The run-support numbers, or lack thereof, Matthew Stafford has had over his nine NFL seasons have been well documented, and are rather hard to believe sometimes.
Stafford hasn't had the support of a 100-yard rusher since Thanksgiving of 2013 (Reggie Bush). That was 229 weeks ago. Stafford's only had seven 100-yard rushers in his nine-year career.
So, it wasn't a huge surprise to hear him speak glowingly of newly signed running back LeGarrette Blount.
"Obviously, I'm a football fan," Stafford said of Blount. "I've watched him play a lot of meaningful, important games and he's played really well in those games.
"I'm excited to have him. Big, physical guy that does a really good job in the red area and scored a lot of touchdowns in his career rushing the football and that's an area we can improve in."
The Lions finished last in the NFL in rushing a year ago (76.3 yards per game), and were tied for last in yards per attempt (3.4). They were also last in converting 3rd & 1 and 4th & 1 runs.
New Lions head coach Matt Patricia is looking for more balance on offense, and the ability to be able to run the ball with some kind of consistency when needed.
Blount brings size, toughness and big-game experience to the position.
He helped the Eagles to a Super Bowl title this past season rushing for 766 yards (4.4 average) while sharing the backfield with Jay Ajayi.
The year prior he rushed for 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns helping the Patriots win the Super Bowl.
"I think as far as his experience in games that he's played in for as long as he's played at the level he's played at is going to bring a lot to that room, to our offense and to our team," Stafford said.
Blount has rushed for 100 yards in a game 17 times throughout his career and has scored 62 touchdowns, including the playoffs. Blount has a career playoff record of 10-1.
The Lions could decide to add to the running back room in next week's NFL Draft with what's considered a very talented and deep group of runners, but the Blount signing is expected to pay immediate dividends not only on the field but in the building and the meeting room.
