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The Detroit Lions have an incredible running back pairing in the making in Kerryon Johnson and D’Andre Swift.
When the Detroit Lions drafted D’Andre Swift in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, most pundits believed that Kerryon Johnson’s days in Detroit could be numbered. Instead of reveling in that controversy, Johnson has embraced the competition and camaraderie, suggesting that he and Swift can be one of the better running back duos in the NFL.
Upon further examination, he isn’t wrong, and NFC North defenses had better adjust to the ground-and-pound style the Lions can sport alongside Matthew Stafford’s arm in 2020.
Kerryon Johnson is anxious for the opportunity to share the Lions backfield with D’Andre Swift in Detroit.
“He’s a phenomenal player,” Johnson said Wednesday. “I remember playing against him in college. I hated seeing him every time we played against Nick Chubb and Sony [Michel] and I’m telling you, when that kid stepped on the field, he was lightning in a bottle.”
The fact that Swift stood out to Johnson when the likes of Michel and Chubb shared the Bulldogs backfield is astounding. Swift’s NFL potential as a speedy running back has been evident from Day 1 in Athens, but he emerged as a pass-catcher and overall threat out of the backfield once he had it all to himself.
With the Lions, Swift will share carries with Johnson in a role that, while new to him, should scare opposing defenses. Johnson’s tough approach, when paired with a back that has the game-breaking speed Swift possesses, only further highlights the strengths of both backs.
The Lions have expressed a willingness to ride the hot hand in the past. That should remain their strategy with Swift and Johnson. Despite his uncertain future, Johnson’s mentality will get him noticed, one way or another.