Detroit Lions one-two punch may be among the NFL’s best

The ground game will set the tempo for the offense

Running backs D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams have an opportunity to be one of the best one-two punches in the NFL. An opportunity that is very realistic given the expected growth of the offensive line.

However, the success of this backfield tandem isn’t just about the line. It’s also about their own abilities.

I was talking to a couple of friends the other day about the impact Swift and Williams can have on the field this season and as we discussed the opportunity they have to be very prolific, the question came up of what other one-two punch they reminded us of.

For me, the answer is close to home and ironic. What Swift and Williams can bring to the Lions’ offense together makes me think of what Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams did together in Green Bay the last few years when they formed a very productive one-two punch.

Now Williams is a Lion and he’s teamed up with a young talented back in Swift who is every bit as versatile as Aaron Jones is in Green Bay.

Will this create the same success for the team that Jones and Williams had together with the Packers? Well, they won’t be sharing the backfield with Aaron Rodgers, which is a major difference, but with a talented line in front of them and any kind of production from the passing game, which they should both be contributors to, this should be a productive combination.

Controlling the line of scrimmage allows a team to impose their will upon opposing defenses, control the clock, and wear the defense down.

These are all really good things for an offense because it opens up the entire field for a diverse attack. Let’s be honest, while the rushing attack will be the bread and butter of this offense, it will be diverse.

This won’t just be run, run, run. Offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn will give Jared Goff plenty of opportunities to attack opposing secondaries. But the ground game will set the tempo. That will be their metronome. When the ground game is in rhythm, then it will open up other possibilities.