USA TODAY’s network of NFL sites has put out a list of early MVPs for each team, so who is the Lions’ MVP through Week 4?
With a 17-game schedule, there is no actual “quarter pole” in the NFL season this year. But after Week 4 is as good a time as any to measure progress (or lack thereof), and even tab early MVPs for each team. Yes, even an 0-4 team like the Detroit Lions.
USA TODAY’s network of NFL sites (insert team name, with “Wire” on the end), has put together a list of MVPs for each team after four weeks. Jeff Risdon took on the task for Lions Wire.
Who is the Lions MVP over the first four weeks?
Here’s what Risdon wrote about the Lions’ MVP through Week 4.
"Detroit Lions: RB Jamaal Williams – He’s split the backfield duties with D’Andre Swift, but Williams has been the more effective runner and more consistent presence in the passing game. Williams leads the Lions with 187 rushing yards at 4.5 yards-per-carry and scored a team-high two touchdowns. He’s also caught 13 of his 14 targets in the passing game. Detroit’s offense has only been sporadically effective in the first four weeks, but Williams has been a big part of those successes in his first season with the Lions. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire"
Williams has been very good in his first four games as a Lion, splitting backfield duties with D’Andre Swift. Offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn lamented some missed opportunities to get Williams more involved in Week 4, as he averaged 4.7 yards per carry (14 for 66) against the Bears and got zero targets in the passing game.
An 0-4 team, with an up-and-down offense and a defense that hasn’t been overwhelmed but has been generally mediocre, isn’t flush with early MVP candidates. The team’s leading rusher and a reliable veteran, Williams was an easy choice for Lions’ MVP through Week 4.