The Lions need Stafford efficient and on the field for all 16 video games if theyre going to challenge for a playoff spot. It wouldnt surprise me if Peterson got the very first bring of the Lions season. At 35 years old, hes not going to be a workhorse, every-down back, but the Lions didnt sign him with the idea of utilizing him only on goal-line plays or in short-yardage scenarios, either.
Swift is the teams most gifted back and must see his role boost as the season goes on, but dont be amazed if the Lions have Peterson on the field in essential circumstances, particularly early in the year.
RB DAndre Swift: The Lions utilized a second-round draft choice on a running back for the second time in 3 years, and if Swift is the type of dual-purpose weapon they think he can be, they wont have to devote those type of resources to the position for a long time.
Theres more buzz about the Detroit Lions as playoff competitors this fall than there has been in recent years. How they respond to these 3 concerns will help identify how far they go:
Can Matthew Stafford remain healthy in 2020?
Health is such a relative term in the NFL. No one makes it through a season completely healthy. The Lions need Stafford efficient and on the field for all 16 video games if theyre going to challenge for a playoff spot. Stafford was among the NFLs top ironmen up until a back injury knocked him out of the last eight games last season, but that does not suggest he has actually been an image of health. In 2018, he played through transverse process fractures in his back. In 2016 and 2017, he had hand injuries that impacted his play to differing degrees.
Stafford had a good training camp and has revealed no sticking around results from his current back injuries. The Lions, with their actions, even stated as much when they targeted Chase Daniel to be their backup quarterback this offseason.
The Lions might not be as balanced on offense as they like, with concerns about their run game and a completely new ideal side of the offending line, with rookie Jonah Jackson starting at best guard. That might put Stafford in the shooting line for a few more sacks this season, in a division with Khalil Mack, Preston and ZaDarius Smith and a Danielle Hunter-Yannick Ngakoue combination to contend with. Its more most likely than not that Stafford plays all 16 video games this fall, however hell have some bumps along the method.
What role will Adrian Peterson have this fall?
When the Lions signed Peterson over the weekend, they informed him to be prepared for a huge workload in Week 1. It would not amaze me if Peterson got the very first bring of the Lions season. At 35 years old, hes not going to be a workhorse, every-down back, however the Lions didnt sign him with the concept of using him just on goal-line plays or in short-yardage scenarios, either.
Presuming he remains healthy, I think Peterson will be a huge part of the Lions backfield by committee. The group is worried about Kerryon Johnsons knees and what injuries the last two years have done to his elusiveness, and DAndre Swift is playing catch-up after missing time in the preseason with a leg injury. Swift is the teams most skilled back and needs to see his role boost as the season goes on, however do not be shocked if the Lions have Peterson on the field in crucial situations, specifically early in the year.
I dont believe Peterson is a danger to challenge Barry Sanders put on the all-time rushing list; he requires 1,054 yards to pass Sanders for fourth place on the list. But Peterson ran for 1,940 backyards as the main starter over the last 2 seasons in Washington and could lead the Lions in rushing this fall.
What will Kenny Golladay do for a repetition?
The casual NFL fan probably doesnt recognize that the NFLs touchdown receptions leader last season resides in Detroit. Golladay captured a league-best 11 goals and had a career-high 1,190 yards receiving in 2015. Simply 26 years of ages, he appears poised for an even better season in 2020.
Golladay, at 6-feet-4 and 214 pounds, is among the biggest receivers in the NFL but one of the most physical. He overpowers cornerbacks with his strength and frame, and with Darrell Bevell calling the offense and Stafford slinging the ball, he ought to have ample opportunity to make plays down field once again.
[Kenny Golladay poised to land brand-new contract: Heres what it could look like ] Yes, defensive planners will be more in tune with Golladays every step after his breakout 2019 season, however considering the connection he has with Stafford, and the truth that he played half his video games with Jeff Driskel and David Blough last season, its not unreasonable to think he might top 80 catches and 1,300 yards this fall.
3 newbies to watch
RB DAndre Swift: The Lions utilized a second-round draft badger a running back for the 2nd time in 3 years, and if Swift is the kind of dual-purpose weapon they think he can be, they will not have to commit those kind of resources to the position for a very long time. Swifts strength appears to be as a mismatch for linebackers outdoors field. Hes not the most significant back, and he missed substantial time during training school, which will limit his role early in the season. If he does not have a function on 3rd downs out of the gate and isnt splitting time in the backfield with either Adrian Peterson or Kerryon Johnson by midseason, it will be a frustration.
Truthfully, the Lions have targeted Jackson to be Graham Glasgows replacement at best guard considering that they traded up to get him in the spring. He was a little bit ahead of most novices since he played for Lions coaches in the Senior Bowl, but hes still a work-in-progress as a blocker.
WR Jamal Agnew: OK, so hes not technically a newcomer, however Agnew is brand-new to his function after changing from cornerback to receiver this offseason. The Lions are deep at the receiver position, with Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola locked into beginning tasks, and Marvin Hall and rookie Quintez Cephus also in backup spots. Cephus is probably next in line must somebody go down, however Agnews special-teams ability guys hell be active and most likely have a role on offense weekly, even early in the season. I wouldnt expect big numbers, but Agnew was a quick research study at the position and must call for 10 or 12 offending snaps a video game.
Depth chart
QB: Matthew Stafford, Chase Daniel
RB: Adrian Peterson, DAndre Swift
WR: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Hall
WR: Marvin Jones, Quintez Cephus
WR: Danny Amendola, Jamal Agnew
TE: T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James
LT: Taylor Decker, Matt Nelson
LG: Joe Dahl, Oday Aboushi
C: Frank Ragnow, Logan Stenberg
RG: Jonah Jackson, Logan Stenberg
RT: Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Tyrell Crosby
