Lions in search of a running back. (1 Viewer)

[Holy Schneikes]

Felix Jones for Nate Burleson = both teams benefit

Because Felix Jones has been so consistently productive and durable....

Felix Jones IS Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith career ypc: 3.9Felix Jones career ypc: 5.1Yup, exactly the same guy.

2011Felix 4.5 yds per carrySmith 4.9 yds per carryonly 16 game season played2008 for K Smith 4.1 yds per carry2010 for Felix 4.3 yds per carryhighs for receptions in a seasonfelix 48 in 2010k smith 41 in 2009total games played in 4 season k smith 42felix 48career attempts k smith 561felix 458career receptionsfelix 102k smith 113career yardsksmith 3215felix 3128yep - pretty much the same player.

Sure, if you pick just the stats you want to see, they look pretty close. Why not pick 72 rushes over 7 games out of 561 through 42 games in his career and look at THAT average for Smith, and compare it to Jones' worst season? In fact, a good chunk of that "average" was the result of ONE GAME against the Panthers last year where he went for 16/140 (8.8). Then for the last 4 games of the season, he was well under 4 ypc again (roughly his career avg) - including 3.5 against the Saints in the playoffs who allowed 5.0 to the opposition for the season.Actually, the easiest thing to take from the list you gave is the fact that it took about Smith 100 extra carries to get roughly the same number of rushing yards.The point I am trying to make is that while I agree with the comparison on the injury front - neither back being very reliable - when he's actually in there and healthy, Felix Jones is an electric runner. Kevin Smith is average at best in terms of actually running the ball. In other areas, he's very competent.

 

[FF Ninja]

Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) did not practice Monday, Aug. 27, due to an ankle sprain suffered in the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 25.

Our view: Smith is in line to start for the team while Mikel Leshoure is suspended for the first two games of the year. This latest injury is a warning to fantasy owners about his long history of injuries as a pro. When Leshoure comes back he's clearly the more talented back and could wrestle the starting job away from Smith, even if Smith is healthy.

Joe seems like a nice guy but his "our view" section holds pretty much no credibility in my book. Comments like the bolded just make me cringe. Where does he get this crap? LeShoure was an unproven RB last year and then this year he became an unproven RB coming back from an often career ending injury. I don't see how a guy with 0 career carries and who has been injured almost all of preseason can be "clearly more talented". Oh, or are we basing that opinion off of his week 3 preseason game against the woeful Raiders' defense? Yes, that 5 rush 1 yard performance really sticks out to me, too. Not that Kevin Smith was any better on his 3 carries (plus an injury) but still, we at least know what he did last year off the street./rant

 

[bill bates hits hard]

Felix Jones for Nate Burleson = both teams benefit

Because Felix Jones has been so consistently productive and durable....

Felix Jones IS Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith career ypc: 3.9Felix Jones career ypc: 5.1Yup, exactly the same guy.

2011Felix 4.5 yds per carrySmith 4.9 yds per carryonly 16 game season played2008 for K Smith 4.1 yds per carry2010 for Felix 4.3 yds per carryhighs for receptions in a seasonfelix 48 in 2010k smith 41 in 2009total games played in 4 season k smith 42felix 48career attempts k smith 561felix 458career receptionsfelix 102k smith 113career yardsksmith 3215felix 3128yep - pretty much the same player.

Sure, if you pick just the stats you want to see, they look pretty close. Why not pick 72 rushes over 7 games out of 561 through 42 games in his career and look at THAT average for Smith, and compare it to Jones' worst season? In fact, a good chunk of that "average" was the result of ONE GAME against the Panthers last year where he went for 16/140 (8.8). Then for the last 4 games of the season, he was well under 4 ypc again (roughly his career avg) - including 3.5 against the Saints in the playoffs who allowed 5.0 to the opposition for the season.Actually, the easiest thing to take from the list you gave is the fact that it took about Smith 100 extra carries to get roughly the same number of rushing yards.The point I am trying to make is that while I agree with the comparison on the injury front - neither back being very reliable - when he's actually in there and healthy, Felix Jones is an electric runner. Kevin Smith is average at best in terms of actually running the ball. In other areas, he's very competent.

