Lions Should Get 'Big Boost' From Return Of Jahvid Best, Mikel Leshoure
by Sean Yuille on Jan 11, 2012 11:36 AM EST
in Detroit Lions News
Email
PrintMuch has been made about the Detroit Lions' issues with running the ball. While their passing attack is one of the best in the league, they struggled in 2011 to be a balanced offense due to their running game struggling so much. In turn, many have clamored that the running back position is near the top of the list of needs for the upcoming offseason.
One thing many are forgetting is that the Lions should be getting two running backs who were injured in 2011 back next season. One of them is Mikel Leshoure, who missed the entire season after going down with an Achilles injury. Jahvid Best also should be back after missing the final 10 games of the regular season because of another concussion. Although concussions can be tricky, especially after a player has already suffered a few in his career, Best said this week he will "definitely be back" and that he's not concerned about his history of concussions.
Leshoure is also coming back from a serious injury, but all signs point to him being on track with his recovery. Jim Schwartz said during an interview earlier in the week that although Leshoure isn't quite ready to carry the ball just yet, he should be "with the rest of the team" when the Lions' offseason conditioning program begins in April.
If Leshoure and Best are both healthy and if Kevin Smith is brought back, the Lions will suddenly have a pretty good stable of running backs. Schwartz actually compared the Lions offense with all of its backs healthy to what the Saints offense looks like.
"We talk about the Saints and how powerful they are; give us a couple running backs like that. The way they use (Darren) Sproles and the way we use Jahvid Best. The way they use Pierre Thomas and Ingram and the way we plan on using Leshoure. That will be a big boost for us."
One of the things many have overlooked with the Saints is their running game. That's not a surprise given what Drew Brees did this season, but they have a solid running game, which is a big reason why their offense is so dangerous.
If the Lions can find a running game next season, their offense will also become much more dangerous. While it's already quite good and has several playmakers, balancing things out and making defenses respect the running game would go a long way toward the offense getting even better in 2012.
61 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
O-line.
That is all I have to say about that.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
by UndaDawg on Jan 11, 2012 11:41 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
I am not convinced it is all on the O-line
I think the quality of the running backs have something to do as well for the lack of a solid running game.
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith 1945 - 2011 R.I.P.
No doubt that comes into it.
A talented RB can do well despite line issues (to a point). However a good runblocking o-line will allow for the injuries which consistently plague our running backs going back to Kevin Jones. We can throw in a backup with a good runblocking o-line and still get production. (Also, I forget who it was, but somebody around here suggested the injuries were in fact partly because of the o-line to begin with. I don’t know if I agree with that totally but it’s hard to argue when it is so consistent.)
Sorry, but we’ve spent too many resources on the guys we have. A 1st and a 2nd first round pick? We can’t keep doing that shit. I’m excited to get them back but to be honest I fully expect Best to get hurt again (Sorry, I want Best to prove me wrong, I really do). And who knows what Leshoure is gonna do. Or even when he’ll be good to go for that matter.
We need to prepare ourselves for when they go down. Shoring up the O-line will help that out immensely.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
How does shoring up the o-line immensely help with injuries?
RB’s will still be tackle whether it is in the backfield, two yards past the line of scrimmage or 5 yards. They still will have to endure hits..
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith 1945 - 2011 R.I.P.
My point was when our RBs get injured, we need to play backups.
A shored up O-line will help get production out of less talented RB’s, thus helping with the injury problems.
Saying the injuries were a result of the o-line was just an aside. As I said in the post, I don’t know who said it, and I don’t know if I’m really on board with that, but either way, a better o-line will help us deal with RB injuries by getting better production out of backups. (Not to mention better production out of the starters when they are healthy)
The underlying thing I’m trying to say here, is I don’t want to waste draft picks or big FA money on RBs this year. I’d rather those resources go into the o-line. (and the secondary)
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
I do agree that the o-line needs some help
And I am of the opinion that the help should be in the form of a new LT and a new RT. But even with that said, I do not want to start a rookie OT on either side of the line. I guess my ideal situation would be sign Backus to a cheap 1-yr deal. Draft someone( i.e. Mike Adams) at 23. Let them sit a year knowing that they will take over in 2013. Same goes for Gosder who is a FA in 2013. Give him a year to prove his worth.
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith 1945 - 2011 R.I.P.
Sounds good to me.
I didn’t mean to infer that I wanted a rookie at OT this year. What I want is players that can in the future, take the reigns.
