Detroit Lions: Breaking down the running backs and wide receivers
Detroit Lions 2018
Q: Bottom line, are the Detroit Lions better this year?
A: Well, like many of you, I have mixed feelings about the WR and RB units. There are young, developing players. There are cap-friendly options at tight end that have some production, but no one proven in the WR unit.
In the RB unit, Stafford is elite and Cassel gives them a proven backup, while Rudock has some potential at quarterback. Blount and Johnson instantly upgrade a poor backfield. Abdullah and Riddick give depth and playmakers who can operate in space.
My Same old Lions (pessimist)side says that Eric Ebron will probably blow up in Indianapolis and the tight ends brought in will fail to produce. Blount is on the tail end of his career, while Johnson is probably not ready for full-time duty. The other guys we know what they are. Stafford never gets the help he needs to have postseason success.
My Kool-aid fan (optimist)side says that the Lions are deeper and saved some money on an over-drafted, inconsistent, former first-round pick. The young guys will give them the best depth in decades. Stafford doesn’t need a backup. Blount is the thunder, Johnson is the lightning.
Overall, I do believe that the wide receivers are better due to Golladay and TJ Jones’ development. Roberts has to contribute more in year 2. Willson doesn’t have to be spectacular, but he does have to stay healthy for the unit to be better than 2017.
The continuity at quarterback is an asset, plus the Lions brought in a competent backup. The injection of talent at running back is easily better, while they still retain the best options from 2017, too.
Next. Ranking the 5 best Lions draft classes of the past 30 years. dark
Time for you to chime in. How do you feel about the two units? Do you think the Detroit Lions are better in 2018? What do you think is the weak area of the team? What training camp battles are you looking forward to?
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