Detroit Lions: Is LeGarrette Blount slowly burning out?
The hype train proceeding LeGarrette Blount has slowly started to fizzle. The veteran running back’s last stop looks like it’s with the Detroit Lions.
Running back LeGarrette Blount was on Detroit Lions fan’s radar in 2017. After waiting another year to get him, it appears his best days are behind him.
Averaging a healthy 4.3 yards per carry the past nine seasons, Blount is doing nearly twice as poorly in 2018 averaging just 2.6 yards. Not what the Lions were hoping for.
Still, the success rate in short yardage situations has drastically improved thanks in part to the 247 pound running back. He’s already matched his total touchdown output from the previous year (two rushing, one receiving) with three scores on the ground.
Admittedly, Blount isn’t the same guy but he’s better than what his yardage totals (182 rushing, 39 receiving) suggest. There’s two big reason for his decline.
First, the offensive line. Sure they’ve improved but they’re nothing compared to what the soon to be 32 year old runner is accustomed to.
Most importantly, he’s misused in this offense. Having never done well as a change of pace back, his best work comes on double-digit carries and as the game goes on.
If you were to maximize Blount’s yardage production, then his usage would need to come later in games. Preferably the fourth quarter when defenses are worn down.
You have to really put most of the blame on the coaching staff for not using him in situations that’ll yield better results. He’s always crept to the line of scrimmage but only when he can’t run authoritatively downhill without decent holes. It takes him time to build up the steam necessary to outrun/overpower tacklers.
I’m not opposed to an occasional reception here or there but those touches are better reserved for those who can do more with football after the catch. His hands have never been great to begin with but he’s always had a nose for the end zone.
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At this stage of his career, LeGarrette Blount needs the ball when the offense is within a few a few yards or less of a first down/touchdown. If the Detroit Lions ever decide to take a lead for once and need to kill the clock, only then should they opt to hand it off extensively to the ten-year veteran.