In Focus: Lions 2011 Running Game
by Dustin J Quarrella on Feb 12, 2012 3:36 PM EST
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PrintAccording to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Kevin Smith and Jahvid Best had overall rankings of 41 and 43, based on running backs that played in at least 25% of the season's snaps. Frank Gore, Chris Johnson, Shonn Greene, Reggie Bush, and Beanie Wells each ranked lower.
To narrow it down and put the numbers in focus, Smith and Best ranked 41st and 47th as runners, while Titans RB Chris Johnson finished the year ranked 53rd. Clearly, Jahvid Best's strength as a running back has been in the passing game, where he totes an overall ranking of 11. Kevin Smith's strength is as a blocker, where he finished the 2011 campaign with a blocker rank of 14. Smith did an above average job of picking up blitzes, and was productive leaking out of the backfield as a receiver.
It's also interesting to note that no Lions running back ranked in the top 56 in "breakaway percentage," based on 25% of snaps played. According to PFF, the breakaway percentage ranks tailbacks by the amount of carries that went for 15 yards or more. Furthermore, Smith and Best ranked 37th and 39th respectively in the "drop rate" category; PFF bases this on catchable balls that are dropped.
The numbers indicate that guard Stephen Peterman and tackle Gosder Cherilus, manning the right side of the offensive line, struggled opening up consistent running lanes for Lions backs. Peterman finished the season ranked 56th amongst offensive guards as a run blocker, and Cherilus ranked 61st amongst offensive tackles as a run blocker.
Jahvid Best's season was cut short, and his ability to make impact plays was sorely missed, though PFF's numbers indicate his breakaway runs were infrequent. Mikel Leshoure being injured in training camp left the Lions without what they imagined to be a workhorse back, and what may have been the ying to Best's yang. While Kevin Smith epitomizes will and toughness, his ability to stay on the field impacted his and the team's success as the season went on.
The question then becomes, what is the biggest factor for the Lions inability to consistently run the ball with effectiveness? Is it the offensive line? The running backs? A combination of both?
With Matthew Stafford under center, the Lions won't likely ever be a "running" team. Jim Schwartz made it clear earlier this season that the organization didn't draft #9 to hand the ball off all game. However, even Schwartz would agree that being more efficient in the running game would provide Stafford and the offense with an ability to keep the defense guessing.
As free agency and NFL draft fast approach, the Lions front office must address the run game, whether by adding offensive lineman, running backs, or both. Hopefully Mikel Leshoure fully recovers from a torn Achilles and Jahvid Best is able to play a full season, but each player remains a huge question mark. Bringing back Kevin Smith would provide depth, but the numbers indicate the team needs more.
It will be intriguing to see the approach the Lions take in addressing the running game woes.
ROAR.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit or its writers. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.
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Its combo of things imo...
the loss of Best and Leshoure didnt help nor does the fact that Gos and Peterman couldnt block my gma long enough to open a hole.
To have had Best Leshoure and a stronger right side imo would have not of made Staffords numbers drop any, I think it plays to his favour.
It should be very interesting to see exactly what direction Jim and Martin go in FA and the draft. Will Leshoure even be the back we drafted, can Best continue his career and is there a Olinemen who can come in here day 1 and take either Gos or Petermans job.
So imo Best Leshoure Gos Peterman and Stafford all play a role in he productivity of the run game but what will become of it is unknown. I can promise you this Stafford and his arm wont take a back seat to the run game.
" Maybe for a writer...but i am sure most of you can tell i am not a writer". det32
by SmittyJ on Feb 12, 2012 4:50 PM EST via mobile reply actions
the right side was, is, and will be bad
but it sure doesn’t help they have a smurf in the middle. I don’t care what they want to say about him, I don’t believe it. I see a Napoleon that can channel his fire at times and can somewhat protect or deflect. He just can’t get reliable push.
