I know there were (are) some Kevin Smith haters out there, but when you look at the run game we have had without him, you have to admit, he was pretty good.  

Back when we signed Bell and Harrison, I thought why?  Smith knows the offense and I am pretty sure he is better than those cast offs.  I still think that.  I don't dislike Keiland  Williams though, he has improved to a point, where in place of Mikel Leshoure, he should be a Lion.  But if Best can't go this year we need Kevin Smith.  He knows the offense and hasn't really had the pleasure to be part of the team with a healthy and experienced Stafford.  I hope Kevin stayed in shape because I would like to reaping dividends as soon as possible.

Smith started the first year with the Lions in 2008. In case you don't remember the Lions sucked.  Kevin Smith ran just short of 1,000 with a 4.1 yard average and 8 TD's.  Along with that, he caught 39 for almost 300 yards and had 6.9 yards after the catch. That is with an O line worse than we have now.as a rookie.  I don't care what anyone says, when he came to the Lions he was a great, not elite but great running back.  

I posted an article earlier this year referring to my distrust in the Lions RB coach, Sam Gash.

http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2011/8/30/2392795/does-detroit-ruin-their-running-backs

All starting running backs in Detroit last around a year or less. What's the common denominator?  

I am glad other teams haven't realized that THIS Detroit Lions cast off has ability and a few years left.  Like they did with Cory Redding, James Hall, Shaun Cody, Gerald Alexander, Andre Goodman, John McGraw and countless others who were deemed bad players in Detroit when the problem was coaching and the talent around them.  

Now we have a coaching staff, hopefully one with a new-found trust in Smith, and the talent on both sides of the ball. I am glad Kevin Smith has the opportunity to be a part of the Lions again.