Detroit Lions Running Backs: Postseason Grades
By Tony Fischer
Detroit Lions Running Backs Rankings
NFL Overall Rank – 30th
- 1,310 Total Yards (30th)
- 81.9 Yard Per Game (30th)
- 3.7 Yards Per Carry (27th)
- 9 Touchdowns (26th)
Overall Grade: C+
The Lions running attack was terrible this year but it wasn’t all their fault. Injuries decimated the position group and free agent acquisitions were unable to find the spark to ignite a solid ground game. Some of the blame should also go to the coaching staff who seemed unable to make adjustments that kept the running game going in the second half. Especially down the stretch.
2017 Outlook
If Ameer Abduallah and Theo Riddick return at full strength next season, the Lions should have the solid one-two punch they started 2016 with. The emergence of Zach Zenner will help add depth to the backfield and give Offensive Coordinator Bob Cooter plenty of tools to build a running game with.
Assuming everyone stays healthy, the Lions should have their best running game since Barry Sanders. An effective running game by Matthew Stafford more time to use his cannon of an arm to find receivers downfield for quick strikes. The key for the Lions will be keeping everyone healthy.