Grading the Detroit Lions offensive starters

JOIQUE BELL

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) runs the ball away from Chicago Bears free safety Brock Vereen (45) at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Health: For the most part Joique Bell was healthy all season long. He missed very little time and was in fact more of the true starting running back for The Lions this season.

Grade: 4

Big Play: If I’m grading based of the first and second halves of the season they would look differently. Somewhere along the way Bell became a monster and broke off big plays as a habit. However Bell struggled early on in the season as did the Lions run game as a whole.

Grade: 3

Dependability: Once again it’s a tale of two halves. Bell’s dependability in times when a first down is needed has always been great. But in terms of putting together a complete game, Bell struggles.

Grade: 3

Smart Play: I so badly want to forget Bell’s fumbles. They are not an every week thing by any means but when they happen it’s always during a key drive in a big game. For example playing against Green Bay for the Division title on a drive that would have kept the Lions in the game and gave them a chance to win, of all times to make sure you protect the ball with your life, this is one of them.

Grade: 3

Impact: From a weekly impact standpoint Bell is an important guy. He does make big plays when they are needed but he also makes mistakes in key moments of key games. With that said I love Joique Bell. He has consistently improved his game every year and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a major break out year next season.

Grade: 4

Overall Grade: 17