Detroit Lions headlines: Bob Quinn takes the blame, more

ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions’ terrible running game, who’s to blame for it and how to fix it are at the forefront of today’s headlines in the Motor City.

The Detroit Lions have gone through several changes since the offseason started. But the biggest changes are hopefully yet to come. And those moves must help lift what has been the worst rushing offense in the NFL into respectability.

In today’s headlines, who talk about who is to blame for Detroit’s rushing woes, how to fix them, a possible star at wide receiver and a new dynamic duo in the Lions’ passing game.

Lions’ putrid running game will be fixed, GM Bob Quinn promises – Sporting News

Although Quinn does refer to himself as a reason for the Lions’ troubled running game, he blames everyone else as well. It’s a group thing. And Detroit has set about changing that group, outside of Quinn himself, of course. The young general manager must bring in new blood to this tired positional group this offseason. And there will be a spotlight on him to do so in the coming weeks.

Five moves each NFC North, NFC East team should make this offseason – ESPN.com

One of those moves mentioned in the above article is signing former New England Patriot’s running back and 27-year old free agent Rex Burkhead. Obviously, there is a connection between Burkhead and new head coach Matt Patricia via New England. But Burkhead seems like more of the same in Detroit. The Lions need a dynamic, workhorse back in the backfield. I’d expect them to find one or two in the draft.

Nate Burleson: Detroit Lions’ Kenny Golladay ‘next up’ for NFL stardom – Detroit Free Press

It appeared that wide receiver Kenny Golladay was on the brink of super-stardom during his rookie season. But for a large chunk of last year, the rookie all but disappeared. Golladay must work on his consistency and route running if he is going to achieve the heights set forth in this piece.

Roethlisberger-Brown, Rivers-Allen among top QB-WR duos – NFL.com

Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Marvin Jones make this list. The two seemed to grow closer than ever in 2017. I fully expect Jones to eclipse Golden Tate in targets in 2018. The two were only separated by 13 looks last year.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018 Full first round – Who’s the Detroit Lions top pick?

Futures of Matthew Stafford, Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia tied together

I’ll add one more person to this list of “tied-togethers” in Detroit. Throw in offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. Although he could easily become the first scapegoat to go if things don’t proceed as planned, Cooter was retained to help maintain this passing offense. His fate, even beyond his tenure with the Lions, is tied to these gentlemen as well.

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