Don’t fall asleep on the Detroit Lions most overlooked addition

The backfield can be very productive

Now it can’t be stressed enough how important the offensive line play will be. They are the table setters. If they do their job well, then the Lions may field the best offense in team history. Because their ability to create holes for the running backs and give Matthew Stafford time to throw the ball on a consistent basis would mean there is going to be an offensive explosion in Detroit.

Matthew Stafford is the most productive and overlooked quarterback in the entire NFL. Given an opportunity to stay on his feet and sling the ball to Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola, and T.J. Hockenson there is no doubt that the passing game will thrive.

The big question mark as always will be the ground game. A question mark that goes back to the ability of the offensive line to open holes. Because Kerryon Johnson is a very good back. Despite the injuries which have hampered his career so far, he has the talent to be very productive with the rock in his hands.

However, Kerryon may also be only the second-best back in the Lions backfield. Rookie D’Andre Swift was widely considered the best runner in the draft. Despite Kansas City using the final pick in the first round to select former LSU runner Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Swift is a gifted runner who could be a star.

The former Bulldog runs with both power and some wiggle. He catches the ball well and can contribute on any down and distance. While Matt Patricia does like a run the ball by committee approach, it could be Swift who gets the ball in the big money situations instead of Johnson.

Either way, the backfield has the capability to be very productive, given a little running room, and should work hand in hand with the passing game stretching the defense.

Yet in the midst of all this talent, there is one newcomer who is very much overlooked by the fans and media. A new face who could ultimately become a surprising X-factor.