Detroit Lions: Breaking down the running backs and wide receivers
Position-by-position breakdown
Here we are on the threshold of the 2018 season. Let’s see how the 2018 Detroit Lions stack up to last year’s squad.
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford is the entrenched starter, he is back for year number ten. Once known as a turnover machine, he has recently exceeded a 2-to-1 touchdown to interception ratio while putting up monster yardage numbers. Stafford still has the cannon arm, but his accuracy and touch down the field have improved by leaps and bounds from his younger days.
Matt Cassel is the new kid on the Detroit block. The 14-year veteran is vying to be the main backup for the Detroit Lions. Cassel is going to have to beat out Jake Rudock in training camp and the preseason to accomplish that feat.
Jake Rudock is a third-year player who has been in the offensive scheme for his whole career but has not seen much game action. Rudock, likewise, must prove that his experience in the system and his growth should earn a spot as the backup. Competition is good for both players.
KITCW prediction: All 3 men make the final roster. However, it wouldn’t shock me to see Rudock get traded for draft compensation, or something similar, especially if he does well.
However, looking at the Patriots model, keeping quarterback talent to develop has been a staple of their success. Throwing away the young, unproven, former Michigan quarterback who was a late round pick seems like a bad omen. (Not that Jake Rudock is Tom Brady, lol.)
Running backs/ Fullbacks
Currently, the Detroit Lions have six runners on the roster and two fullbacks. After last year, the position has a lot to prove. The players are: (Starters in bold, rookies in italics)
Theo Riddick, Kerryon Johnson (R), LeGarrette Blount, Ameer Abdullah, Zach Zenner, and Dwayne Washington, Nick Bellore (FB), Nick Bawden (FB)
The offense is virtually unchanged in its scheme. Coordinator, Jim Bob Cooter, is back to work with Stafford and Co. The big difference is that personnel changes should allow the team to emphasize and improve the rushing attack. LeGarrette Blount is a hammer and will likely start ahead of rookie Kerryon Johnson, who was a second-round pick out of Auburn.
Nick Bellore is the starting fullback, after being the main backup at middle linebacker behind Jarrad Davis. Nick Bawden was drafted to provide depth and push Bellore for the job; Bawden is now on injured reserve, though, with an ACL injury.
The addition of a fullback likely coincides with an added emphasis on short yardage running and having the flexibility to use two-back sets when the matchup is favorable.
Bob Quinn will keep Blount, Johnson, Riddick, Bellore, and probably Abdullah as a change-of-pace. KITCW would be surprised if anyone else is kept, but training camp is a funny place. Also, some special team’s players will be needed, so there are always spots dedicated there.