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Did the Lions improve? RB edition

Did the Detroit Lions improve their talent at running back from 2014 to 2015?

Leon Halip/Getty Images

Our latest series on the Detroit Lions roster continues with a comparison of the running back position from 2014 to 2015. Did the Lions improve at running back? Let's take a look.

2014 RBs: Joique Bell, Reggie Bush, Theo Riddick, George Winn

2015 RBs: Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, George Winn, Zach Zenner, Desmond Martin

Aside from adding a couple of undrafted free agents who will compete for a spot on the 53-man roster, the Lions swapped out Reggie Bush for Ameer Abdullah this offseason. They made the decision to cut Bush back in February, and they selected Abdullah later in the offseason in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Did they improve?

Answering this question is basically also answering the following question: Is Abdullah better than Bush? I say yes. Bush was really slowed down by injuries last season, and even when on the field he was often frustrating to watch between his penchant for dancing around and his unreliable hands. I view Abdullah as a big upgrade in that regard.

What about compared to 2013?

2013 RBs: Reggie Bush, Joique Bell, Theo Riddick, Mikel Leshoure, Montell Owens

The 2013 version of Bush was quite good considering he rushed for 1,006 yards and added another 506 yards through the air. For that reason alone, I have to give the edge to 2013 for now.

Previously: Quarterback