The Detroit Lions got a much-needed big win on Thanksgiving as they beat up on the Philadelphia Eagles 45 to 14. Part of that was the rise of Calvin Johnson who continues to prove age is just another while the other was a productive day from Ameer Abdullah. The rookie running back proved that he is a viable candidate for more carries as the games go on which means Joique Bell could be sitting on the sidelines more times than not.
Abdullah is improving after the start of his NFL career was marred by fumbles. The rookie running back is earning more time on the field which came to the tune of 16 carries for 63 yards on the ground Thursday. Abdullah looked comfortable as the workhorse running back weaving through the Eagles' defense. According to head coach Jim Caldwell, Abdullah keeps earning more and more carries after he proved he can get over the rough patch that plagued him at the start of the season.
"I think there's growth and development in our game. It's a hard game, it's tough. It takes a little time,'' Caldwell said, via The Oakland Press. "It's not one where you just come into the building and you're going to be a standout every single week and I think as far as his development, he's taking care of the ball better, he's got a better understanding of what we're asking him to do and I think the guys are utilizing him properly in that regard."
Theo Riddick is another player getting more time on the field as he remains the favored passing-down back. Riddick finished second in receiving on Thursday with five catches for 62 yards including a touchdown. That versatility is allowing him to stay on the field more times than not as a safety blanket for Matthew Stafford. Bell had the quietest day for the Lions, but Abdullah believes that the three running backs for a quality tandem for the Lions to work with.
Theo (Riddick) has been on fire, catching everything out of the backfield, making good decisions on his routes, running good routes and just playing hard," Abdullah said, via MLive.com. "Joique (Bell) is coming back. I feel like he's finally healthy and he's running hard. Then there's me, just trying to find my way."
The rise of the run game was important for Stafford, but so was the connection with Johnson. Both Stafford and Johnson have faced a lot of questions about their future with the Lions as trade rumors circle around them However, in Week 12, they proved just how productive their connection with one another can be. Johnson finished the day against the Eagles with eight catches for 93 yards and three touchdowns. Stafford targeted him 14 times. That improved connection between the two players is why the Lions will have a hard time deciding what to do with contracts in the offseason. As Johnson approaches another milestone in his excellent career, Caldwell aims to keep him around.
"We often remind the guys on this team that they have the opportunity to be with a very rare individual in Calvin Johnson," Caldwell said, via the Detroit Free Press. "He's everything you would ask for in terms of a real pro. He is the epitome of a professional athlete in terms of his approach to the game."
