The Detroit Lions have always been a team that prides itself on its rushing game. With a rich history of legendary running backs such as Barry Sanders and Billy Sims, the Lions have always had a reputation for being a team that can pound the ball down the field. In this article, we will take a look at the team’s rushing stats for the current season and analyze the performance of the players. We will also examine the team’s overall strategy when it comes to the running game and what they can do to improve their performance.
The Numbers
As of Week 7 of the 2023 NFL season, the Detroit Lions have rushed for a total of 742 yards. This puts them in the middle of the pack in terms of rushing yards per game, with an average of 106 yards per game. The team has scored 5 rushing touchdowns so far this season, which is a decent number but could be improved upon. The Lions’ leading rusher is running back Jamal Williams, who has rushed for 363 yards and 2 touchdowns. Williams has been a solid performer for the Lions this season, but the team could use more production from their running game if they want to make a push for the playoffs.
The Running Backs
As mentioned, Jamal Williams has been the Lions’ leading rusher this season. Williams was signed as a free agent in the offseason after spending four seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He has been a reliable performer for the Lions, but he could use more help from his backup, D’Andre Swift. Swift was a second-round draft pick in 2022 and has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time. He has rushed for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns this season, but he needs to be more consistent if he wants to take over the starting job from Williams. The Lions also have a promising young rookie in Jermar Jefferson, who has rushed for 75 yards in limited action.
The Offensive Line
One of the biggest factors in a team’s rushing success is the performance of the offensive line. The Lions’ offensive line has been solid this season, but there is still room for improvement. Left tackle Taylor Decker is the anchor of the line and has been one of the team’s best players this season. However, the right side of the line, particularly guard Jonah Jackson, has struggled at times. The Lions will need their offensive line to play at a high level if they want to have success in the running game.
The Strategy
The Lions’ strategy when it comes to the running game seems to be to rely on a committee of running backs rather than relying on one workhorse back. This can be effective if the team has multiple talented backs, but it can also lead to inconsistency if the backs are not performing at a high level. The Lions need to find a way to get more production out of their running game if they want to have a chance at making the playoffs. This could mean giving more touches to D’Andre Swift or Jermar Jefferson, or it could mean relying more on the passing game to open up running lanes.
The Passing Game
The Lions have a talented quarterback in Jared Goff, who was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason. Goff has been solid for the Lions this season, throwing for 1,789 yards and 11 touchdowns in 7 games. The Lions have a talented group of receivers, including veteran Tyrell Williams and rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions could use their passing game to open up running lanes for their backs, as defenses will have to respect the Lions’ ability to throw the ball down the field.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions’ rushing stats for the 2023 NFL season are decent but could be improved upon. The team’s strategy of relying on a committee of running backs has been effective at times, but the team needs to find a way to get more production out of the running game if they want to make a push for the playoffs. The offensive line will need to play at a high level, and the Lions may need to rely more on their passing game to open up running lanes. With some adjustments, the Lions could have a successful season and make a run at the playoffs.
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