I've watched every snap of felix's career. He has not been electric in years. He's been running in wet cement for a while now.

 

[Texasmouth]

Felix Jones for Nate Burleson = both teams benefit

Because Felix Jones has been so consistently productive and durable....

Felix Jones IS Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith career ypc: 3.9Felix Jones career ypc: 5.1Yup, exactly the same guy.

2011Felix 4.5 yds per carrySmith 4.9 yds per carryonly 16 game season played2008 for K Smith 4.1 yds per carry2010 for Felix 4.3 yds per carryhighs for receptions in a seasonfelix 48 in 2010k smith 41 in 2009total games played in 4 season k smith 42felix 48career attempts k smith 561felix 458career receptionsfelix 102k smith 113career yardsksmith 3215felix 3128yep - pretty much the same player.

Sure, if you pick just the stats you want to see, they look pretty close. Why not pick 72 rushes over 7 games out of 561 through 42 games in his career and look at THAT average for Smith, and compare it to Jones' worst season? In fact, a good chunk of that "average" was the result of ONE GAME against the Panthers last year where he went for 16/140 (8.8). Then for the last 4 games of the season, he was well under 4 ypc again (roughly his career avg) - including 3.5 against the Saints in the playoffs who allowed 5.0 to the opposition for the season.Actually, the easiest thing to take from the list you gave is the fact that it took about Smith 100 extra carries to get roughly the same number of rushing yards.The point I am trying to make is that while I agree with the comparison on the injury front - neither back being very reliable - when he's actually in there and healthy, Felix Jones is an electric runner. Kevin Smith is average at best in terms of actually running the ball. In other areas, he's very competent.

I've watched every snap of felix's career. He has not been electric in years. He's been running in wet cement for a while now.

Any electricity has a short for sure. Felix runs into the line and falls down now. Obvious that he runs to stay healthy now. When he gets to the outside and there is some open field he can still fly. He avoids contact like a diva WR now though for sure.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

Get this Felix pissing contest out of here!

 

[Traders2001]

I also think a lot of people are making a mistake in assuming the Lions are looking for an upgrade at RB, and hence wouldn't want a relatively mediocre back like Moreno. With all 3 of their top RBs looking to miss the first game or 2 of the season due to injury or suspension, I think it's very likely that they just want a healthy body they can throw in there for those 2 weeks, with the hope that he can contribute in some fashion for the rest of the season in a certain role.

I doubt Smith misses week 1 and I think thy're perfectly happy with what Smith brings them when healthy - a good receiver, can make big plays on screens and dump off routes, an excellent pass blocker and able to pick up blitzes. I doubt they are looking for a power back, between the tackles runner - it doesn't really fit their style of offense (from what I've seen as someone who admittedly doesn't follow the Lions very closely). I think they're just looking for better depth at RB and this probably says more about their worries with LeShoure if Smith goes down again rather than them wanting someone better than Smith.

Exactly what he said, even if they acquire Ivory , it would be for back up purpose.In they trade for a starter , he needs to be bettre then Smith, lots of guys that were mentionned here are not.Felix Jones is worthless , DJ Ware please maybe for 1 week, Starks is not better then Smith, not even close.

 

[duaneok66]

I miss the days when people thought that Felix Jones was good.

 

[zoonation]

I also think a lot of people are making a mistake in assuming the Lions are looking for an upgrade at RB, and hence wouldn't want a relatively mediocre back like Moreno. With all 3 of their top RBs looking to miss the first game or 2 of the season due to injury or suspension, I think it's very likely that they just want a healthy body they can throw in there for those 2 weeks, with the hope that he can contribute in some fashion for the rest of the season in a certain role.

I doubt Smith misses week 1 and I think thy're perfectly happy with what Smith brings them when healthy - a good receiver, can make big plays on screens and dump off routes, an excellent pass blocker and able to pick up blitzes. I doubt they are looking for a power back, between the tackles runner - it doesn't really fit their style of offense (from what I've seen as someone who admittedly doesn't follow the Lions very closely). I think they're just looking for better depth at RB and this probably says more about their worries with LeShoure if Smith goes down again rather than them wanting someone better than Smith.

