Cam and Darrell...Matthew’s new best friends.

[AvengerRam]

Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson both had difficulty staying healthy this year. However, when they were at their healthiest, their productivity was impressive.

Henderson's best stretch was over the first half of the season. In the first 8 games, he had 95 carries for 458 yards (4.8 ypc) and 3 TDs (plus one receiving TD).

Cam Akers' final 8 games, spanning the final 7 games (he missed one game with an ankle injury) and the playoffs were even more impressive: 146 carries, 660 yards (4.5 ypc), 4 TDs (and 1 receiving TD).

I think its fair to say that, if these two guys can stay healthy next year, they could be one of the better RB tandems in the league.

That's where Matthew Stafford comes in...

You may have heard this one: in 165 starts with the Lions, Stafford had the support of a 100 yard rusher in 11 games (Henderson/Akers had 3 combined just last year).

This one is even more telling: the average yards by the Lions' leading rusher in Stafford's 12 years in the league: 635.8. In the past 6 years... 525.7 yards.

Stafford has never had consistent run support. He's never been able to take advantage of play action on a regular basis. He's really had to do it all on his own.

Welcome to L.A., Matthew... Cam and Darrell are ready to help you win.

 

[Mister Sin]

Man....I'm so jacked to see what this offense can do. I believe both these guys are starters in this league.

 

[sjm1582002]

Love to see both in a split backfield with Stafford under center.

That formation doesn't appear to be in McVay's playbook.

 

[Faceplant]

Yep. The defense, or lack thereof was as responsible for the lower rushing totals as anything. Lions always playing from behind. I would be just fine with a game manager type season from our QB. Hand it off, kill em with with play action. DON'T TURN THE BALL OVER. Repeat.