Detroit Lions stock watch: While offense clicks, Ameer drops the ball
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions‘ 31-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers displayed improvement by the offense, while struggles persist on the ground and in the red zone.
Stock Up
It would be easy to excuse away a solid performance by Brian Mihalik. Sure, the Packers are one of the worst defenses in the NFL in terms of generating pressure. And yes, outperforming Greg Robinson is not saying much.
Tell all of that to Matthew Stafford, who is finally able to sit in the pocket comfortably these days.
Since Mihalik replaced Robinson, who is out with an ankle injury, the Lions have surrendered just three sacks in two games. Prior to that, Stafford was sacked at least five times in three straight contests, suffering minor injuries along the way.
Mihalik is tasked with an extremely difficult responsibility until Taylor Decker returns. Although the recent success of the offensive line cannot be totally attributed to his performance, his presence has been able to bring some stability to a group that has struggled mightily to protect their franchise quarterback.
Offensive Ingenuity
The offense is slowly coming back to life and with it, the sanity of legions of Lions fans. Red zone troubles still exist, but Stafford and Co. have been moving the ball at will in recent weeks, and they absolutely shredded a vulnerable Packers defense.
Jim Bob Cooter is finding his groove again as offensive coordinator, and is throwing wrinkles into their otherwise boring and predictable game plan.
Kick Returner Jamal Agnew‘s explosiveness has found it’s way into the playbook the last two weeks, and to the delight of many, the Lions actually use him as a decoy instead of just giving him the ball simply because he is on the field.
Theo Riddick has apparently gotten his permission slip signed by his parents and has been on the field a lot more. The Lions reaped the benefits against the Packers. Just when it seemed that the Packers climbed back into the game, Cooter called a perfect screen pass to Riddick against an all-out blitz for a 63 yard gain.
The Lions attempted a flea-flicker. It was not successful. In fact, the play was a near disaster, but teams call gadget plays like that when they are firing on all cylinders.
The Lions’ offense was in total control last night, and is certainly making progress at the right time.
Stock Down
With Abdullah, the question has never been about his potential, talent, or ability. Back to his college days, the issue has been ball security, and that issue reared its ugly head on Monday night.
Abdullah fumbled twice, losing one, in key situations. Had he been running the ball successfully, perhaps the Lions would have taken the bad with the good, but that was not the case. Abdullah had 21 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown, but his performance was hardly game-breaking.
The coaching staff eventually turned to Riddick and Stafford in a goal line situation, and Dwayne Washington for late-game carries.
Abdullah had zero fumbles this season coming into Monday night, but his performance as a whole may have the coaching staff re-thinking his role as feature back.
Next: What they're saying about Lions' win over Packers
Zach Zenner has not dressed since Washington returned from his quad injury, but it may be time to give ZZ some opportunities going forward. He has the best vision of any of the Lions’ running backs after Abdullah. I would be shocked if Zenner was not active this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.