Exactly what he said, even if they acquire Ivory , it would be for back up purpose.In they trade for a starter , he needs to be bettre then Smith, lots of guys that were mentionned here are not.Felix Jones is worthless , DJ Ware please maybe for 1 week, Starks is not better then Smith, not even close.

really? not even close? the same Kevin Smith that was out of a job last year until injuries to all other DET backs gave him another shot? Better than the RB who played the entire game for the Packers in the Superbowl victory?Okay. If you say so.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

the same Kevin Smith that was out of a job last year until injuries to all other DET backs gave him another shot?

This is what gets me with all the Kev Smith nuthuggers. Dude was completely out of a job til late last year. Dude has ONE big game on fresh legs over the midway point of last year. Against the worst rush defense in football....Yet no one mentions he never passed 50 yards rushing again..... Or that he averaged 3.29 yards per carry the last 4 games of the season....

 

[12punch]

the same Kevin Smith that was out of a job last year until injuries to all other DET backs gave him another shot?

This is what gets me with all the Kev Smith nuthuggers. Dude was completely out of a job til late last year. Dude has ONE big game on fresh legs over the midway point of last year. Yet no one mentions he never passed 50 yards rushing again..... Or that he averaged 3.29 yards per carry the last 4 games of the season....

I was actually a skeptic, too, but to be fair to teh guy he was playing on a high ankle sprain, supposedly.also, to be fair to teh guy, he had one huge game against the same carolina run d that everybody has one huge game against.the thing I like about smith, though, is even if he is a crappy runner, he'll be looking at nickel all night, and will catch you a few balls for ppr and extra yardage.

 

[Shutout]

So...is there actually any news beyond "the Lions picked up the telephone yesterday"?

 

[duaneok66]

uh no. This thread is short on substance and long on irrational speculation.

 

[zoonation]

I don't see what all the speculation is for, the Lions have invested in both Keiland Williams ( from Washington, on the squad for a year now) and Joique Bell ( on the squad for 8 months from various practice squads) This same kind of banter happened when Brady went down. Cassel was the backup for a reason. They invested in Cassel and sunk the cost of his training, coaching and roster spot and salary cap hold for a reason. Maybe the Lions are going to look for injury depth, but they are going to see what they have on the roster first. Look at Arian Foster, came from nowhere. Not saying these guys will be the next Terrell Davis or Arian Foster, but am saying running back has such low positional value in the NFL, both the draft and free agency for a reason. You can mine a serviceable back from all kinds of sources. For better or worse, Leshoure, Bell and Williams already are entrenched in the system, in the routine, know the coaches, the coaches know what they can and can't do and any guy they could find, and especially cheap, he's CHEAP AND AVAILABLE FOR A REASON. If Mayhew has shown anything, it's that he has a high valuation of draft picks and assets in general, just like most GMs and just like most GMs given this new CBA. The Lions have plenty of holes elsewhere to spend money and draft picks for the future. Let's see what the kids they have can do first.

If Chris Ivory or DJ Ware get cut they will be on a direct flight to Detroit.

 

[fatness]

I miss the days when people thought that Felix Jones was good.

And Michael Bennett.

 

[Shawn]

I don't see what all the speculation is for, the Lions have invested in both Keiland Williams ( from Washington, on the squad for a year now) and Joique Bell ( on the squad for 8 months from various practice squads) This same kind of banter happened when Brady went down. Cassel was the backup for a reason. They invested in Cassel and sunk the cost of his training, coaching and roster spot and salary cap hold for a reason. Maybe the Lions are going to look for injury depth, but they are going to see what they have on the roster first. Look at Arian Foster, came from nowhere. Not saying these guys will be the next Terrell Davis or Arian Foster, but am saying running back has such low positional value in the NFL, both the draft and free agency for a reason. You can mine a serviceable back from all kinds of sources. For better or worse, Leshoure, Bell and Williams already are entrenched in the system, in the routine, know the coaches, the coaches know what they can and can't do and any guy they could find, and especially cheap, he's CHEAP AND AVAILABLE FOR A REASON. If Mayhew has shown anything, it's that he has a high valuation of draft picks and assets in general, just like most GMs and just like most GMs given this new CBA. The Lions have plenty of holes elsewhere to spend money and draft picks for the future. Let's see what the kids they have can do first.

