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Detroit Lions must make major changes at running back

By James F. Puzzuoli

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 3: Running Back Theo Riddick #25 of the Detroit Lions carries the ball in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 3: Running Back Theo Riddick #25 of the Detroit Lions carries the ball in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions’ running backs range from complementary to unworthy. If the Lions want to win, they must acquire a running back that can carry the load.

BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 3: Running Back Theo Riddick #25 of the Detroit Lions carries the ball in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 3: Running Back Theo Riddick #25 of the Detroit Lions carries the ball in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

The biggest hole on offense for the Detroit Lions is at the running back position. This hole has existed for nearly two decades, as the retirement of first ballot Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders has never been filled.

Barry Sanders is a bit much to ask, but finding a true number one in the backfield is not. If the Detroit Lions find a number one, the offense could be one of the best in the entire NFL.

BEST OF THE BUNCH

For a 2013 sixth round draft pick out of Notre Dame, Theo Riddick is the best running back on the Detroit Lions. His greatest attribute is catching the ball. Riddick in space equals a very dangerous weapon for Detroit.

In 2015, Riddick had a career best 80 receptions in 16 games. In 2016, he had 53 receptions in just 10 games. Still, Riddick maintained the same pace of five receptions per game.

This past season, there was a significant drop off in receptions. Riddick again had 53 receptions, but in 16 games. That’s less than three and a half receptions per game.

Riddick’s issues go a bit deeper with his yards per game, which have dropped significantly from 2016:

  • 2015 (16 games) – 51.9 total yards per game (8.3 rush, 43.6 receiving)
  • 2016 (10 games) – 72.8 total yards per game (35.7 rush, 37.1 receiving)
  • 2017 (16 games) – 45.7 total yards per game (17.9 rush, 27.8 receiving)

Riddick certainly is not a number one because he cannot carry the load. But as a number two, he is a good player to have on the roster.

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