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Detroit Lions: Matt Patricia pumps brakes on running game

By Steven Mullenax

ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: Matt Patricia speaks at a press conference after being hired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions 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: Matt Patricia speaks at a press conference after being hired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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New Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia reminds everyone that any hype surrounding their revamped rushing attack is premature.

Last offseason, the Detroit Lions opted not to upgrade their running back room, hanging their rushing hopes on the shoulders of former second round pick Ameer Abdullah. As a result, the Lions posted 1,221 yards on the ground in 2017, the lowest total in the entire league.

Following that disappointing performance, the Lions’ front office vigorously went about the business of revamping their rushing attack this year. Bringing in veteran running back LeGarrette Blount and drafting Auburn’s Kerryon Johnson in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

In the process, Detroit did not give up on addressing their offensive line as well. In 2016, general manager Bob Quinn’s first draft selection was Ohio State left tackle Taylor Decker. Last year, Quinn signed high-priced free agents in Pro Bowl right guard T.J. Lang and right tackle Rick Wagner. And to finish off the O-Line rebuild, the Lions opted to use their first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to select Arkansas center Frank Ragnow.

Now bolstering one of the most talented offensive lines in the league, combined with new running backs in both Blount and Johnson, it’s understandable why Lions’ fans are getting excited about the possible jump this Motor City rushing attack can make this upcoming season.

But new head coach Matt Patricia wants to remind fans that this is still the offseason. His new players haven’t even began wearing pads yet, much less lined up against other opponents. And until they start doing that, everyone needs to pump the brakes a bit.

"“It’s a noncontact camp mode,” Patricia told DetroitLions.com. “That’s what we’re in right now. We think we’re working in the right direction there in all areas. It’s not obviously something we think we’ve hit to an arrival point. The running game will look totally different when we get to training camp, put some pads on, and get a chance to look at everybody from that standpoint.”"

Honestly, I believe the hype is justified. The Lions fielded one of the top passing attacks in the NFL last season. With more development expected from 2017 third round pick wide receiver Kenny Golladay and the rise of the undrafted Teo Redding early on this offseason, there is a solid chance Detroit’s passing game could actually be even better.

Next: The Detroit Lions All-Time Offensive Team

What the Detroit Lions really need is a more consistent running game, not necessarily one that leads the league in the category. With LeGarrette Blount and Kerryon Johnson in the backfield, plus a stacked offensive line in front of them, the Lions rushing attack should be able to get the push they need to be effective in 2018. Let the hype train roll on Motor City.

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