If Chris Ivory or DJ Ware get cut they will be on a direct flight to Detroit.

If either end up on detroit, what can be expected of them this year?

 

[NCPanthersFan]

Wow I cannot believe how this thread blew up ....oh wait yes I can.

If we hit every RB in this thread at least someone will get it right.

Hey - Why did the Redskins play Royster tonight - were they showcasing him for a trade to the Lions

 

[Mikel J. Anderson]

One player I think looked good but is buried on the depth chart is Chris Ogbonnaya. Granted his two big games last year were against JAX and STL, when he had the bulk of the load he did well..even though it was with the Cleveland offense.

He could strive in Detroit's offense, had a 4.5ypc already in CLE last year, and can catch some balls out of the backfield

 

[zoonation]

I don't see what all the speculation is for, the Lions have invested in both Keiland Williams ( from Washington, on the squad for a year now) and Joique Bell ( on the squad for 8 months from various practice squads) This same kind of banter happened when Brady went down. Cassel was the backup for a reason. They invested in Cassel and sunk the cost of his training, coaching and roster spot and salary cap hold for a reason. Maybe the Lions are going to look for injury depth, but they are going to see what they have on the roster first. Look at Arian Foster, came from nowhere. Not saying these guys will be the next Terrell Davis or Arian Foster, but am saying running back has such low positional value in the NFL, both the draft and free agency for a reason. You can mine a serviceable back from all kinds of sources. For better or worse, Leshoure, Bell and Williams already are entrenched in the system, in the routine, know the coaches, the coaches know what they can and can't do and any guy they could find, and especially cheap, he's CHEAP AND AVAILABLE FOR A REASON. If Mayhew has shown anything, it's that he has a high valuation of draft picks and assets in general, just like most GMs and just like most GMs given this new CBA. The Lions have plenty of holes elsewhere to spend money and draft picks for the future. Let's see what the kids they have can do first.

If Chris Ivory or DJ Ware get cut they will be on a direct flight to Detroit.

If either end up on detroit, what can be expected of them this year?

the same as any back in that system...RB2 numbers with upside. Leshoure will get his chance too though.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

uh no. This thread is short on substance and long on irrational speculation.

So is the blogosphere!http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1315659-nfl-rumors-4-best-trade-targets-at-rb-for-the-detroit-lionsDetroit Lions Trade Rumors: Their Four Best Targets at RB By Andrew Burton (Correspondent) on August 29, 2012With all of Detroits' backs out, the Lions need to find a trade partner as Week 1 approaches. Leon Halip/Getty ImagesAccording CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora, Detroit Lions General Manager Martin Mayhew is desperately looking for trade partners that could provide the Lions with some relief at the running back position (h/t faniq.com).The three current running backs on the roster are Kevin Smith (out with an ankle injury), Mikel Leshoure (possibly facing suspension) and Jahvid Best (on the PUP list with concussed symptoms).Luckily for Mayhew, there are still some good backs that could be had if the price is right. Chris Ivory, New Orleans SaintsChris Ivory should be the Lions target, especially with moves like this one. Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesNew Orleans has plenty of depth at the running back position, so it's possible that they spare Chris Ivory if Detroit offers a decent package. With Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas, the Saints have the luxury of losing Ivory because the guys ahead of him are more than enough to put up exceptional numbers. This wouldn't be a bad acquisition for Detroit. The Saints running back has gained over 1,000 yards total in his two years in the NFL, even though he only played in six games last year. With an average of five yards per carry, Ivory might be the perfect compliment to Matthew Stafford, and that's why he should be their first target.Knowshon Moreno, Denver BroncosKnowshon is a great back, but his legs just haven't returned to form after injuring his knee last season. Detroit could use that to their advantage, sending a low-ball offer to Denver with the hope the change of scenery will help the back pick up his game.Moreno wasn't living up to the hype last season anyway, and it was likely he'd be on the block this season. He only had 37 carries in seven games for 179 yards—an average gain of about 4.8 yards per carry. James Starks, Green Bay PackersWhile Starks played a key role in the Packers' Super Bowl run, he might not fit into Green Bay's plans anymore. With Alex Green and Cedric Benson on the roster, James Starks' playing time could be dwindled to minimal minutes. Green Bay could still get something in return for their running back, and Detroit might be desperate enough to pay the price.Starks played in 13 games for the Packers last season, and he gained 578 yards on 133 carries for an average of 4.3 yards per carry. However, it's extremely unlikely that Green Bay sends their back to a division rival—and we've seen that hesitancy before.Will the Lions be able to find a trade partner before Week 1?YesNoSubmit Vote vote to see results Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars Maurice Jones-Drew is the cream of the crop of running backs. However, the Jaguars haven't shown any inclination towards trading Jones-Drew, nor will they go out and reach teams. If Detroit is looking for a RB, they'll have to contact Jacksonville and offer the kitchen sink for the premier back. In his 16 games with the Jags last season, MJD rushed for 1,606 yards with six 100-plus yard games. It's clear that any team in need of a back would want MJD, but will they be willing to meet Jacksonville's wants, whatever that may come to be?The answer is probably not.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

from a Solid Week 1

By Richard Langford (Featured Columnist) on August 29, 2012 979

Lions running back Kevin Smith is battling a sore ankle, but it sounds innocent enough that he will be ready to roll for the Lions Week 1 opener against the St. Louis Rams. This is great news for the Lions.

The Lions have some talent in the backfield, but most of that talent isn't going to be available in Week 1. Jahvid Best is on the PUP list, which means he won't be able to play until after Week 6, and second-year back Mikel Leshoure will start a two-game suspension in Week 1.

So this tweet by Yahoo's Brad Evans is welcome news indeed in Motor City.

Brad Evans

✔

@YahooNoise

Reports remain positive on Kevin Smith's ankle. Experiencing minor swelling but should be game to start Week 1 against the rancid Rams.

29 Aug 12 ReplyRetweetFavorite

Smith is going to do everything he can to get on the field and make sure he picks his team up. These first two games are Smith's chance to earn his playing time for this season before the Lions backfield begins to crowd.

The fifth-year running back was solid for the lions last year, as he racked up 356 yards at 4.9 yards per carry and four rushing touchdowns in just seven games.

He knows this offense and how to produce in it, and he will have plenty of opportunities to produce against the Rams.

With only the lightly-used third-year back Keiland Williams as the only other player likely to see any time in the backfield, Smith will get plenty of work, and the Rams don't have the defense that can shut him down.

While St. Louis should make improvement on its 23rd ranking in total rush defense from a season ago, it is not exactly going to be the Steel Curtain out there. It allowed the Cowboys' DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones to rush for a combined 60 yards on 11 carries against them in their third preseason game.

With the Lions' pass-oriented offense, Smith likely won't go over 100 yards in the opener, but I expect 70-80 rushing yards and a touchdown.

 

[Shawn]

Thanks for that info

 

[Instinctive]

We need some Switz in this thread to back his boy Felix. What happened to that dude?

 

[duaneok66]

I forgot all about that guy . . .

 

[donkshow]

What about Joseph Addai?

He's still a free agent. Though he's fragile as well. His career started well but injuries derailed him quick. He's likely done. I hated him on the Colts, the guy has no brain when it comes to running IMO.

 

[zDragon]

D.J. Ware - RB - Giants

ESPN New York believes RB D.J. Ware is on the roster bubble.

