Why the Detroit Lions passing game is in good hands
By Robert Jones
The Detroit Lions worked hard on improving their ground game this offseason, but the bread and butter of this offense is still the passing attack.
Last season, the Detroit Lions came up woefully short in their ability or perhaps we should say inability, to run the ball. The expectations are that this year, however, will be different.
General manager Bob Quinn and new head coach Matt Patricia spent this offseason searching for the pieces they felt would turn this ground game around.
The Lions signed veteran power back LeGarrette Blount in free agency and added center/guard Frank Ragnow of Arkansas with their first pick in the draft before doubling down on the SEC and taking Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson in the second round.
They also added Oregon tackle Tyrell Crosby and San Diego State fullback Nick Bawden before they were through, not to mention an assortment of offensive linemen in free agency.
The emphasis on the improvement of the ground game was something that had to be addressed without question.
Now as the team prepares to leave Allen Park for their final break before the start training camp at the end of July, they feel confident that they have improved their anemic rushing attack.
Despite the reports that Bawden will miss the season due to injury.
This is a feeling that Lions fans are cautiously optimistic about. Considering how bad this franchise has run the ball overall since Barry Sanders retired 20 years ago, they have every right to be cautious with their enthusiasm.
Yet even if the Lions have finally found the answer to resurrecting their moribund ground game, there is still one simple fact that fans need to realize regardless; as long as Matthew Stafford is lining up under center for this team, the passing game will always be their main weapon on offense.