Swift is without question the Lions best back
D’Andre Swift was given his first career start against the Washington Football Team last Sunday and he didn’t disappoint.
After being brought along slowly in the shadow of future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson for the first half of the season, Swift was given the spotlight against Washington. He had 16 carries for 81 yards averaging 5.1 yards a tote.
For good measure, Swift added five catches for 68 yards including a touchdown. He also averaged 13.6 yards a catch. It wasn’t a record for total yards in a game, but it certainly gave us our best glimpse yet of what kind of talent this kid has.
There should be absolutely no doubt that D’Andre Swift is the Lions’ best back and should not only be Detroit’s number one option carrying the ball but given his versatility and ability to make plays their top option in the backfield period.
Now the game has evolved to a point that running back by committee is basically the law of the land and given that most backs are washed up after three to five years, that type of rotation is the best way to preserve talented backs like Swift as long as possible, but there are still certain guidelines that need to be observed.
Like the fact that Swift has to be on the field for the big moments. Sure every drive in an NFL game is considered important, but not all drives are created equal.
With a 10 point lead in the second quarter, that’s not a bad time to let him get some air. Perhaps your team has a 20 point lead in the fourth quarter and you possess a dominant defense. This is another time to let him get a well-earned break. But when all the chips are on the table, it has to be Swift in the backfield.
As much as Matt Patricia blundered defensively by letting up so soon in the second half, he does have to be given credit for making sure when the offense needed to move the ball the most, Swift was on the field and making plays.