The Detroit Lions are looking to bolster their run game by bringing in veteran running back Stevan Ridley. Ridley did not have a very effective season running the ball with the Jets in 2015 but the Lions are desperate for help with this rushing attack. Ridley would only record one start, 36 rushing attempts, 90 rushing yards, 2.5 yards per carry, and no touchdowns. His best season came with the New England Patriots, who utilized him more than any other team he has been on.
In 2012 Ridley recorded 12 starts, 290 rushing attempts, 1,263 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per carry, and 12 touchdowns. If Ridley is used properly he can be very effective especially in third down situations. The Detroit Lions suffered some massive blows to their football team as the 2016 offseason has gone on, the biggest of which was most notably the loss of wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who retired.
The Lions also released long time running back Joique Bell, who could not stay healthy for the last two seasons. This forced the Lions hand during the 2015 NFL Draft as they brought in running back Ameer Abdullah. The 22-year-old Nebraska alum was one of the highest rated backs in the NFL Draft and inspired a great deal of hope for this Lion's fan base.
After drawing comparisons of Barry Sanders and other hall of fame running backs, Abdullah fell flat behind this porous Detroit offensive line. Defenses were constantly able to generate pressure and get their hands on Abdullah in the backfield. Abdullah only ended up recording nine starts, 143 rushing attempts, 597 rushing yards, 4.2 yards per carry, two touchdowns, 25 passing receptions, a receiving touchdown, and 183 receiving yards.
When Abdullah was benched, 24-year-old running back Theo Riddick stepped in, but was predominantly effective in the passing game. He recorded only one start, 43 rushing attempts, 133 rushing yards, 3.1 yards per carry, no rushing touchdowns, 80 receptions, 697 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns. Riddick remains the primary third down back/passing down back and may get more targets with the departure of Johnson.
The Lions last running back on the roster, Zach Zenner, only has one season in the league. He was a breath of fresh air for this offense as often when he would enter games he would provide a spark that none of the other running backs on the roster could.
Zenner would finish the 2015 season with a single start, 17 rushing attempts, 60 rushing yards, 3.5 yards per carry and no touchdowns. The Detroit Lions could use all the help they can get with their running game and adding a solid veteran back to this youthful group should help them in the long run.
