd quarter)
Time |
Down & Distance
Field Position
Play
9:46
2nd-1
SL 1
J. Bell up the middle for 1 yd, TD
The positives far outweigh the negatives whenever Reiff is in the game as an extra blocker. I’ve watched several times where he totally handled defensive end Jason Babin in the run game. Reiff’s teammate, Nate Burleson, took notice saying: “That young Reiff fella’s for real. You don’t get a lot of live action when you’re playing with an offensive line like we’ve got. But putting him out there and watching him block and the feistiness he has? He’s running up on veterans on the Eagles’ D-line, pushing them around, shoving them around, picking up our running backs at the end of the play, making his blocks, throwing guys out of the hole. That Reiff guy’s legit.”
It is clear that Reiff is pushing for a starting job. Only question is, whose spot does he take? The offensive line is playing good as a whole. He can play guard, but I’m not so sure you maximize his talents playing him there. The kid is a tackle and will be played there when the opportunity arises. Until then, continue to look for him as an extra blocker on situational plays.