The year 2006 was a remarkable one for the Detroit Lions. It was a season that saw the team's running backs step up and deliver some of the most memorable performances in franchise history. From the early games to the playoffs, the Lions' running backs carried the team on their shoulders and left a lasting mark on the NFL. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Detroit Lions running backs of 2006 and revisit some of their greatest moments.
The Trio of Kevin Jones, Arlen Harris, and Shawn Bryson
The Detroit Lions entered the 2006 season with a trio of running backs that would prove to be a formidable force. Kevin Jones, Arlen Harris, and Shawn Bryson were all talented players with unique abilities that made them a dynamic group. Jones was the lead back, a speedy runner with a knack for finding the end zone. Harris was a bruising back, a hard-nosed runner who could power his way through defenders. And Bryson was a versatile back, equally adept at running, receiving, and blocking.
Together, these three running backs formed one of the most potent rushing attacks in the NFL. They combined for over 1,800 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, helping the Lions finish the season with a 9-7 record and a spot in the playoffs. Throughout the season, they delivered some unforgettable moments that will forever be etched in the memories of Lions fans.
Kevin Jones: The Rising Star
Kevin Jones was the Lions' first-round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, and by 2006 he had established himself as one of the league's rising stars. He started all 16 games that season and rushed for 689 yards and six touchdowns. But it was his performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6 that truly put him on the map.
In that game, Jones rushed for an incredible 127 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winning 11-yard run in overtime. He also caught two passes for 20 yards, demonstrating his versatility as a runner and a receiver. The performance earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors and cemented his status as one of the NFL's most exciting young players.
Arlen Harris: The Power Back
Arlen Harris may not have had the same star power as Kevin Jones, but he was an invaluable member of the Lions' running back corps. He was a tough, physical runner who could wear down defenses and pick up tough yards when the team needed them most. And in Week 16 of the 2006 season, he delivered one of his most memorable performances.
In a crucial game against the Chicago Bears, Harris rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winning 1-yard run in the fourth quarter. He also caught two passes for 16 yards, proving that he could contribute in the passing game as well. The victory kept the Lions' playoff hopes alive and showcased Harris' toughness and determination.
Shawn Bryson: The Swiss Army Knife
Shawn Bryson was the Lions' unsung hero in 2006. While he may not have put up the same gaudy numbers as Kevin Jones or Arlen Harris, he was a versatile and reliable player who could do it all. He rushed for 157 yards and a touchdown and caught 28 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to contribute in multiple ways.
But it was his performance in the Lions' playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks that truly highlighted his value. With Kevin Jones sidelined due to injury, Bryson stepped up and rushed for 20 yards and caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. While the Lions ultimately fell short in that game, Bryson's versatility and reliability were on full display.
The Legacy of the 2006 Detroit Lions Running Backs
While the Detroit Lions may not have won the Super Bowl in 2006, the team's running backs left an indelible mark on the franchise and the NFL. Kevin Jones, Arlen Harris, and Shawn Bryson each had moments of brilliance that showcased their unique abilities and helped the team achieve success.
Today, these players are remembered as some of the greatest running backs in Lions history. Their performances in 2006 will forever be etched in the memories of Lions fans, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.
So as we look back on the 2006 Detroit Lions running backs, let us remember the talent, the toughness, and the heart that they brought to the game. They truly embodied the spirit of the Lions and left a lasting impact on the NFL.
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