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The NFL’s 32nd ranked rushing attack + David Walker

By Larry Brown Jr.

Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) looks on during pre game warm ups before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) looks on during pre game warm ups before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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There hasn’t been much discussion about the Lions hire of running back coach David Walker and his plans to redeem the rushing attack in Detroit.

With the Detroit Lions ranking a league worst in rushing last season, administration obviously knows that improvements need to be made. With a projected improved pass game in 2016, the agile running backs the Lions currently have on the roster are ready to take on their responsibility of making a contribution to offensive success. With HB Joique Bell expunged from the roster, names like HB Ameer Abdullah, HB Theo Riddick and HB Zach Zenner will be the primary sources manning the rushing attack for Detroit in 2016. Abdullah led the Lions with 597 yards on the ground last season, Riddick was used primarily in the passing game contributing 80 receptions 697 yards and 3 TD’s, and Zenner who played only  five games due to a season ending chest injury, carried on 17 attempts for just 60 yards. Nothing have been released to give fans a projection of  what the Lions plan to do different in the running game  of yet. So I’m here to tell you a little about new RB coach David Walker, what he brings to the Lions organization and what he is looking to accomplish in his role this upcoming season.

Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

At the end of the 2014-15 NFL season, somebody had to take the blame for the 45-7 loss Indianapolis took to the New England Patriots in the 2015 AFC Championship. Unfortunately, that blame fell on David Walker and led to his involuntary termination from the organization. For Christ sake, Walker was staffed with HB Trent Richardson, HB Tashard Choice (both aren’t in the NFL anymore) and HB Dan Herron, all of which were subpar running backs that did no justice to a mediocre 2014 playoff performance from QB Andrew Luck. Luck produced 12 interceptions in just the 7 games he played last year, and even without David Walker, Indianapolis failed to reach the post-season despite acquiring HB Frank Gore and HB Ahmad Bradshaw. I had a chance to meet Walker back in February. After shaking my hand and introducing himself I conveyed to him : “that wasn’t your fault man..,” he simply laughed.

”Walker has more than likely been spending his time studying film, reviewing player personnel and consulting new Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter.”

Walker has more than likely been spending his time studying film, reviewing player personnel and consulting new offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. In Walker’s final season with the Indianapolis the Colts ranked 22nd in the league in rushing and attempted only 22.5 attempts per game. The Lions averaged around 22 run attempts a game last season and will undoubtedly create a schematic where they will have a more balanced attack in 2016. Acquiring a offensive linemen in the 2016 draft couldn’t possibly be a bad idea. It actually should be a priority. If the Lions are planning to construct a high scoring offense similar to the one in New England and they’ll need a productive running game to protect the league and give rest to their defense. David Walker assumes the responsibility of making sure Detroit’s running backs are equipped.

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