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After ranking 28th in the league in rushing yards and yards-per-carry in 2014, the Detroit Lions desperately need to improve their ground game in a big way in 2015. The Lions took a big step in that direction by drafting former Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah in the second round of last month’s NFL Draft.
Abdullah, just 5-foot-9-inches tall, is a decisive runner who can hit top speed quickly. That top speed might not be at an elite level, but his outstanding vision and patience make him a home run threat each and every time he touches the ball. Abdullah’s high football IQ, ability to catch the ball out of the backfield (0 drops in his past two seasons), and ability to return kicks and punts mean he’ll receive a lot of playing time for the Lions this season.
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Reggie Bush was released in the offseason, leaving Joique Bell and Theo Riddick at the top of the depth chart. It appears as if Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi plans to use a running back by committee approach for this season. While that may be the case to start the season, I fully expect Abdullah to play well enough to earn the majority of the carries as the season progresses.
After losing several key players in free agency, including Ndamukong Suh to the Miami Dolphins, the Lions defense will take a step back in 2015. Matthew Stafford and the rest of the offense will need to pick up the slack and a reliable and consistent running game is the biggest improvement that needs to be made. Expect Abdullah to emerge as a star and provide the Lions with a legitimate No. 1 option at running back.
Seth Lassen is a writer for RantSports. ‘Like’ him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @Seth_Lassen.
