Detroit Lions headlines: Cooter’s run game, Kerryon overhype

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 01: Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter of the Detroit Lions watches his team against the Green Bay Packers during first half action at Ford Field on January 1, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 01: Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter of the Detroit Lions watches his team against the Green Bay Packers during first half action at Ford Field on January 1, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Can Jim Bob Cooter field a much improved Detroit Lions’ rushing attack with the new tools he’s been given this offseason? We’ll discuss it in today’s headlines.

One of the biggest areas of focus for the Detroit Lions this offseason was improving their rushing attack. The Lions brass not only brought in veteran rusher LeGarrette Blount, but they also drafted additional backfield and offensive line help to boot.

But with the same offensive coordinator at the helm, will it be enough to lift the sagging running game in the Motor City to new heights? We’ll discuss that hot topic as well as many others in today’s version of headlines.

WEEK IN REVIEW: Assistant coaches meet with media – DetroitLions.com

In the above article, Lions’ offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter says he is trying to do everything he can to improve his gameplan for the upcoming season. Although considered a guru when it comes to the passing game, it’s unclear if Cooter will be able to balance the offense with an effective rushing attack.

Cooter now has the tools to do so, with the additions of Blount, rookie running back Kerryon Johnson and center/guard Frank Ragnow, who should solidify this offensive line. What the fourth-year offensive coordinator in Detroit doesn’t have anymore of is excuses.

Lions can’t let Kerryon Johnson be another Best, Leshoure, Abdullah – Detroit Free Press

Lions’ fans have been sold many false prophets when it comes to new running backs. Is Kerryon Johnson simply the latest in a long-line of disappointments? With his extensive injury history, the potential is certainly there.

But luckily for the rookie runner, he has LeGarrette Blount to lean on. The presence of Blount should help Johnson shoulder the load in 2018, giving Kerryon a solid start to his career in Detroit as well as a mentor to follow.

Lions yet to commit versatile Diggs to one position – The Detroit News

Being a versatile player in the NFL can be a blessing and a curse. The more positional flex you have, the more vital you are to the roster. But the lack of focus on one position can also hurt a young player’s development, stunting their growth. Hopefully, that’s not the case for defensive back Quandre Diggs and this new Lions’ staff cements him somewhere this offseason.

Lions DC Paul Pasqualoni to call NFL plays for first time in nearly a decade – MLive.com

Let’s be honest. This is Matt Patricia’s defense. Although Pasqualoni has the title of defensive coordinator, the Lions undoubtedly hired Patricia in large part to install his Super Bowl-caliber defensive schemes from his time with the New England Patroits over to the Motor City. Although Pasqualoni may be making the calls, Patricia is the real genius behind them.

Next: How realistic is the Lions hope for a Super Bowl?

NFL training camp preview: Detroit Lions – NFL.com

There will be two things every Lions’ fan will be watching during training camp. That being Detroit’s new running backs in the backfield and this dynamic defense being installed by Matt Patricia. Can the Lions finally run the ball effectively? And how different will this defense look in 2018? Those will be the two top questions during Lions’ training camp this summer.