The Detroit Lions Are Missing a Burner on Offense

The Detroit Lions have plenty of dynamic pieces on offense that all sort of compliment each other very nicely but they are missing something. They appear to be missing that player that can take the top off of the defense.

Imagine if the Detroit Lions had that third or fourth receiver that could explode every now or then by taking a post route, or a bubble screen to the house when the defense doesn’t expect it. I mean, Kenny Golladay is fantastic and appears to be coming into his own as the teams’ number one receiver. Marvin Jones hasn’t returned to form quite yet but this week in Philly could be the week.

Remember Jones was injured last year and didn’t play in the preseason. He’s one of Matthew Stafford‘s most trusted targets. During the time Jones was sidelined, and after Golden Tate was traded, Stafford built significant chemistry with Golladay and that seems to be spilling over into this year.

Week one in Arizona Kenny was targeted nine times reeling in 4 balls totaling a mere 42 yards and a score. Not the best day, especially taking into consideration the Cardinals were minus their top two cornerbacks. Don’t forget that production was also through five quarters of play.

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It appears Darrell Bevell didn’t want to tweak the gameplan; he was hoping that chemistry built last season would return, and it did week two. Keep targeting the number one WR! Golladay was targeted ten times converting on 8 of those for 117 yards and a touchdown. That production is more of what we’d expect from the Detroit Lions number one receiving option.

The production needs to come from various players as the game flow dictates. Week one it was rookie tight end TJ Hockenson and Danny Amendola that dominated the Cards in the intermediate passing game. Week two it was Kenny working on the outside with a little help from Marvin who quietly corralled 4 balls in back to back weeks.

As much as I like the skilled position players in this offense, I feel they are missing that player with world-class speed. The player doesn’t need to be a high priced, number one receiver — just a player to compliment the group that’s already in place.

Take John Ross in Cincinnati for example, who runs a sub 4.3, 40-yard dash. Before you remind me, I know he was a first-round pick, ninth overall in 2017. That being said, through the first two weeks of this season he’s already eclipsed his first two years combined in receiving yards. He was nearly given up on by the Bengals. He maintains world-class speed, and if you get him the ball in space, he can do substantial damage. Ross doesn’t have to be the main target he just needs to be utilized correctly.

The same can be said for a player like DeSean Jackson who owns 4.35 speed, who the Detroit Lions will, fortunately, miss this Sunday in Philadelphia. Jackson earlier in his career was indeed a number one pass-catcher, but as he’s aged, he’s become a nice complimentary wide-out for the Eagles. A dynamic playmaker that can take the top off of a defense, creating space for his teammates.

Sammy Watkins entered the league as a burner. He runs a 4.4. He’s finally found what looks like a forever home in KC after stops in Buffalo and L.A with the brilliant offensive mind of Andy Reid.

Speaking of Kansas City, just because Tyreek Hill (4.2) has become a bonafide number one receiver, doesn’t mean the Detroit Lions should expect that type of production from any player with speed. I’m saying the Lions need a speedy receiver to complement the group already in place if that’s a rookie, fine. If it’s a veteran or someone who is sitting on a practice squad somewhere it would be an excellent addition.

Next. Lions should make the safer trade for Trent Williams. dark

If you are wondering if maybe Travis Fulgham could be that type of player, he ran 4.58. Golladay has 4.50 speed, Jones runs around 4.46. Imagine adding a speedster that runs 4.30 to this group! It could be electric!

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