Lions Look: Dividends Paid
A significant investment made a big payoff today.
Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn made it a mission to improve his team's abysmal rushing offense this past offseason. In free agency, he picked up LeGarrette Blount from the Philadelphia Eagles. In the draft, two premium picks, guard/center Frank Ragnow and running back Kerryon Johnson, were spent. Critics were sharp, as some believed that a pass rusher would be a better allocation of resources.
Today, the team executive was vindicated.
The Lions had a banner day running the football against the Miami Dolphins. Johnson would gain 158 yards on 19 carries to give him his second 100 yard rushing game this season. It was the most by an individual Lion since Jahvid Best in 2011. The team would collectively gain 248 yards, the largest team total in a game since 1997. Couple this with QB Matt Stafford's effective stat line (18 of 22 for 217 yards & 2 TD's), and this would be another strong offensive showing that would be a key component in the Lions' 32-21 victory over the Dolphins in the blazing heat in Miami Gardens. This is Lions second consecutive win and their third victory in their last four. After a rough September, the Lions have found their footing in October, going 2-1 and playing far better than one month ago. And the timing could be crucial.
The Lions enter a five game stretch that would very well determine their postseason fate. Next week, the Seattle Seahawks come off a bye and roll into Ford Field resolute in their focus in returning to the playoffs after a one year hiatus. After this tough test, the Lions take a two game divisional road trip with calls to Minnesota and Chicago, then begin a three game homestand hosting the Carolina Panthers, then welcome the Bears on Thanksgiving. All these games can be won or lost. A clean sweep would put Detroit in prime playoff position with a path to the NFC North title, whereas a losing streak will likely have the Lions playing out the string in December. These are interesting times for the Honolulu Blue and Silver. We'll see just how much so beginning next week.
