Embed from Getty Images When Detroit Lions running backs coach David Walker announced he was retiring to spend time with his family following the conclusion of the regular season it left a void on the coaching staff. The Detroit Lions filled the void and then some.
Kyle Caskey has a bad habit of turning out 1,000 yard running backs. Caskey spent the last nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Kyle has worked with 1,000-yard rushers Joe Mixon and Jeremy Hill early in their careers. That is good news for a Lions team looking to control the clock more.
The Lions have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Reggie Bush in 2013. That is not a misprint. Lions rookie running back Kerryon Johnson was set to hit 1,000 yards before a knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season after week 10.
This can not be said enough, Kyle Caskey is a strong addition to Detroit’s staff. A staff that has seen a shakeup since the season ended. He will team with Darrell Bevell to give head coach Matt Patricia what he wants. A ball controled offense. With a back (Johnson) who can break loose at any moment.
While football has been pass-happy for a while now. It still comes down to running the football. It is a safe bet Detroit looks to add a solid No.2 back during this April’s NFL draft.
The Detroit Lions need a good running game in order to reach the playoffs. The team has counted on quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receivers way to much. The two positions can only take a team so far. Balance is what is needed.
With Bevell and Caskey the Lions should be in better position to imrove the overall offensive production. Which is clearly what the team is working on doing this offseason.
It will be interesting to see how it all comes together. Patrica, has made some big strong moves to bolster his coaching staff. It should pay off in a big way for the Lions.
