Chicago Bears have to keep tabs on these Detroit Lions studs

Running Back Kerryon Johnson

I am a Bears fan through and through, but I am a huge NFL fan in general. One of my favorite players in football this year has been Lions rookie running back Kerryon Johnson. He’s also been one of the guys who has frustrated me most.

Actually, the frustration isn’t due to anything Johnson has or has not done. It all stems from head coach Matt Patricia.

Watching Johnson, you could tell within the first few touches of his pro career that he was without a doubt the best running back on the Lions’ roster. He is the type of guy you get the ball to a minimum of 18 times per game. Whether that’s on the ground or through the air, you get him the ball.

The problem with Patricia and his offensive staff has been their inability to do this. The LeGarrette Blount love-fest must have carried over from New England, since he and Patricia were together there at one point. Aside from goal-line carries, Blount should rarely touch the ball.

Even Theo Riddick (if and when he is actually healthy) should have his touches limited to certain passing downs.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1046446081469345794

Johnson is the clear-cut work horse in Detroit, and he can handle it. He was phenomenal at Auburn — uh, hello? That’s the SEC, folks. Johnson dominated against the best competition in all of college football. What makes Patricia think he doesn’t deserve the bulk of the touches?

Even in (somewhat) limited touches at times, Johnson has been fantastic. He is the type of all-around back that teams long for in today’s game. He’s got the speed. He’s got the hands. He’s got the footwork. As a rookie, he’s shown that he’s one of the best backs of his class.

Only two games this year have seen Johnson receive more than 12 carries. He only has 89 on the year, and doesn’t even have a game with more than 20 carries yet. The last two games against the Vikings and Seahawks, Detroit has gone away from him as he’s only had 20 total carries.

Johnson does have 24 receptions on the year, and he’s averaging nearly six yards per carry on the ground. He’s a legitimate threat in both aspects of the offense.

If the Bears want to win, they’ll have to make the Lions one-dimensional. That will be a tougher task against a back like Johnson, but who knows, maybe Patricia gives up on the run earlier than most coaches in this one.

If Chicago’s defense can dominate in the trenches and force the Lions to turn to the pass earlier in the game, Johnson may not be as much of an issue. But, if Patricia is smart and uses Johnson is various ways, the Bears must pay attention.

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