The Detroit Lions 2019 season was one of ups and downs. Despite finishing with a 3-12-1 record, the Lions had some standout performances from their running backs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Lions' running backs in 2019, including their stats, highlights, and what we can expect from them in the future.
The Starting Running Back: Kerryon Johnson
Kerryon Johnson was expected to be the Lions' workhorse running back in 2019. However, injuries limited him to just eight games. In those eight games, Johnson rushed for 403 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. While those numbers aren't eye-popping, Johnson showed flashes of the potential that made him a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
One of Johnson's best games came in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, he rushed for 125 yards on just 26 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Johnson's ability to break tackles and make defenders miss was on full display in that game. He also added two receptions for 32 yards, showing that he can be a threat in the passing game as well.
The Backup Running Back: Bo Scarbrough
Bo Scarbrough was a late-season addition to the Lions' roster, but he quickly made an impact. In six games, Scarbrough rushed for 377 yards and one touchdown, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. He had two 100-yard rushing games, both of which came against NFC North opponents (the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers).
Scarbrough's physical running style was a welcome addition to the Lions' offense. He consistently gained yards after contact and was a tough runner to bring down. While he may not have the same explosiveness as Johnson, Scarbrough proved to be a reliable option for the Lions down the stretch.
The Pass-Catching Running Back: J.D. McKissic
J.D. McKissic was primarily used as a pass-catching running back in 2019. He finished the season with 34 receptions for 233 yards and one touchdown. While he only rushed for 205 yards on the season, McKissic's ability to catch passes out of the backfield made him a valuable asset for the Lions.
One of McKissic's best games came in Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings. In that game, he caught all six of his targets for 58 yards and a touchdown. McKissic's speed and agility made him a tough matchup for linebackers in coverage.
The Future of the Lions' Running Backs
Looking ahead to the 2020 season, the Lions' running back room is still a bit of a question mark. Johnson has shown that he can be a productive back when healthy, but his injury history is a concern. Scarbrough proved to be a reliable backup, but it remains to be seen if he can handle a larger workload. McKissic is set to become a free agent, so his future with the team is uncertain.
The Lions may look to add another running back in the draft or free agency to bolster their backfield. However, with a new coaching staff in place, it's unclear what type of running back they will be looking for. One thing is for certain, though: the Lions will need more production from their running backs if they hope to improve on their 2019 record.
In Conclusion
The Lions' running backs in 2019 had their ups and downs, but there were some bright spots. Johnson showed flashes of his potential before getting injured, Scarbrough proved to be a reliable backup, and McKissic was a valuable pass-catching option. Looking ahead to the future, the Lions will need more production from their running backs if they hope to improve on their record. Whether that production comes from Johnson, Scarbrough, McKissic, or someone else remains to be seen, but it will be an important factor in the Lions' success in the coming seasons.
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