Of course having Best get loopy and LeShoure have horrible luck played huge in the running game struggles. The thing is even talented backs like them still need at least a little help up front to provide the scripted opening. How many times, for example, do we see a back shoot the 1 or 2 and be forced to try and squeeze it outside because all they find is midget back?
I firmly believe that as soon as they improve, and solidify, they OL they’ll get far better results in the running game even if it is playing scrubs (sorry ksmoove, but you now qualify as that)
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
I agree with both of the above and it does not matter.
We are a passing team and our run game was good enough to be a concern for other teams.
"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!
With the issues we have at other positions I am hoping that we can bring back the same 3 guys next year. Granted not knowing the mediacal situation put us at a disadvantage in making decisions but we can speculate.
I think the 3 guys we have compliment each other well and if they can stay somewhat healthy we have a very deep backfield in the mold of the Saints. Not saying our guys are at that level yet but they easily could be. I hope we focus on on our other glaring areas of need first like CB, OL and LB IMO.
They did it for Savy, they did it for Horton, they did it for each other, they did it for us. I give you the 2011 Stanley Cup Champions....The Boston Bruins!!
My Lions lost to the Saints who are clearly the better team. (This is what happens when you back your team and they lose),
ONe question....
Whats with all the Quarella’s Threads?
9 in 4 days????
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
it's an invasion
due to the PoD lax emigration policy we’re now flooded with underpaid Quarella’s trying to take our jobs!
that’s right…
it’s getting serious!!
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
I'm happy to see it.
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
the lions will most lickely add a rb in the draft and it would not shock me if they add one in the 1rst or 2rd of the draft and hears why both of your top rbcs on your roster our comeing off majioer injuerys and one in best will he macke it allyear for you ?. the lions now our a playoff team with a old offensive line that they will try to upgrade in the next few draft s while still being in the play off a very hard thing to do in the nfl .so if your the lions gm do you draft for the long term and maybee draft a offensive linemen who might tacke some time to be the player you need him to be in nfl right now to improve your offensive line or do draft rb who might macke a bad runblocking offensive line lock good and might macke them a tem with a great chance to macke a long run in the playoff s and who knowes wilth a little luck they might win a super bowel .
you gotta love this guy
it hurt’s my brain mom
by lionsfan4ever on Feb 14, 2012 7:36 PM EST up reply actions
and it would not shock me if they add one in the 1rst or 2rd of the draft
Yup, mayhew loves him some early round “skill” positions.
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-There are approximately 45 cats and dogs for every person born.
-Only 1 out of 10 dogs born ever get a home.
-Only 1 out of 12 cats born ever find a home.
-Approximately 800 dogs & cats are KILLED each HOUR in the United States, because there are not enough homes for them!
that shouldn't be a tough decision at this point imo
Mayhew can’t keep loading up a RB draft machine gun hoping to keep throwing picks at it, en masse, and 1 will finally make the unit work. If they want to make that deep bowel run they really need to shore up that OL. An OL typically takes a lot more time to stand out than a RB. Get that new OL gelling asap then get a RB late, fa, or in future seasons if that’s necessary.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
Title
In Focus: Lions 2011 Running Game
Running Game???
"WR Brandon "I'll stab you bitch" Marshall (who finally got stabbed himself for once) had 10 catches for 102 yards and no TDs". - KDAWG
goofy and goofier
forever joined at the hip. 1 manages to succeed despite all the messing up the other manages to always mess up despite when they manage to succeed.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
This is the reason I like Konz
He can come in and play guard while learning the center position from Dom. Peterman becomes an excellent backup and we have a backup for center. The next year Konz moves to center and Dom becomes an excellent backup. Having a big center who can drive block should improve both guard’s play. We would then have had a year to see what the other guys have and would know whether to go for a guard or a tackle.
We have Staff. We need a serviceable running game but we must have a strong line to protect Staff. Having a line that can do both would be wonderful but that would be unusual. If your emphasis is passing. You pick up someone in the later rounds for RB because they’re going to take a hammering and you’re probably going to have to replace them regularly..
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