I have no faith in Fox as he has proven to be the worst as far as injuries. He might work out, but I’d like to have a few guys that could be plugged in in 2013. However, this needs to be addressed this year if we’re gonna avoid starting a rookie.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
I had hope for Fox
but back to back seasons with injuries that to my knowledge happen in practice. Does not bode well for his durability.
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith 1945 - 2011 R.I.P.
I hope he gets a couple good years in the league
Figures we get a six six 320 pound prospect and he gets the injury bug before he can play a down.
He had the injury bug before we even drafted him.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
I agree with JC.
Just look at what Pierre Thomas did against our defence. His blocking was not outstanding, it was good, but he consistently broke tackles to pile up that yardage. If Leshoure is that kind of back, he should do pretty well for us.
Best also looked much better in 2011 finding holes and reading what blocks he did have. He even looked stronger, breaking the odd tackle and running through arm tackles which seemed to bring him down last year. He is also a very dangerous receiver out of the backfield that can really punish a team if they lose track of him.
Smith did look better this year, but he should be # 3 on the Lions RB depth chart.
"I’m sorry for all the people who want us to run the ball 40 times a game, but we’re going to put the ball in No. 9’s hands and he’s going to make plays for us like he did today," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. Amen to that Jim!
Agreed just look at the formations the Lions used depending on who was in the backfield
With, Best we were almost entirely in shotgun. Leads me to believe that Best can not run between the tackles, and that he is more of a “open space” runner. WIth MoMo and Smith, Stafford was under center much more. Making the offense a lot more balance. I believe that Leshoure is an upgrade to Smith, and Bell could be comparable to MoMo.
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith 1945 - 2011 R.I.P.
Honestly, I don't see a lot of changes coming for our run game
The offense showed it can flourish without a big running threat. The only time the lack of running game really hurt us was in short-yardage situations. Hopefully LeShoure will solve that problem.
agreed
Its more likely to stay the same. With the pending mega, megatron contract we are going to keep a lot of the same players and look to get better in the draft.
I have a 9" personality
by Waitingfortheroar on Jan 11, 2012 11:56 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Best said this week he will "definitely be back" and that he's not concerned about his history of concussions
Am i the only one not buying this? there is no way we can count on him to be around for a full season.
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
If he is getting half the touches, i don't see why he couldn't come back.
but its obvious he can’t take the full work load.
because everytime he goes to the ground he leads with his head
seriously, ever watch the guy go down? it seems he lands on his head more often than not.
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Jan 11, 2012 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
Just because he's not concerned
doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be.
I’m nervous about Best…
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
He hasn't been in the league long enough to say
there is no way we can count on him to be around for a full season.
If he’s willing to risk further injury just to play for Detroit, I’m gonna give the kid his shot and 100% of my support.
That goddamn Okra and beans got you Oprah in jeans. Seems to me a little lean cuisine, wouldn't hurt much- Agh don't touch! -Obie Trice
If he's not concerned about his history, he ought to be reminded
He’s one more from being forced from the game.
Fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Red Wings.
Best can't be expected to be to much of a contributor
The man has had 3 concussions. I read the article and he said he is not worried about it. Well with all due respect Jahvid, your insane. He is always going to be one hit away from ending his season. He can’t be counted on. He seems to be a great person and obviously and explosive player but he needs to hang it up.
It remains to be seen how Mikel performs coming back from his injury. Achilles are tough to come back from. But he is a young athlete so we will see.
So to wrap up. I am still concerned about the running back position
"My Mama once told me don't argue with fools, cause people from a distance can't tell who is who" - Jay Z
I'll let the doctors decide whats best for Best...
everyone here really has no idea what he will be capable of. We don’t even know the severity of his concussions. Rodgers had 2 last year and if he got another one no one would say he should hang it up.
Rodgers wasn't put on IR
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
we do know that for some reason even 10 games wasn't enough to come back
who else is out that long for a concussion?
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Jan 11, 2012 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
sidney crosby
It’s not just the number of concussions, it’s the severity. Rodgers’ concussion weren’t that severe. Best’s have been at least somewhat severe.
yeah, but crosby is not known for his toughness, more of a "delicate" player
who else in the nfl was out for 10 games with a concussion?
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Jan 11, 2012 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
Best
Might have been back the last two-three weeks had we needed him however they went the smart route and decided to allow him to fully recover and to create a roster space.
Datsyukian Deke, Detroit Red Wings Blog
Follow @cnsportsblogs
eehhhh, I wouldn’t exactly say Crosby is a delicate player who shies away from contact. A lot of that perception stems from his first two years when all he did was bitch. He’s tough in the same sense that Datsyuk is tough.
Plenty of NHL’ers have missed 3+ weeks with a concussion this year alone, although I would venture to guess that Hockey in more concussion prone in general, purely based on the speed of the game and helmets.
