Detroit To Be Run First

Stolen from Football Guys.com:

Source: Eric Lacy, Detroit News

When asked about the difference between last season's offensive scheme under Mike Martz and new coordinator Jim Colletto 's approach, Lions center Dominic Raiola made sure to be careful with his words.

"I never had a problem with Mike's offense," Raiola said. "He's one of the great offensive minds and I respect him for that, but this (new scheme) is definitely a lot more simplified and geared to running the ball first. Mike's (system) was geared to passing first; I don't have a problem with that."

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It's no big secret that the Lions will run the ball more this year. But I thought you might like hearing it right from the horses mouth so to speak. Raiola will be charged with mastering this blocking scheme quickly and he sounds like he's already well on his way. And more specifically, it sounds like more run blocking this year.

I previously blogged that Detroit was likely to run more with Martz gone, this is confirmation from a lineman on the team. The question still remains - Kevin Jones or rookie Kevin Smith? Right now, I'm betting on Kevin Jones, but even if he wins the starting job, I don't want to take him as any more than a low-end RB2.