Detroit Lions stock watch: This is getting Riddickulous

The Detroit Lions offense showed signs of life against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but one glaring mistake continues to hold them back.

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Dwayne’s World…Not

Dwayne’s World is not party time, nor is it excellent. It is substandard, and his presence on the field is one of many things holding the Lions offense back.

Dwayne Washington, fully healed from a quadriceps injury that forced him to miss several games in a row, had a significant role in the offensive game plan Sunday night.

That’s not a good thing.

Washington finished with a scintillating six carries for 12 yards and one catch for four yards.

The Lions designed four plays for Washington before Theo Riddick even saw the field. That is simply inexcusable.

Washington has shown flashes of big play ability, but not enough of it to merit 20% of the snaps on offense, especially when it comes at the expense of Ameer Abdullah and Riddick.

Riddick’s lack of usage this season is maddening. Jim Bob Cooter gave us a bit of hope during the bye week that he had seen the light:

Well, that only happened a few times on Sunday.

One play in particular stood out with Riddick lined up in the slot next to Marvin Jones. Riddick ran a short out route, and every defender on that side of the field froze in coverage, leaving Jones wide open down the sideline for a huge gain.

That is what Riddick brings to the offense. In addition to his explosive pass-catching ability, defenses must account for him on the field, regardless of where he lines up. It makes the offense less predictable and more dynamic.

The Lions have seen Riddick’s impact for years now, and it’s the reason they signed him to a three-year, $12.75 million extension last season.

It is absurd that he has been largely absent from the game plan.

It is downright Riddickulous that his opportunities are under siege by Washington.

Golden Tate

As admirable as it was that Tate suited up two weeks after suffering a shoulder injury, the only thing fans will remember about his performance against the Steelers is the fumble.

It was so very Lions, and more so because he has the most reliable hands on the team.

Come on, man.

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Keeping Up With the Joneses

With the status of Golden Tate somewhat in doubt leading up to Sunday, it was a no-brainer that much would be expected from Marvin Jones and TJ Jones.

The duo certainly delivered.

Marvin Jones caught six passes for 128 yards and, if not for a devastating drop in the end zone late in the game, nearly had a spectacular game. In spite of the ill-timed mistake, Jones was both reliable and explosive.

With Kenny Golladay again out with a lingering hamstring injury, TJ Jones notched a career-high 88 yards on four catches. He has been a reliable target for Matthew Stafford in critical situations, has 15 of Jones’ 17 receptions have been for first downs.

In just seven games this season, Jones has already surpassed his previous career highs in receptions (17) and yards (261). Even when Golladay eventually returns, Jones has solidified his place in the Lions’ rotation at wide receiver.

Defense

The Lions defense held their own against a Steelers offense that arguably features the best wide receiver and running back in the game. Granted, giving up a 97 yard touchdown and 193 yards to a rookie receiver is less than ideal, but the unit kept the Lions in the game until the bitter end.

Le’Veon Bell managed just 75 yards on the ground on 25 carries and, to the dismay of his owners in PPR leagues, only caught two passes for a total of five yards.

Antonio Brown caught just five passes for 70 yards. When matched up with Darius Slay, Brown hauled in just one of four targets for nine yards.

Next: Lions game balls in week eight loss to Steelers

The defense forced two more turnovers this past week, with Glover Quin on the receiving end of an interception and a fumble recovery. Teryl Austin’s unit rose to the occasion against a solid opponent, and that is encouraging given the Lions upcoming schedule.