Detroit Lions: LeGarrette Blount has plenty left in the tank

The Detroit Lions’ rushing attack has improved following the signing of free agent LeGarrette Blount. But does he have anything left in the tank?

The Detroit Lions‘ rushing attack has been toothless for several seasons now. In the past four years, the Lions’ running game has ranked 28th, 32nd, 30th and 32nd respectively.

Last season, the Motor City averaged 76.3 rushing yards a game. That was nearly 10-yard per contest less then the next closest team.

But those days figure to be in the rearview mirror for the Lions as they were able to land a viable starter in free agency to give their rushing attack a little more bite.

Detroit inked former Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patroits running back LeGarrette Blount to a one-year, $2 million contract earlier this month. Blount can earn $2.5 million more if he meets certain incentives this upcoming season.

Blount is a three-time Super Bowl winner, having won the championship three times in the past four seasons. It’s an incredible run. And certainly one fans hope he continues in Detroit.

But Blount is also 31-years old and has only posted a 1,000+ yard season twice in his eight-year career. Those facts could led some to wonder if the veteran runner has anything left in the tank.

So who are the Lions getting exactly in a veteran like Blount?

"“They’re getting a big, physical guy,” Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach Doug Pederson told The Detroit Press this week. “They’re getting a guy that has still quite a bit left in the tank … they’re getting a dynamic back and good guy.”"

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LeGarrette Blount is just two years removed from recording his best season as a professional. In 2016, he posted career-highs in rushing yards (1,161), touchdowns (18) and carries (299). That recent explosion of production is a good sign for a Lions’ team that is looking to bring a much tougher mindset to their ground game in 2018.