The Detroit Lions need improvement. The team has been a disappointment over the past few seasons as the playoffs continue to fall out of reach for the team. With players like Matthew Stafford needing a boost in production, a solid run game could be the key to the Lions turning things around. The team got rid of Reggie Bush in the offseason while drafting Ameer Abdullah to assist in the backfield. While the Lions believe they have a quality tandem in place, could one more addition be coming?
At the moment, the Lions are prepared for a position battler between Abdullah and Joique Bell. The rookie is coming into camp very confident in his abilities while Bell believes this is finally his time to be the No.1 rusher for the team.
"I'm going to rush for over 1,200 yards," Bell said, via MLive.com's Kyle Meinke. "That's the minimum. If I do less than that, I'll be surprised. I'll be disappointed. Anthony more than that, I wouldn't be surprised at all. My first year here I rushed for a few hundred (yards). Second year, close to (700). Then last year, almost 900. So this next year, I'm just going to jump the gun and say 1,200. That's the minimum."
The issue with Bell is injuries. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Lions have that in the back of their mind as the rusher continues to miss time every season with a problem. Abdullah has the potential to be a great running back, but as a rookie the chances he is ready to compete as the starter right away are slim. Over the past few seasons, the Lions running attack has left a lot to be desired, placing pressure on players like Stafford and Calvin Johnson to make something out of nothing. Bush continued to decline with his numbers. Bell was a quality backup, but is he ready to be a full-time starter?
According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Lions are a landing spot for Ray Rice. ESPN's Ed Werder has reported the running back has been contacting several teams about getting a second chance in the NFL and the Lions are expected to be one of them. Caldwell told the media that the Lions are not a fit for Rice, but if desperation shows, could he end up signing?
The Lions need a big year. Caldwell needs a good year to stay the head coach. A lot of that will hinge on a balanced offense, one Rice would contribute to. The team has two top receivers in Johnson and Golden Tate. They need a star running back and Bell or Abdullah might not be that guy.
