SideLion Report
FanSided

Detroit Lions: Unexpected running back shines in preseason opener

By Steven Mullenax

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions interlock arms with his players during the National Anthem prior to the start of an NFL preseason football game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions interlock arms with his players during the National Anthem prior to the start of an NFL preseason football game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Detroit Lions added two exciting new running backs in their backfield this offseason. But it was a veteran that shined in their preseason opener.

Never underestimate the power of possibly losing your job. It can make one of the worst running backs in the NFL last season suddenly play like a second-round selection.

At least, that appeared to be the case for Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah Friday night in the team’s first preseason game of 2018.

Against the Raiders, Abdullah appeared to be every bit the playmaker that posted 4,438 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns during his final three seasons in Nebraska.

The fourth-year back rushed for the Lions only touchdown of the night in Oakland. As a running back, a receiver out of the backfield and as a special teams returner; Abdullah showcased his ability to be an all-around weapon. The diminutive runner played with a spark that was missing all of last season.

Drafted by the Lions back in 2015, Ameer has never been able to quite live up to his lofty draft status. Many feared his 5-foot-9, 203-pound frame would never allow him to be a workhorse back and questioned his durability. The latter came true when he missed most of his second season in the NFL due to a foot injury.

Last season, Abdullah was the starting running back for the league’s worst rushing attack in Detroit. He averaged just 3.3 yards per carry, which ranked him 47th among his NFL peers. Towards the back half of the season, Abdullah was essentially benched for his poor play and became this offseason’s favorite scapegoat.

Next. Top Five Video Game Detroit Lions of All Time. dark

It was thought the Detroit Lions could move on from Ameer Abdullah this summer as a possible trade commodity, especially considering he has one year left on his rookie deal in Detroit. But general manager Bob Quinn still believes the 25-year old can be an important piece of Motown’s offense in 2018. And from what we saw on Friday night, Quinn could be right.

Home/Lions News