By Jordan Long
The Detroit Lions added depth to their running back core signing Matt Asiata to a one year-deal. This is in hopes of improving the running game, which ranked 30th in the NFL. Asiata will have the opportunity to earn a spot behind Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick.
Asiata is expected to come into camp and compete against Zach Zenner, Dwayne Washington, Tion Green, and Mike James. Zenner is in his third season appearing in 20 games and rushing for 334 yards and 4 touchdowns. Dwayne Washington is entering his second season and has a total of 265 yards on the ground. Mike James has played 23 games in the NFL all with the Buccaneers rushing for 351 yards. Tion Green is a rookie hoping to make the Lions.
Matt Asiata on the other hand is more experienced. He has been in the NFL for 5 years all for the Minnesota Vikings rushing for 1,259 yards and 18 touchdowns. Asiata would enhance the Lions running game. When he is in the game he can run the football and catch passes in the open field. His height at 6 foot tall makes it difficult for defenders to take him down. Asiata has the speed to gain 5 to 6 yards. Those could be the difference between first downs and having to punt the ball away for the Lions.
According to ESPN, Lions’ Head Coach Jim Caldwell said, “Anybody knows who has seen him work, he’s a good special-teamer. He’s tough. He’s a very good pass protector and he carries the ball. He runs behind his pads. He’s always been a very, very effective player in this league.”
Asista has the experience in this game to be a backup for the Lions. Caldwell knows his talent from playing him twice a year when Asiata was a member of the Minnesota Vikings. This was a solid move for the Lions. Asiata must prove in preseason games he can be a trusted backup running back.
What do you think of the Detroit Lions adding Matt Asiata to the backfield?
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