Detroit Lions running back group is starting to take shape
By Ash Thompson
Matt Asiata
Matt Asiata is the vanilla of running backs. He will hit the hole as the play was called 9/10 times. He will get you the yardage his blocking allows, plus another one with some violence or deceptive agility at the end of his run. Asiata doesn’t hesitate in his decision making, but lacks the burst to make that quick thinking count. In pass blocking he is usually effective picking up blitzes, though has occasionally shown some difficulty this pre-season.
Chris Spielman made a very big deal about a bad cutback Asiata made, and I agree with his sentiment for the most part. On the particular play in question Asiata had already been cut off from getting to the hole by the instant penetration of a completely untouched blocker. He never had a chance based on the play called.
Other Lions running backs may have, but I have watched Theo Riddick make that same mistake for years. Asiata does not bring Riddick’s dynamic receiving traits to the table to make up for it however. Asiata has been decent on kick coverage, but for the most part when I have seen number 41 make a play it has been Rolan Milligan, the safety who also wears the same number, not Asiata.
Tion Green
He is a long shot to make the team. He knows it, and has dedicated himself to special teams play because of it. Running the ball Green has shown that he is a power back only. He needs to have a hole to hit, and get up to speed before having to make any moves.
Green is shifty once he gets going, but not as much in the backfield. He does not turn a lot of negative yardage blocking in to positive yardage. After his third step, he has NFL caliber ability, however. He cuts at speed, and avoids direct impacts that could lead to injury.