Tim Twentyman: Lions Insider

Kevin Smith failing as big-play option

Allen Park

Kevin Smith was drafted by the Lions to be the running back of the future.

The Lions saw Smith as a durable, multi-dimensional back they hoped would be a staple in Detroit for years.

After all, consider his numbers at Central Florida:

• He set a Division 1 record with 450 carries his junior season; and

• He rushed for more than 2,500 yards his senior season.

But after 1 1/2 NFL seasons, the question has to be asked:

Is Kevin Smith the answer at running back for this team?

"We need to get more out of our run game, particularly when teams take advantage or try to take advantage of our ability on the outside part of the field and take those plays away," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "All our running backs need to find a way to get some more."

Smith's 976 rushing yards last season, fans believed, were just a result of a pass-happy offense. Maybe, some thought, the low total also was a product of a rookie trying to get acclimated to the NFL.

But midway through his second season, Smith:

• Has 460 yards;

• Is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry, 32nd among backs with at least 75 carries; and

• Has three 100-yard rushing games in his career (112 is high).

Schwartz has been pleading for "explosive plays" from his backs. But Smith, Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown have failed to deliver the big runs of more than 20 yards.

"To get those type of runs you have to break tackles and I guess I'm not breaking any tackles to get those explosives," Smith said. "Hopefully they'll come. I have to just keep on working."

Smith picked up his longest rush of the season, a 31-yard scamper, against Seattle last week, but before that had just one rush for at least 20 yards.

So, do the Lions have to look for another big-play option at running back this offseason?

Probably.

But Smith does have a role.

He has great hands, and leads the team with 26 receptions. He's a strong runner and can grind out tough yards, a perfect complement to another player with big-play capabilities.

Just look at what Chris Johnson's 4.2 speed is doing in Tennessee. Johnson is a threat every time he touches the ball. He leads the league with 959 yards and has five runs of 48 yards or more.

Cunningham wants change

The Lions has been on the wrong end of a few roughing-the-quarterback calls this season.

• Landon Cohen was flagged for hitting Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) below the waist;

• Julian Peterson was flagged for hitting Marc Bulger (Rams) across the head.

"That's why I'd like to get on the competition committee," Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said.

"I was part of the Kansas City deal where Bernard Pollard put (Tom ) Brady out. Bernard was getting tackled and he's fighting for his life to get back there (to the quarterback) and hooks his leg. Their guy is on top of him, and then it's our fault. ... We have to live by the rule, and it's tough to swallow that rule sometimes."

ttwentyman@detnews.com

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Easy pass

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