Hardly anyone is talking about Lions RB Theo Riddick these days.
The Detroit Lions running back generated a lot buzz in training camp last year, but Riddick has been overshadowed this offseason by the hype surrounding rookie Ameer Abdullah.
Abdullah's popularity is skyrocketing following a stellar preseason debut, but Riddick, who actually started the game in place of the injured Joique Bell, also had a strong showing in the 23-3 win against the New York Jets.
He finished the contest with eight carries for 35 yards. That's nearly as many rushing yards as he had all of last season.
Where Riddick has previously thrived for the Lions is as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. But on the ground, Riddick hasn't shown much in his two seasons. He's averaged just 2.9 yards on his 29 carries. The longest run of his brief career was for nine yards. Against the Jets, Riddick showed improved vision, balance and elusiveness, picking up gains of seven, eight and nine yards in the first half. The story added if Riddick continues to improve there should be more carries for him even with Bell and Abdullah around. That's probably not great news for fantasy owners if this turns into a three-headed monster at running back. For now, we still see the value in Bell as an early-down rusher and Abdullah a change of pace with a lot of work in the passing game.
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