When it comes to Detroit Lions football, the running back position has always been an integral part of the team's success. From the days of Barry Sanders to the current roster, the Lions have had a long and storied history of talented running backs. In this article, we will take a look at the past, present, and future of the Detroit Lions' starting running backs.
The Past: Barry Sanders and the Lions' Glory Days
Arguably the greatest running back of all time, Barry Sanders was a force to be reckoned with during his ten seasons with the Detroit Lions. Sanders rushed for over 1,000 yards in every season he played, and was a 10-time Pro Bowler and 4-time First-Team All-Pro. He retired abruptly in 1999, leaving Lions fans wondering what could have been.
After Sanders' retirement, the Lions struggled to find a suitable replacement. They went through a number of running backs over the years, including James Stewart, Shawn Bryson, and Kevin Jones, but none of them were able to replicate Sanders' success. It wasn't until the arrival of a certain running back from California that the Lions would once again have a star in their backfield.
The Present: The Rise of Kerryon Johnson
Kerryon Johnson was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and quickly made an impact in his rookie season. Johnson rushed for 641 yards and 3 touchdowns in 10 games before being sidelined with a knee injury. Despite missing time, Johnson was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and gave Lions fans hope for the future.
In 2019, Johnson struggled with injuries once again, but still managed to rush for 403 yards and 3 touchdowns in 8 games. He showed flashes of his potential, but was unable to stay healthy for a full season. With a new coaching staff and a revamped offensive line, Johnson will look to stay healthy and take the next step in his development in the upcoming season.
The Future: D'Andre Swift and the Next Generation
The Detroit Lions selected D'Andre Swift in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, adding another talented running back to their roster. Swift was a standout at the University of Georgia, rushing for 1,218 yards and 7 touchdowns in his final season. He is known for his quickness and agility, and could be the perfect complement to Johnson in the Lions' backfield.
With Johnson and Swift on the roster, the Lions have a dynamic duo that could lead them to success in the future. Both running backs are young and talented, and have the potential to be among the best in the league. If they can stay healthy and continue to develop, the Lions' running game could be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions have a long and storied history of talented running backs, from Barry Sanders to Kerryon Johnson and D'Andre Swift. While the past is filled with glory days and the present is filled with potential, the future looks bright for the Lions' running game. With a dynamic duo in the backfield and a new coaching staff in place, the Lions could be on the verge of a resurgence. Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Detroit Lions football is back, and the running game is a big part of it.
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