During the bye week that conveniently comes at the midway point of the season, we’ll review each Detroit Lions position group.
Major moves in the first half: Signed George Winn from the practice squad. Moved Montell Owens to injured reserve.
What has worked: Not a ton.
Theo Riddick, when healthy, has proven to be a capable back for screen and receiving usage, similar to the role Reggie Bush inhabits. But like Bush and Joique Bell, he has not really been able to run much or run well this season.
The Lions have also been able to run when they have had leads, particularly with Bell. It was primarily with Bell the Lions closed out the season-opener against the Giants, and even Sunday against Atlanta, they leaned on Bell for 32 second-half yards.
The Lions running backs have been better as pass-catchers, though. Bush (164 yards), Riddick (149 yards) and Bell (137 yards) are the Nos. 5, 6 and 7 leading pass-catchers on the Lions, and all have at least 13 receptions. This is part of how Detroit’s offense is supposed to work.
What has not: Actually running the ball.
As has been written here often, Jim Caldwell’s goal is to average four yards per rush. The Lions have not done that in one game this season, and none of their backs -- even little-used Winn -- are averaging four yards a carry. Bush is at 3.5 yards a carry, Bell at 3.2 and Riddick at 2.8.
Of more concern have been the Lions’ injuries. Bush has missed two games with his ankle injury and was heavily limited in at least one more. Bell missed a game with his first concussion. Riddick had hamstring issues that hampered him throughout the first half of the season. This is a problem, because as much as the Lions like to move around their personnel groupings, running backs perform better when they are in rhythm.
That they are last in the NFL in yards per rush (3.06) and 31st in rushing yards a game (79.63) is a major problem.
Prognosis: There isn’t a great one right now, because the issues with the backs and the run game have many different factors. If Bush, Bell and Riddick can all stay healthy at the same time, that would be a start. So would the offensive line finding some cohesion in run blocking, something that has been noticeably absent.
What could be curious is how the Lions handle all three backs if they are healthy. Bell is a different runner than Bush or Riddick, so he will have a role. But Riddick has looked fresher and like he has had more explosion lately. Yes, Bush has been injured and banged up, but it might be time to split Bush and Riddick’s work a little bit more.
Bush can still do some special things, but there is a reason offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi told me this season that he wants to monitor Bush’s touches and snaps to try and keep him healthy. When he is fresh and healthy, Bush can still be a dynamic player, but he needs to be able to stay at that level. Giving some of his plays to Riddick can’t hurt that.