The Detroit Lions had an offense that looked like it was poised to explode in 2013, but the look of the offense on paper didn’t match the look of the offense when it actually took the field. While Reggie Bush rushed for over 1,000 yards and the Lions had streaks where the offense was incredible, they countered that with traditionally bad offense that ended up costing them their season and Jim Schwartz’s job.
But 2014 brings a new coaching staff and a new scheme to Detroit, as the multiple running backs the team has will be utilized in a way they should have been used last year.
According to Tom Meinke from MLive.com, new Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi will be using a multiple back system like he saw in New Orleans as both Reggie bush and Joique Bell could be on the field at the same time.
"“You’re going to see some more two-back sets,” Lewand told a small crowd this week at the TAP restaurant in the MGM casino in downtown Detroit. He added that they would mimic what New Orleans has done with deploying a multitude tailbacks."
This is a system Lombari has seen work in the past and is one that should work again. Bell and Bush are two similar and versatile backs who can create headaches for defenses if used right. Lions fans are hoping this new scheme will help make that happen and help open up the offense for Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate.