As the 2023 NFL season approaches, fans of the Detroit Lions are eagerly awaiting the announcement of who will be the starting running back for the team in Week 1. With a new coaching staff in place and several talented players vying for the position, the decision is sure to be a difficult one. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the candidates and speculate on who might ultimately get the nod.
Before we dive into the specifics of each player, it's worth noting that the Lions' running game has been a bit lackluster in recent years. In fact, the team hasn't had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2013. However, with a renewed emphasis on the ground game under new head coach Mike McDaniel, there's reason to believe that things could be different this season. The question is, who will be leading the way?
The Candidates
D'Andre Swift
Swift is perhaps the most obvious choice to start at running back for the Lions in Week 1. The 23-year-old was a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season. He finished the year with 521 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, along with 46 receptions for 357 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air. Swift's ability to contribute in both the running and passing games makes him a valuable asset for the Lions, and he's likely to see plenty of action this season regardless of whether he starts or not.
There are some concerns about Swift's durability, however. He missed three games last season due to injury, and his workload in college was somewhat limited due to a crowded backfield at Georgia. Additionally, Swift has reportedly been dealing with a groin injury during training camp, which could impact his availability early in the season.
Jamaal Williams
Williams was signed by the Lions in free agency this offseason after spending the first four years of his career with the Green Bay Packers. He's primarily been used as a backup throughout his career, but has shown that he's more than capable of handling a larger workload when called upon. In 2017, he rushed for 556 yards and 4 touchdowns while filling in for an injured Aaron Jones.
Williams is known for his hard-nosed running style and his ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. He's also a talented blocker in pass protection, which could be particularly valuable for the Lions given their uncertainty along the offensive line. While Williams may not have quite as much upside as Swift, he's a reliable veteran who could be a solid option as a starter.
Jermar Jefferson
Jefferson was a seventh-round pick in this year's draft and is something of a wild card in the competition for the Lions' starting running back job. He had an impressive college career at Oregon State, rushing for 2,923 yards and 27 touchdowns in just three seasons. Jefferson has been turning heads in training camp with his quickness and agility, and some analysts believe he could be in line for a larger role than initially anticipated.
That being said, it's worth remembering that Jefferson is still a rookie and has yet to play in an NFL game. It's entirely possible that he could struggle with the speed and physicality of the pro game, at least initially. However, if he continues to impress in practice and preseason games, he could certainly make a case for himself as the Lions' starting running back.
The Decision
So, who will the Lions ultimately choose as their starting running back for Week 1? It's impossible to say for sure at this point, as the coaching staff has been tight-lipped about their plans. However, based on what we know about the candidates, it seems likely that Swift will get the nod if he's healthy. His versatility and explosiveness make him the most exciting option, and the coaching staff has spoken highly of him throughout the offseason.
That being said, Williams and Jefferson could certainly push Swift for playing time if they perform well in practice and preseason games. The Lions' coaching staff has made it clear that they're willing to play whoever gives them the best chance to win, regardless of their draft status or veteran status. So, while Swift may be the favorite at the moment, nothing is set in stone.
Conclusion
Regardless of who ultimately gets the starting nod in Week 1, the Lions' running game is shaping up to be one of the team's strengths this season. With a talented trio of backs competing for playing time, the team should have plenty of options to keep opposing defenses on their toes. It will be interesting to see how things shake out over the course of the season, but for now, Lions fans can be cautiously optimistic about the state of their backfield.
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