Lions Can Run the Ball
Last year it seemed like Joique Bell had to break three tackles in the backfield on every carry in order to get any positive gains. In this year’s first game, while the new, younger, more athletic offensive line for the Lions had some struggles (especially in pass protection), they did open some holes in the running game.
And an electrifying new running back ran through one of those holes on his first carry for a touchdown.
Ameer Abdullah is not Barry Sanders, but his debut performance was the best the Lions have seen from a rookie running back since Barry Sanders.
Abdullah, selected in the second round of the NFL draft, finished with seven rushes for a team-high 50 yards, plus caught four passes for 44 yards. Toss in his work as the starting kick returner, and his 199 total yards were easily a team high.
His 50 rushing yards were the most by a Lions draft pick making his rookie debut since Barry Sanders rushed nine times for 71 yards against the Phoenix Cardinals in 1989.
Fans and commentators are already calling for Abdullah to get more carries. There should be excitement in the expectation that he definitely will carry the ball more as the season continues.
Even more exciting is that the offensive line should get better at opening holes as the season goes on when they get two starters back in Larry Warford and LaAdrian Waddle.
A Lions offense that can balance the passing attack of Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson a.k.a. Megatron and Golden Tate with solid running should be scary for any defense in the league.
