Fansided

5 bold predictions for Detroit Lions in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Running back D"u2019Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Lions 46-25. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Running back D"u2019Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Lions 46-25. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Lions predictions, D'Andre Swift
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 13: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on December 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

4. D’Andre Swift will rush for 1,000+ yards

Swift didn’t quite live up to the Lions’ expectations for him as a rookie. He managed to rack up 521 yards on 114 carries, but the team never trusted him to be their No. 1 back. Instead, they leaned on veteran Adrian Peterson for long stretches of the season.

The franchise’s offseason moves don’t inspire a lot of confidence in Swift’s 2021 workload. The team let Peterson walk, but used free agency to bring in competition for Swift in the form of Jamaal Williams.

The good news for Swift is that Detroit wants to run the ball a ton this season. Everything Goff wants to do in the passing game is going to be built on the back of play action. That means both Swift and Williams are in line for heavy workloads if they can stay healthy.

The reality that Swift averaged over 4.5 yards per carry last season shows that he’s ready to take advantage of his opportunities. Look for him to cruise past the 1,000-yard mark if he can stay healthy for a full 17-game slate. Swift has a chance to be this team’s breakout star.

Home/Detroit Lions