SideLion Report
FanSided

First quarter grades for the disrespected Detroit Lions

By Michael Kirkland

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 29: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass during the first quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Ford Field on September 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 29: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass during the first quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Ford Field on September 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 8
Next
Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images /

Detroit Lions Quarterbacks and Running Backs

Last season Lions fans heard constant chatter about how bad Stafford played. The new year has been kind, although Stafford still faces tons of criticism about the perceived lack of success of his team. He has 1,122 yards passing, nine touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 62.4 completion percentage.

Stafford once again ranks 10th in yards, tied for fourth in touchdowns, third in most plays of 20 yards or more, and 10th in quarterback rating among starters according to the NFL. The question should be more of where he ranks as an MVP candidate.

At the running back spot, Kerryon Johnson has been the lead back after missing much of last season with an injury. His 251 yards is thirteenth currently, although his 3.4 yards per carry average is a reflection of the run blocking by the line. He has consistently made the first tackler miss in games and is a three-down player that can also block and catch well.

The Detroit Lions have shifted their backfield some during this first quarter by waiving backup C.J. Anderson, signing J.D. McKissic, and allowing Ty Johnson to serve as the primary backup in the run game. McKissic has made some good plays on third down, and Ty Johnson 4.2 yards per carry spelling Kerryon Johnson. Fullback Nick Bawden does a good job as a blocker and makes an occasional reception or run up the middle.

Grade: A-, the Lions have a solid backfield that will play very well as long as the line does their job. The few turnovers in the RedZone have been costly but otherwise, the backs have been very good.

Home/Lions News