Detroit Lions: Roster breakdown, Week 1 against the Jets
The Detroit Lions roster is full of question marks and may struggle. This makes a victory against the Jets all the more significant.
From the moment the Super Bowl is over, the wait begins for another season of NFL football. The wait can seem interminable at times, especially since the Detroit Lions have never made it to that final game.
The New York Jets come to Ford Field on September 10th for ESPN’s Monday Night Football (7:10 p.m ET). This should be a contest that Detroit wins easily. But questions remain about a roster that has some major holes.
THE OFFENSE
The offense clearly has the most depth for the Detroit Lions. Nearly every position looks poised to have an effective season.
Quarterbacks
Quarterback Matthew Stafford is the unquestioned leader of the offense and is the face of the franchise. The Detroit Lions got lucky when they were able to keep both Matt Cassel on the active roster and sign Jake Rudock to the practice squad. Between the two of them, Stafford should be well prepared all season.
Running Backs
On all three downs, Detroit has very capable play makers in running backs Kerryon Johnson, LeGarrette Blount, and Theo Riddick. They will be an imposing combination for any opposing defense.
Fullback Nick Bellore’s conversion from linebacker to fullback looks like a good move. If Bellore is an effective blocker this year, it will be all the better for the rush attack.
Meanwhile, Ameer Abdullah, who was the number one running back last year, serves as an insurance policy against injury. Plus, he has some ability on special teams. As long as Ameer avoids mistakes, he could give the Detroit Lions some impact plays this season, especially on kickoff returns.