Detroit Lions – Five things to know about improving run game

Detroit Lions running back Dwayne Washington (36) holds onto the ball during a run as Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) tries to strip the ball in the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions fullback Zach Zenner (34) is tackled by Chicago Bears cornerback Cre'von LeBlanc (22) and outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

By Paula Pasche | The Oakland Press

PUBLISHED: December 15, 2016 at 4:24 p.m. | UPDATED: June 17, 2021 at 6:35 a.m.

ALLEN PARK >> After a season-low 14 rushing yards in the win over the Jacksonville Jaguars four weeks ago, the Lions run game has shifted into gear.

In the win over the Bears on Sunday, the Lions marked their third rushing game of the season with 100 yards or more, finishing with 114 yards. Rookie Dwayne Washington had 64 of those. In the last three games they have averaged 97.6 rushing yards per game.

Here are five things to know about the run game as the Lions (9-4) prepare to face the Giants (9-4) on Sunday:

1. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter is encouraged by the run game. “I’m hopeful that it’s a trend that’s going to carry forward. I think run game is very important in this NFL overall, but especially when you get into December, January. You’re playing outdoor games, you’re playing road games, it might be colder, wetter, windier, whatever. Run game takes on more and more importance in this league and I think that’s been proven over time,” Cooter said on Thursday. “We had some good strides last week, we had some nice runs, some well-blocked runs, some good runs by the backs. Receivers are doing a better job being a part of the thing blocking safeties. We’ve got to keep that going, not let it be a one week, one good game. Let’s make it the trend moving forward.”

2. Theo Riddick (wrist) missed Sunday’s game did not practice Wednesday or Thursday which is not a good sign for Sunday. Riddick has missed three games this season and the Lions are 3-0 without him but that does not mean he won’t be missed. He adds an extra dimension with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. “We just kind of see how it goes and how he improves. He’s healing, so we’ll see,” coach Jim Caldwell said on Thursday.

3. Rookie Dwayne Washington had a career-high 64 rushing yards in Sunday’s win over the Bears. “I do think he’s becoming a bit more patient. I do think that he’s running behind his pads a little bit better. I think he’s improving,” Caldwell said. “I think he’s learning how to adapt and play in this league. Every week he has gotten just a little bit better and I fully expect him to certainly show some improvement this week as well.”

4. Zach Zenner suffered a concussion on Sunday, but has practiced this week. On Wednesday he was limited and wore a red caution jersey. He ditched that jersey for his normal No. 34 in Thursday’s practice but was still limited. If Riddick is out again, Zenner could be called on as the No. 2 running back. He’s averaging 3.5 yard per carry and is fourth in rushing yards (186) behind Riddick (357), Washington (212) and Matthew Stafford (193).

5. Joique Bell, who was brought back last week, was active last Sunday but played mostly on special teams. He could pitch in more at the Giants if needed. “Joique’s doing a good job, Joique’s been around us long enough, a lot of concepts and things are the same. We may have changed a word here or there, but he’s a smart guy,” Cooter said. “Vet player and I would anticipate that he’s picking it up pretty well. We’ll kind of evaluate who’s playing, how many reps as we go forward. Lot of different factors, but yeah, Joique is doing a good job.”

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