Who are the Detroit Lions in 2017?
By Bruce Walker
Balance in the run game
Since 2006, the Lions have passed on an average of 64.01% of their plays. That means that they have run the ball 35.99% of the time. In those eleven years, they have never rushed for more than 40.38% of snaps in a season.
This season so far, the Lions are rushing an average of 47.2% of the time. On the road against the New York Giants, they actually rushed the ball an astounding 57.14% of the snaps in that win.
Running the ball effectively balances the offense, forcing the opponent to assign resources to stopping that run. It protects the quarterback because, first, he is no longer a target holding onto the ball and second, the players that would normally be pinning their ears back to try and drive said quarterback into the turf are hesitating because they need to ensure that the running back does not have the ball.
Effectively running the ball keeps the clock moving. The defense can rest, therefore be fresher when they return to the field.
After decades of preaching the importance running the ball, it appears that they are actually committed to it.
That is different. That is measurable. That is good.