Fansided

Every NFL team’s biggest X-Factor in 2019

By Kevin Parvizi

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 21: Kerryon Johnson #33 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 21: Kerryon Johnson #33 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Detroit Lions – Kerryon Johnson

Whether it’s Marvin Jones or Trey Flowers, the Detroit Lions have several players who will be X-Factors next season, but Kerryon Johnson stands out the most due to his status as the team’s feature back. In terms of talent, Johnson could be one of the top 10 running backs in the NFL, but he has to put it all together on the field for a full 16-game season. The Lions coaching staff also needs to believe in Johnson, and it didn’t seem like Matt Patricia, whose own coaching ability is a huge question mark for the Lions, trusted him.

When he did get the rock, Johnson dazzled last season. As a second-round rookie out of Auburn, Johnson looked like a first-round talent with an average of 5.4 yards per carry. He also quietly shined brightly in the passing game despite his lack of opportunities, converting 39 targets into 32 receptions. The Lions will continue to use him in the passing game, spelling Theo Riddick in that phase of the game to make Johnson more of a three-down guy.

Johnson is one of the best sophomore breakout candidates around the NFL, because all he needs is more opportunities. Rest assured, with Darrell Bevell as the Lions offensive coordinator, those opportunities will come for Johnson, who will play a key role in easing the burden off of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. This is a huge year for Stafford and the Lions offense, and they’ll need to ride Johnson. Last season, Johnson earned 118 carries; Detroit needs to double his workload in 2019. While CJ Anderson is a great back in his own right and a strong signing, Johnson is younger and even more talented at this stage of their careers.

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