Lions Insider

The Lions never got their running game going this season because of injuries. Rookie Mikel Leshoure suffered a torn Achilles tendon in training camp, missing the season, and Jahvid Best lasted just six games before concussions put him on injured reserve.

The Lions' plans for a balanced offensive attack went out the window because of the injuries to Leshoure and Best. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan was forced to dump a lot more of the load on quarterback Matthew Stafford and the offense morphed into a predominantly passing unit.

The Lions finished the season ranked 29th in rushing offense and were one of only seven teams to average less than 100 yards per game on the ground (95.2).

Despite the low totals, they were still somewhat effective when they did decide to run, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, good for 12th best in the NFL.

But the offense was by no means the balanced attack they had envisioned after taking Leshoure in the second round of last year's draft and one year after drafting Best in the first round.

Kevin Smith was signed off the street in the middle of the season and had his moments. He had a 140-yard performance against the Panthers on Nov. 20 and had seven touchdowns (four rushing and three receiving) over the final eight games of the season. Smith has been plagued by injuries his entire career, and he struggled with them again this season. He suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Packers on Thanksgiving which limited his production the remainder of the season. He didn't rush for more than 49 yards in any other contest other than the Panthers game.

As far as the other running backs, back-ups Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams were solid but didn't have a huge impact.

TOP PERFORMER

Best played in only the first six games and still led the Lions with 390 rushing yards. He was up-and-down the first six weeks of the season, rushing for more than 100 yards just once (163 yards vs. Bears).

Best was averaging 113 yards from scrimmage per game with most of his big plays coming via the passing game. His 88- and 43-yard runs against the Bears were his only rushes of more than 20 yards on the season.

Best's game is a lot like the Saints' Darren Sproles. He is a terrific play maker and receiver and that's ultimately how the team would like to use him when both he and Leshoure are healthy.

BY THE NUMBERS

390 – The lowest amount of rushing yards to lead the team since fullback James Jones led the 1987 team with 342 yards.

2 – 100-yard rushing performances by Lions running backs this season (Best ‘s 163 yards vs. Bears and Smith's 140 vs. Panthers).

71 – Rushes that resulted in a first down this season for the Lions. Second-lowest in the NFL behind the Colts (69).

LOOKING FORWARD

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew is in a complicated situation this offseason because of the uncertainty that surrounds Leshoure and Best. Both are on schedule with their rehabilitation, but Leshoure is coming off a major leg injury and exactly how Best will return from the concussions is still somewhat of a mystery.

"Running back is kind of a tricky position for us right now, because we could have an embarrassment of riches there, you know, if Jahvid is back at 100 percent and Mikel is back at 100 percent and we're hitting on all cylinders, we've got a pretty solid group," Mayhew said.

"On the other hand, neither one of those guys is playing football right now, or able to play football right now, as far as I know, so it could be a situation where we need to address it. We've got time to make those decisions."

The Lions will likely bring a number of backs into training camp as insurance for Leshoure and Best and to compete for the No. 3 spot.

Smith and Morris are free agents this offseason and the team will have decisions to make on their futures. Smith did enough this season to earn a right to compete for the third spot.

Williams and Joique Bell are under contract for next season. Bell was snagged off the Saints' practice squad late in the season and should get an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in the spring and summer.