Detroit Lions: Top 5 Players to Watch in Second Half of 2014

Oct 26, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (35) carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. The Lions defeated the Falcons 22-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Theo Riddick

The second year running back has started to come into his own in 2014. Riddick has many traits similar to that of fellow running back Reggie Bush. However, some feel he may be an even better receiver.

Riddick started to really demand everyone’s attention during the Detroit Lions trip to Minnesota. Bush would sit out that game with an ankle injury, Riddick would take his place on the field.

Early on in the first half, Riddick caught a screen pass from Stafford that resulted in a 41-yard gain. Most of those yards came after the catch. Though Riddick himself would end up leaving the game just before half time, he lead the team in receptions with five good for 75-yards.

Riddick would bounce back from injury and had a huge impact in the Lions win over the Falcons in London. On 12 targets, Riddick hauled in eight of them for 74-yards. The most impactful reception came on Detroit’s final drive when Riddick caught an off-target pass from Stafford over the middle for 20-yards. The reception put the Lions in field goal range and ultimately helped his team come out victorious.

Though Reggie Bush is expected to return to the Detroit Lions line-up ready to go in week 10, you can count on the fact the head coach Jim Caldwell took notice of Riddick’s shifty, play-making ability. I believe Riddick will see an increase in carries throughout the remainder of the season.

Keep an eye on him.