Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz talks about options at running back - NFL News
Detroit Lions had a non-existent running game last season as two of their best running backs were on the treatment table and unable to participate for much of the season.
Running back, Mikel Leshoure currently in the news for being arrested twice on charges of drug possession and being receiving a two-game suspension is the player the franchise is looking towards to provide the spark to Detroit’s running game in 2012.
Last year the running back missed out on the entire season after picking up an Achilles tendon injury while concussion problems continued to prevent Jahvid Best from playing most of the season once again.
This year the franchise is hoping that Leshoure delivers on his undoubted challenge and head coach, Jim Schwartz believes that the 22-year-old has the potential to become a potent offensive weapon.
Speaking to the Detroit Free Press, Schwartz talked about the running back’s potential and said:
"Leshoure definitely has that in him.”
Adding further he said:
"No matter how we do it, running the football, throwing the football, short yardage, first-and-10, we need to have the ability to pick up tough yardage, and I think that's something that Mikel can do for us."
It will be interesting to see how much practice Leshoure puts in during training camp as he is still recovering from the Achilles injury and the Lions are likely to go easy on the running back.
In Leshoure’s and Best’s absence last year, Kevin Smith was brought in as a stop-gap measure and performed his duties well.
Schwartz also talked about Smith during his chat and said:
"Kevin Smith did an outstanding job for us last year. So however that dynamic works it's an important thing for us and hopefully those guys can give it to us."
If the Lions can combine their brilliant passing game with a potent threat on the rush, the offence could become one of the most feared in the league.
Hopefully both Best and Leshoure will overcome their problems with injury and deliver in the coming 2012 season to help the Lions once again qualify for the postseason and maybe even go all the way.
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