Lions Must Figure Out Running Game Woes against Vikings

Read more on the struggles of the Detroit Lions' rushing attack

Last week against the Indianapolis Colts, the Detroit Lions had their worst performance of the 2020 NFL season running the football. 

In its 41-21 loss, Detroit only rushed the football on 13 occasions. The net result was only 29 total yards.

To make matters worse, included in the rushing tally were a 11-yard rush by Jamal Agnew and a 10-yard scramble from Matthew Stafford.  

Running backs Adrian Peterson and D'Andre Swift only accounted for 11 carries, and produced just eight total yards last week.

Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell was asked Tuesday during his weekly media session if it was time to consider using Peterson less due to his struggles in recent weeks. 

Since the start of the season, Peterson's yards-per-carry average has declined.

"Well, we don’t just go straight off the stats. I mean, we look at the film. Obviously, this last week was not a good day for us offensively in really any facet of the game. We didn’t run the ball very well," Bevell said. 

© Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

He added, "We didn’t protect the quarterback very well. So, we have to evaluate just different than looking at what the yards per carry or whatever comes up. We’re looking at how we’re using them. Every day we go out there, every day in practice, we’re trying to put the best guys out there and trying to give them the best opportunities to make plays, with the design of the plays. And we’ll continue to do that.”

The Vikings' defense allows 124.4 rushing yards per game (19th in the NFL). So, Detroit must capitalize on the deficiencies of Minnesota's defense. 

If Detroit is unable to effectively establish the run, the offense becomes one dimensional, and there will be an increased likelihood of Stafford making critical mistakes.

This is the week to correct those running game woes, or risk another loss to the Lions' divisional rivals on the road. 

More from SI All Lions:

4 Lions That Must Shine to Win against Vikings 

Predictions: Lions-Vikings

Matthew Stafford Cleared to Play against Vikings

Lions-Vikings Preview with Will Ragatz of SI Inside the Vikings

Lions' Week 9 Friday Injury Report: Walker, Golladay, Agnew Out

'I'm Going to Come Out and Dominate': Griffen Wants to Prove Zimmer Wrong

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