Duckett emerging in Detroit?
Very interesting article Wednesday on MLive.com about the Lions running game. Tom Kowalski believes that T.J. Duckett will be a bigger part of the Detroit offense than originally believed.
Duckett has no versatility going to the outside, but the Lions don't trust Tatum Bell in short-yardage situations. Bell had a reputation for running soft in Denver, and it is cropping up again. It would be a shock if he was on the field inside the five-yard line.
I've been campaigning against Bell as a mid-round pick for a while. The Lions simply won't have that many carries to go around, and now it looks like Bell won't get a chance to score unless he goes long distance. The hype surrounding Bell has quieted noticeably in recent weeks, as Mike Martz reportedly was the one pushing for Kevin Jones to stay off the PUP list so he could return to the field as soon as possible.
Duckett is only an option in deep touchdown-only leagues, but Bell isn't even a great RB2 option this week. He's ranked 27th this week in our projections (Goal Line Stand posts in the morning). That makes Bell a solid flex play, but that's about it.
Comments
T.J. Duckett had some moments during the preseason this year. However, I think he's more effective inside the 20 rather than the 5 yard line. T.J. turns it on better off short passing plays inside the 20.
I don't trust anyone but Jon Kitna to get T.J. near the 5 yard line and it's up in the air how long Jon Kitna will last (back spasms and all).
Expect T.J's goal line carries/chances to increase (not decrease) when K.J. returns and Calvin Johnson gets a starting role.
Posted by: Jeff MacMillan | September 5, 2007 03:04 PM
I agree Jeff. If TJ were to have a role in the Lions offense, it will happen with the next three-four weeks and his production (whatever that may be) will decline as Kevin Jones health improves.
I was never on board with the Tatum talk and from the all the news about the other two backs on the team, I think it's safe for everyone to exit the Bell bandwagon now.
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