Crosby is a whining entitled joke.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phew...
Glad I’m not the only one who thinks this.
by GrumpyOldMan on Jan 12, 2012 12:07 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Well, with what we gave up needlessly to get these two, I sure hope we get something out of them.
More then a couple of half seasons.
Is your head as big as your Mama's ass?
What about Joique?
I don’t expect Best to be around for a full season, but they did sign Joique Bell for a couple of years. Might be Smith, LeShoure and Bell. But if we get down to Bell at the end, it’d be Zoik! it’s Joique! :D
by DaMidWesterner on Jan 11, 2012 12:52 PM EST reply actions
Oh yeah Bell
Heard some POD members say they liked him. Hope he gets some run because I don’t trust Smith to last either.
"My Mama once told me don't argue with fools, cause people from a distance can't tell who is who" - Jay Z
I think he's a likely 4th RB next season
They must have seen something to sign him the way they did to carry over into next season. He’ll be given ample opportunity to contend for a spot in camp. My hope is he works on his pass protections and can at least eek out a spot in that role and then perhaps some lead blocking.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
Best
Does anyone honestly believe Jahvid Best will play more than 6-8 games next season? Unfortunately, he just seems like one of those players struck with bad luck. I think our best hope is Leshoure.
1-2-3 punch
Best, Leshoure, Smith. Hopefully a balanced attack with those three will keep each other healthy. crosses fingers
I agree that is our best shot to keep those guys healthy
Run a Saints-style running attack with each guy getting 5-8 carries a game. We really aren’t going to run it more than 20-25 times a game with our style of offense anyway.
Formerly WestSideLionsFan. Fan of all Detroit sports teams.
I do
I don’t believe he’s that much more injury prone than others. The turf toes thing doesn’t mean he’ll have it again. The concussions are without a doubt a concern but just about anyone can get one on any play. Having already had 2-3 does increase his odds a little bit, my understanding is given how long it’s been between this one and next season those odds are slight.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
Honestly, I have high hopes for Leshoure
But, I wouldn’t expect Best to play many more games in the NFL. He needs to be used VERY sparingly… like Darren Sproles, but even less running.
All men are created equal. Its just that some men are more equal than others....
Sproles returns kicks and punts
That would get Jahvid killed. I agree that he shouldn’t be pounding it up the middle so much like we had been doing with him before. We need to feed him the ball in space and give it to someone else in close quarters.
Formerly WestSideLionsFan. Fan of all Detroit sports teams.
Agree
Less than sproles then..
All men are created equal. Its just that some men are more equal than others....
by CapitolLions on Jan 13, 2012 8:56 AM EST up reply actions
I can only hope our RB's stay healthy, could be #1 offense next season...
I honestly think Leshoure is going to be a great back in this league. I hope this injury does not plague him. He did have a real positive attitude in an interview after just getting injured. My thoughts would be look at what Stafford has accomplished front watching the game instead of playing the game his first 2 years.
Also what smith has done this year to make plays out of nothing was amazing, all before he got injured of course. He will be our silver lining next year
Best is still gonna play the same role of catching passes out of the backfield, opposing defenses that see #44 on field are going to have to change up there game plan to focus LB’s a little more towards him, which is going to open up Pettigrew or Johnson in the middle of the field
Mikel Leshoure
His sister is a client of mine (I work in advertising) and she says he is very excited about 2012, and she keeps talking about how he’s going to be a beast. I believe her, being that I watched Leshoure play at the U of I, which I live about 3 miles off of its campus.
Mikel and Jahvid can be a tandem back there, if they can stay healthy. That’s a big if right now.
USE THE SCHWARTZ!!!
awesome. We have some inside info now.
I agree Mikel is a beast. I watched him play many times at U of I, and in no way did I think the Lions could get him. Any new on his ankle, other than what Schwartz has said?
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith 1945 - 2011 R.I.P.
Are skill position players as effective as they should be
the year following a burst achilles?
Did you guys see the size of that chicken?
generally speaking
No
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
How many actually come back from it period?
I’d like to see some stats on that…seems like a huge injury.
President of the Eric Wright fan club, but I love me some Aaron Berry.
Obligatory statement about being a huge Lions fan.
I have a twitter: Follow Me
there are active RBs playing now that have
but not many.
2 I think. Can’t think of the names.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is something you may want to read. It starts:
Only two-thirds of National Football League players ever come back, and those who do find their performance significantly affected.
