Detroit Lions: Grades by Position Group
By Alex Reno
Aug 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) high steps away from Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Alan Ball (23) to score a touchdown during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Running Back
Starter: Reggie Bush
With a healthy dose of: Joique Bell
Reserves: Theo Riddick, Montell Owens
Practice Squad: George Winn
Grade: A
The running back position looks as good as it’s ever been for the Detroit Lions. They have an explosive back in Reggie Bush to get the bulk of the carries out of the backfield. Pair that with a bruising downhill runner in Joique Bell and they have one of the best one-two punches in the NFL.
Theo Riddick has been hyped up like no other over the course the offseason. He hasn’t shown a lot with just a few carries and catches during the preseason, but he did have this incredible run after the catch that will get anyone excited for what he can do out of the backfield.
It remains to be seen whether Montell Owens is truly a fullback or a running back in this offense, but I expect him to contribute mostly on special teams.
Under Joe Lombardi’s offense, don’t be surprised to see two or three running backs on the field at the same time. Both Bush and Riddick have the ability to line up as slot receivers, Owens can play fullback, and Bell will most likely line up exclusively as a tailback.
George Winn had a spectacular preseason, but still has a few kinks to work out after coughing up the ball a couple times. If the Lions weren’t so stacked at the position already, he may have found his niche as a special teams contributor.
Under Joe Lombardi’s offense, don’t be surprised to see two or three running backs on the field at the same time. Both Bush and Riddick have the ability to line up as slot receivers, Owens can play fullback, and Bell will most likely line up exclusively as a tailback.