Through four games, there’s no doubt that the Detroit Lions running game isn’t where it needs to be. The team ranks just 22nd in the league in yards per carry (3.9) and Kerryon Johnson is averaging just 3.4 YPC after averaging 5.4 in his rookie season.
But a couple stats suggest the backs aren’t the problem in Detroit. Johnson and the rest of the Lions backs are actually among the league best in yards after first contact. According to ESPN NFL Matchup, the Lions are sixth in the league in rushing yards after contact with an average of 1.