Detroit Lions: Packers game feels like a must-win, but is it?

Silver (and Honolulu blue) linings

Kerryon Johnson, the Lions’ rookie running back, has been everything we wanted him to be. Johnson has been shifty, powerful, and fast. He has caught almost anything thrown his way and easily been the most dangerous runner.

LeGarrette Blount, the other big component of the ground game, has averaged less than three ypc, yards per carry, at  (2.71ypc), while Johnson has doubled that production (5.68 ypc). Both men have about 40 attempts. Four yards per carry is considered a decent average.

Kerryon looks like the only back who will not give away what the Lions are trying to do on a given play, he can catch, run, and block, unlike other players who are more one-dimensional. Head coach, Matt Patricia, seemed to indicate that Johnson is being used the right amount. KITCW doubts that fans will concur.

Here’s what Patricia told the Detroit Free Press at his Monday news conference.

"“I think we have a lot of really good running backs and I think we try to use them appropriately. I think Kerryon played a significant amount of the game. He played 20 snaps of 55, that’s a good amount.”"

On the other hand, quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s production was good Sunday, and his horrible opening night game has almost been put behind him statistically, as he now has 8 touchdowns to 5 interceptions, with a 67% completion rate, and a 92 passer rating.

Other encouraging signs are the performances of rookies Frank Ragnow and DaShawn Hand, along with the emergence of second-year wideout Kenny Golladay.