Link: http://www.lowerextremityreview.com/article/return-to-football-after-achilles-tendon-rupture
Did you guys see the size of that chicken?
ugggg
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I feel way more confident in Leshoure coming back more ready than Best
I’ve said this a few times here, Best should of been used as a scat back. I used the word should because he shouldn’t be in the back field any more. HE HAS A CONCUSSION HISTORY, let’s say he comes back and plays 6 or 8 games then gets another concussion, then what. He sits for a few more games comes back and what, we all sit on pin and needles hoping for the best. If’s he’s not worried than Schwartz should be he shouldn’t want to play a guy who’s really one more concussion away from thinking about retirement. Stick with Leshoure, Bell and Smith and use Best as a KR/PR or him coming out of the slot. Him being on the field as a decoy is still better than not having him at all…
Catching a few screen passes would be o.k., too.
He should have been used like the Chargers used Sproles
Did you guys see the size of that chicken?
I'm a PA-C and I deal with concussion patients sometimes.
Jahvid Best has a concussion history which means he will be more susceptible to them in the future. Given the industry he’s in, it’s more likely he will be hit somewhere near the head at some point this season.
Also, don’t forget that a concussion doesn’t have to be someone hitting you head to head. Any motion in which the head and neck are cracked like whip violently can lead to concussion. A concussion is a trauma in which the brain moves violently within the cranium. That in return causes brain cells to fire off causing a small seizure which lead to post-concussion symptoms and a higher likely hood of reoccuring injury.
Mikel LeShoure’s injury can be career ending. I doubt it will be, he has been rehabbing the right way, and he had a great orthopedic surgeon. He’s also young so the tendon will heal better than it would on say a 35-40 year old male.
In conclusion, I think this at some point will be Jahvid Best’s last year.
What's so funny 2011 Lions? Gordon Bombay doesn't think losing is funny.
Leshoure = 2012 Beastmode
Draft Konz!!
Schwartz is high on crack on this one
The main difference between our stable of backs and the Saints stable of backs is they actually have a real O-line to block and open holes for them. We on the other hand do not. Until this issue is resolved our running game will be shit all over again. It’s common sense!!!!!!!!!!!
Yup
and there is another huge difference.
Our RBs get hurt climbing out of bed in the morning.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A lot of teams wished they had our backfield personel
Best- Regardless of concussions he still freaks out defenses with his flexibility, speed and elusiveness. If Leshoure wasn’t hurt he would have never been asked to be an every down back (imo it was foolhardy anyways).
Leshoure- The Achilles injury was a carrier ender 15 years ago (just as ACL and MCL injuries were), 5-10 years ago it was a burden, now a days a young player like Mikel stands an excellent chance of coming back unaffected. Which is important; Leshoure’s stile of running is kinda unique for his size. He likes to hit big holes and then use his shiftiness in space to create bad angles for tacklers; therefore lessening the blow they can deliver. He’s a perfect compliment to Best in that he is capable of power running but minimizes the punishing hits while not sacrificing a whole lot of speed.
Smith- Just about a prototypical third down back runs the screen better than anyone we got (when he manages to take the ball with him). He’s committed to stretching plays for first downs, and much like Burleson, he has no idea of just how small he is.
Bubble- Morris, Bell, and Williams
This is a complete back field that gives the offense incredible dynamics and solid depth in case of injuries but undadawg said it best all the way at the top. O-LINE! The Denver Broncos have surpassed mediocrity for years by focusing on their o-line. It doesn’t matter
who runs the ball there, as soon as they put on a broncos jersey they become a thousand yard rusher. If we invest 2 of our first three picks on O-linemen, their will be a reward in the running game.
That's all fine and dandy but...
Let’s just hope that Leshoure has no adverse affects from the Achilles injury that prevents him from playing up to the standard he did in college, and that Best can put his history of concussions behind him. At this point both players should be viewed as potential NFL players with some caution (IMO) because if they can’t perform as expected, or they can’t stay in the game week in and week out then they won’t be a lot of help going forward. Don’t get me wrong I wish both of them nothing but a great deal of success in their futures and with the Lions, I’m just trying to be sensible and realistic in my assessment is all. There is a running back from Florida Jeff Davis that will be entering the draft this year (I think) whom is really fast like Best is and I think he would be able to add the dimension of a kick returner to boot. I don’t know where he’ll go in the draft, but I really don’t think he will be near the top, unless a team is looking for a change of pace style running back and not an every down one. Whatever the Lions do will be fine with me, because I’m sure they know much better than I do what the needs of the team are, and I’m sure the scouting staff has looked at many more players than I have time to as well. These are just my thoughts on the subject and absolutely nothing more.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Pride Of Detroit
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
