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Detroit Lions Running Backs: Postseason Grades

By Tony Fischer

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) celebrates with running back Ameer Abdullah (21) after he scores a touchdown in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Lions won 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) celebrates with running back Ameer Abdullah (21) after he scores a touchdown in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Lions won 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Zach Zenner – Running Back, 2nd Year, South Dakota State

Grade: B-

Zenner was given some significant touches down the stretch in 2016 because of the injuries to Riddick and Abdullah.  He made the most of it.

Detroit
Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Zach Zenner (34) scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Zenner opened eyes against Dallas when he looked as if he would break the Lions streak of rushing ineptitude by rushing for 100 yards. Then as the Lions played from behind Zenner’s opportunity to touch the ball faded. Still he gained 91 total yards and scoring two rushing touchdowns in the Lions road loss.

The 2nd year man out of South Dakota State followed up that break-out performance with 110 total yards and a touchdown in the NFC North title bout with Green Bay on the last week of the season. Still despite the strong performances, Zenner still failed to gain 100 yards rushing and proved to be more of a role player than a starter as the game wore on.

At the end of the day, Dr. Z showed promise in his sophomore season and will certainly be in the mix for a Lion’s share of touches out of the backfield in 2017.

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