Ware's stock has been all over the board this preseason. He's an unimpressive runner, but his ability to protect the passer makes him a good third-down fit. It looks like Ware and Andrew Brown are battling for one roster spot. Da'Rel Scott is likely to stick as a core special teamer. Regardless, David Wilson's stock continues to rise.

little late ... again

I struggled not to reply to this. Why post a link to this? It's the same information in the same thread.

 

[Silverstreak]

Gotham released Ware

Wash released Hightower

......hmmmmm

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Gotta imagine they'll look to add Hightower and dump Keiland Williams. If not before the season, then soon.

 

[Silverstreak]

I kinda like the thought of Hightower in that offense...good blocker, good runner, good hands, cant say healthy...dude would fit in perfect!!!

 

[Shawn]

I kinda like the thought of Hightower in that offense...good blocker, good runner, good hands, cant say healthy...dude would fit in perfect!!!

Any guesses as to Hightowers fantasy value if he is indeed signed as Detroit's starter? could you start him expecting similar numbers to his good Washington games?

 

[fatness]

I kinda like the thought of Hightower in that offense...good blocker, good runner, good hands, cant say healthy...dude would fit in perfect!!!

Any guesses as to Hightowers fantasy value if he is indeed signed as Detroit's starter? could you start him expecting similar numbers to his good Washington games?

I think Washington cut him because they didn't think he'd hold up health-wise.

 

[Donnybrook]

I kinda like the thought of Hightower in that offense...good blocker, good runner, good hands, cant say healthy...dude would fit in perfect!!!

Any guesses as to Hightowers fantasy value if he is indeed signed as Detroit's starter? could you start him expecting similar numbers to his good Washington games?

I think Washington cut him because they didn't think he'd hold up health-wise.

Like he said perfect fit.

 

[fatness]

lol

 

[hines]

I kinda like the thought of Hightower in that offense...good blocker, good runner, good hands, cant say healthy...dude would fit in perfect!!!

Any guesses as to Hightowers fantasy value if he is indeed signed as Detroit's starter? could you start him expecting similar numbers to his good Washington games?

why are people in this thread assuming the Lions are looking for a starter? I have seen nothing to show they aren't rolling with Kevin Smith as their starter and don't know why they would sign Tim Hightower, Joseph Addai, or trade for Ivory or Moreno and plug them in immediately

 

[Catbird]

Leshoure is the answer to all long term DET RB questions (other than,'What do we do if Leshoure gets hurt again?'). The guys is big, fast, agile and a willing blocker. Now they are just trying to cover themselves (and Kev Smith) until Mikel is post-suspension and fully healthy, which should be well before mid-season.

 

[jon_mx]

Hightower makes perfect sense. At least give him two weeks while LeShoure is suspended.

 

[djmich]

Leshoure is the answer to all long term DET RB questions (other than,'What do we do if Leshoure gets hurt again?'). The guys is big, fast, agile and a willing blocker. Now they are just trying to cover themselves (and Kev Smith) until Mikel is post-suspension and fully healthy, which should be well before mid-season.

Thanks for clearing that up

 

[Silverstreak]

I kinda like the thought of Hightower in that offense...good blocker, good runner, good hands, cant say healthy...dude would fit in perfect!!!

Any guesses as to Hightowers fantasy value if he is indeed signed as Detroit's starter? could you start him expecting similar numbers to his good Washington games?

I think, by virtue of his release by Wash, I don't believe he is ready to contribute. How long to get his step back?? Probably to long. Let me also say I believe that Smith has the skill set to be very productive in this offense...low end RB1. Most will be using him as a RB2 or RB3 which should yield great returns. I do feel at some point the keys will be handed to Leshoure, and I like that thought as well.What makes the most sense to me???I would really like to see what a change in environment for Moreno in Den would be...back with his college QB and a new opportunity. I think a nice conditional 3rd or 2 3rds in successive years would get the job done and step back and see what happens.Yes Moreno has been injury prone, but he's relatively healthy and currently out of favor in Den....it would be an interesting move IMO

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Let me also say I believe that Smith has the skill set to be very productive in this offense...low end RB1.

For a game.Two might be stretching it though.