Lions counting on a good run with Johnson
Kerryon Johnson ALLEN PARK, MICH. was just a kid when his older siblings hit him with elbows while playing hoops.
And his parents, both of whom played college basketball, did not swoop in to save their young son from the physical games. Sure, playing at Auburn and in the SEC did a lot to get the Detroit Lions’ rookie running back ready for the NFL.
Growing up in Huntsville, Ala., though as the youngest of four athletic children did a lot to develop him, too.
“My parents let it go because they knew I was being prepared for moments like this,” Johnson said Wednesday after a joint practice with the New York Giants. “When I look back at those times, I’m grateful. It taught me to be competitive and how to work hard and never give up.” Detroit, meanwhile, is thankful it drafted Johnson in the second round. He had a run and a reception for 30-plus yards in his professional debut, albeit it a preseason game last week against the Oakland Raiders. While the Lions were encouraged by Johnson’s flashes of promise, and have been pleased by how well he has practised, they are quick to pump the breaks to temper the enthusiasm about him. “I was excited to see him have a couple big plays and show off some of his natural ability,” Detroit coach Matt Patricia said. “But from an overall standpoint, we’ve a long way to go there.” Detroit’s running game can’t get much worse.
Under former coach Jim Caldwell, the Lions ranked last in rushing offence in 2017 for the second time in three years.
In the other two seasons with Caldwell, the team ranked No. 30 and No. 28 in the NFL on the ground offensively. Johnson won’t be expected to fix the lingering problem alone. Detroit selected Frank Ragnow 20th overall in the draft, counting on him to play alongside four returning starters to bolster the offensive line. Veteran running back LeGarrette Blount was signed early in free agency to likely lead a group that also includes Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah.
“I’ve had a smooth start because I’ve got a great room of guys, who have really helped me make the transition,” Johnson said.