Lions Backfield Worth Watching Friday Night
6 years agoThe Detroit Lions backfield will be the most intriguing part of their offense throughout the preseason. Kerryon Johnson, the Lion's second-round selection with the 43rd overall pick, will look to build on his impressive pro debut last week when he managed 67 total yards, including 33 on four catches. With Theo Riddick (sat out last week with undisclosed injury) being essentially a non-threat to run when lined up in Detroit's backfield, it will be interesting to see if Johnson can provide Detroit with a more dynamic threat from the running back position, which is something the Lions have been desperate for in recent years. Johnson's upside remains limited with LeGarrette Blount expected to receive exclusive goal-line duties, but he will likely get every opportunity to fail as one of the new coaching regime's top picks from this year's draft. If Johnson churns out more performances like last week, it would not be surprising to see Detroit move on from Riddick or Ameer Abdullah when final roster cuts are made.