Ben Johnson might not be the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator anymore, but they should still stick to his philosophy. A running back tandem might be more efficient, and Jahmyr Gibbs' Week 1 usage is simply unsustainable over a full 17-game season.
Isiah Pacheco is expected to miss at least three months, and Week 1 showed that the Lions don't trust Sione Vaki. Even though they had to play overtime to beat the Saints, the backup got two carries to Gibbs' 29.
Considering that, and given how the Lions thrived when they had a one-two punch out of the backfield, they should set their sights on the NFC West. Tyler Allgeier is used to that type of role, and he's just a perfect fit for what Drew Petzing might need in Michigan.
The Detroit Lions need to trade for a RB2
Allgeier spent years as Bijan Robinson's backup. Even in a secondary role, he's eclipsed 500 yards in every season he's been in the league, and that includes one 1,000-yard season and two campaigns with 600 rushing yards. He's also a factor in the passing game.
The Arizona Cardinals signed him this offseason, presumably to be their lead back, but they drafted Jeremiyah Love shortly after. Allgeier got 17 carries to Love's 11 in Week 1, but it won't be long before Mike LaFleur unleashes his No. 3 pick.
But why would Allgeier even want to be in Detroit to be a backup again? For starters, it's not like he has a say in this. He doesn't have a no-trade clause, so he pretty much has to trade to whichever team trades for him.
That said, if he won't be the primary ball-carrier in Arizona, he might as well play for an actual Super Bowl contender for a change. He's been stuck on non-contending teams throughout his career, and his aggressive running style wouldn't go to waste on Dan Campbell's team.
The Lions will continue to roll with Gibbs early and often, but there's just no way they can give him 24+ carries a game. Even if he records a career high in totes this season, they need a reliable and proven guy to ease his burden and keep the Lions ahead of the sticks.
Allgeier is a premium RB2 who could legitimately be a starter on multiple teams, but that won't be the case in the desert for as long as Love is healthy and learning. The Lions may have to pay a steep price to get him, but it would be the best way to ensure that Gibbs stays fresh, efficient, and healthy.
This can be Sonic & Knuckles 2.0.
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