The Detroit Lions have had their fair share of talented running backs over the years. From Barry Sanders to Billy Sims, the Lions have had some of the best players in the NFL play the running back position. In 2017, the Lions had a number of players vying for the starting running back position, including Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, and Zach Zenner. Let's take a look back at some of the best running backs to ever play for the Lions and see how the 2017 season compared.
The Best Lions Running Backs of All Time
Barry Sanders is arguably the greatest running back in NFL history, and he spent his entire career with the Detroit Lions. He rushed for over 15,000 yards and scored 99 touchdowns during his career, earning him a spot in the Hall of Fame. Billy Sims was another great running back for the Lions, rushing for over 5,000 yards and 42 touchdowns in just five seasons. Other notable Lions running backs include Doak Walker, Lem Barney, and Mel Farr.
The 2017 Lions Running Backs
Heading into the 2017 season, the Lions had high hopes for Ameer Abdullah, who had shown flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons with the team. Theo Riddick was another key player in the Lions running game, primarily used in passing situations. Zach Zenner was a solid backup, but not expected to be a major contributor.
The 2017 Season
The Lions struggled in the running game in 2017, finishing with just 1,221 rushing yards as a team. Abdullah was the team's leading rusher with just 552 yards and four touchdowns. Riddick had a solid season as a receiver out of the backfield, catching 53 passes for 444 yards and two touchdowns. Zenner saw limited action, rushing for just 26 yards on seven carries.
What Went Wrong?
The Lions struggled to establish a consistent running game all season, which put a lot of pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford to carry the offense. Abdullah was hampered by injuries throughout the season, which limited his effectiveness. The offensive line also struggled to create running lanes for the backs, which made it difficult for them to gain yards on the ground.
Looking Ahead
The Lions have continued to search for a reliable running back in the years since the 2017 season. In 2023, the team is hoping that second-year player D'Andre Swift will be the answer to their running back woes. Swift showed flashes of potential in his rookie season and will be looking to build on that in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions have had some of the best running backs in NFL history, but the team has struggled to find a reliable player at the position in recent years. The 2017 season was a disappointing one for the Lions running backs, as they failed to establish a consistent rushing attack. The team is hoping that D'Andre Swift will be the player to turn things around in the future.
Komentar
Posting Komentar