How will the Detroit Lions change when Matt Patricia is in charge?

Running Backs

No Detroit runner produced consistently, in part due to the aforementioned line troubles. That doesn’t account for all of the issues, though.

Bob Quinn said as much in an after the season press conference. To paraphrase, he said the running backs were disappointing, but that everyone needed to perform better to fix the run game. Quinn also said to expect new blood in the backfield to help Stafford and provide needed balance to the offense. You can’t run for less than 80 yards per game and expect to beat good teams.

The Patriots use several types of runners, but all are capable of doing a multitude of things. They almost all catch well. The Lions Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah certainly do that well.

The Patriots often feature a power running game, also, which the Lions are ill-equipped for now.

The Patriots utilized: Dion Lewis, Mike Gillislee, James White, Rex Burkhead, and Brandon Bolden. Each running back is different, Lewis and White are smaller, while Gillislee, Bolden, and Burkhead are all more stout. Burkhead, could even be seen as a hybrid, fullback-running back who catches the ball well.

Detroit second-year player, Tion Green, has shown some power, but hasn’t played a ton. Dwayne Washington has struggled staying healthy and has not been terribly effective, regardless. This is a  huge deficiency area in our roster.