Detroit Lions stock watch: Next man up
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions dealt with injuries and a lack of consistency from several key players this past week, but role players have stepped up to fill the void.
Stock Up
Much has been asked of Whitehead during his career with the Detroit Lions, and he continues to answer the call. For the second straight week, the sixth-year linebacker filled in for rookie Jarrad Davis, and brought stability to a position group riddled with injuries.
Whitehead recorded five solo tackles and recovered two fumbles against the Vikings, including the game-ending fumble forced by Glover Quin.
ProFootballFocus gave Whitehead an 87.5 grade, the highest on either team, highlighting his discipline:
"Whitehead generated a QB hurry on his two snaps rushing the passer but his ability to stop the run and make plays all over the field were a big factor in the Lions win. Whitehead produced two stops and three tackles in run defense. Whitehead dropped in coverage 28 times and yielded only two receptions."
TE Daniel Fells
The signing of Daniel Fells was part of Bob Quinn’s plan to improve the offensive line. Fells’ reputation as an exceptional blocker in both pass protection and the run game made him a perfect fit for the Lions.
Few considered Fells a legitimate offensive threat – the Vikings among them.
The veteran tight end caught a team-high four receptions for 40 yards, and though those numbers aren’t flashy, Fells was a safety net time and again for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
His blocking skills were also put to use. A majority of Fells’ 51 snaps were spent to help Greg Robinson handle Vikings pro-bowl defensive end Everson Griffen.
WR TJ Jones
The third-year wide receiver continues to make plays for the Lions. As rookie Kenny Golladay continues to adjust to the NFL and deal with a hamstring injury, Jones’ role has increased in a big way.
He may not be flashy, but Jones has been able to give Matthew Stafford an additional option as the offense continues to evolve. Thus far, he has eight catches for 128 yards, leaving him two receptions and four yards shy of his career highs.
Last Sunday, he hauled in three receptions for 33 yards, and connected with Stafford on a two-point conversion.
He is making the most of his opportunities, and if Golladay’s hamstring continues to be an issue, Jones will see plenty more next week.
Stock Down
RB Theo Riddick
The Vikings defense and the pressure that unit generates certainly forced the Lions to do everything necessary to protect Matthew Stafford. Unfortunately for Riddick, he was not part of the equation.
Riddick was on the field for just 18 snaps – one less snap than Zach Zenner. He carried the ball three times for 0 yards and, most disturbingly, hauled in just one pass for eight yards. Perhaps they trust Zenner more in pass protection. Perhaps it’s something more.
There is no doubt about Riddick’s game-breaking ability. He is a weapon catching passes out of the backfield and a match up nightmare for any defense. His lack of involvement in last week’s game plan is mind-boggling.
Even if the Lions coaches believe he is a liability in picking up a blitz, the mere threat of Riddick in the open field would give the opposing team something else to consider. When the opposing defense is as aggressive as the Vikings are, it may even lead them to sending less pressure as a result.
Next: Can opportunistic Lions defense continue?
Hopefully Riddick garners more opportunities next week. He is simply too good to be off the field. This is certainly a situation worth monitoring.