Lions' 2022 Review: The D'Andre Swift Dilemma
Upon signing with the Detroit Lions, running back Jamaal Williams quickly became a fan favorite among the fanbase. His fun personality resonated with supporters, and he reciprocated by playing catch before practices and games with those in attendance.
In his second year with the Lions, Williams took it even further. The sixth-year back had a career-best season in the backfield, and established himself as one of the team’s leaders during the shift in record.
Williams became the first Lions running back to rush for 1,000 yards in a season since Reggie Bush did it in 2013. Additionally, he broke the franchise’s single-season rushing touchdown record with 17 scores.
His leadership and effort were authentic, which made him endearing to his teammates.
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“He’s our horse,” said quarterback Jared Goff. “Anytime we get down there, tight in the red zone, it feels automatic with him at times. As a quarterback, sometimes you want to throw them in. But, you know, Jamaal is automatic, and I certainly have no upsetness about scoring touchdowns with him like that.”
Here is a primer for the Lions’ running backs leading into the offseason.
Reason for hope
Williams was the headliner during the season. With D’Andre Swift dealing with lingering injuries, the BYU product stepped in as the starter and never looked back. He finished with career-best numbers in carries (262), yards (1,066) and touchdowns (17).
Not known to have blazing speed, Williams even gave fans a taste of his breakaway ability with a 58-yard scoring run against Seattle in Week 4.
The run game was solid for most of the season, though it entered a slump during the later weeks. In December, the Lions had just two games in which a running back surpassed 50 yards on the ground.
Still, Williams and Swift responded with big games on New Year’s Day, with Williams’ 144 rushing yards leading the way.
Swift began the season with a bang, as he notched a career-high 144 rushing yards in the opener on just 15 carries. His dynamic skill set remains a factor, as he posted 389 receiving yards in addition to his 542 yards on the ground.
He posted a career-high in yards per attempt, averaging 5.5 in 2022.
Together, Swift and Williams form a solid combo. Each brings their own set of skills, with Swift’s dynamic two-way ability meshing well with Williams’ physical, downhill running style.
Justin Jackson became a positive presence after beginning the year on the practice squad. The fifth year back totaled 170 rushing yards on 42 carries serving as the team’s third option. He worked in the increased role after Craig Reynolds suffered an injury in Week 9.
Reason for worry
Swift’s durability remains a concern, as he has not played a full season in three years as a pro. He missed only three games in 2022 but played through pain in his shoulder and ankle in several.
When healthy, he’s a legitimate threat in both the pass and run game. However, his health is a concern given that he’s entering a contract year in 2023.
Before the season began, head coach Dan Campbell admitted the team was finding the way to best keep the running back healthy and available for long stretches.
“It goes without saying that Swift is one of our most explosive players on offense,” Campbell said back in July. “We feel like if we set this up right and there’s any space, this guy could take it to the house. He’s got that ability. My gosh, you want those guys out there every play. I would like to see if, man, can we get him out of camp, get his legs under him, get him in really good shape, get the intensity, get the volume under him and then see what he looks like.”
Swift’s workload will be intriguing heading into 2023, as the team seemed to have found a groove for the talented running back at the end of the year. He went over 100 scrimmage yards twice over the Lions’ last six games, surpassing 75 in two others.
Additionally, Williams will be a commodity on the free agent market after his career year. He indicated to reporters that he wants to remain in Detroit but will have a list of suitors pursuing him in free agency.
Biggest question
Can the Lions keep this group together and healthy? The most obvious question currently is whether Williams will return. However, the team needs to also consider the longevity of Swift moving forward.
Even if Williams stays in Detroit, the Lions will need a healthy Swift to remain fully operational. Campbell, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and running backs coach Duce Staley must formulate a way to maximize his abilities without running the risk of injury.
The Lions were at their best with both Williams and Swift in action, with each showcasing moments of stardom on their own. Campbell’s offense is built around the ability to run the ball consistently, so having the group at full strength will be key if the Lions want to take the next step toward contention.
If Detroit is looking to add players through the Draft, the class is headlined by Texas’ Bijan Robinson. Mid-round running back prospects include Ole Miss’ Zach Evans and UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet.
Free agents
