The Lions are supposed to dedicate this season to the halfbacks, the residuals of Mike Martz's pass-wacky offense. The goal is that people will hear the word "runs" so much during Lions game broadcasts that they'd think they were watching a Pepto Bismol commercial.That improvement has yet to fully manifest itself, although the team did hand it off 29 times (Drew Stanton added two carries). But one thing is indisputable -- meaningless or not, the Lions' passing offense has looked good.
Through two games Jon Kitna has a perfect quarterback rating. You might be able to peg that on the vanilla scheming of exhibition season, but Calvin Johnson's first-quarter catch last night is remarkable by any standards. He appears to build on last season and realize his promise. Even Stanton looked good in mop-up action, and Dan Orlovsky didn't screw anything up. High five.
About that running game, though. Kevin Smith started and looked impressive, but the other two tailbacks slated to get carries this season, Tatum Bell and Brian Calhoun, combined for 21 yards on 12 carries.
The team will figure out the running game -- the zone blocking scheme is one predicated on backs and linemen coordinating their timing to a tee, something that will come with. Until then, at least they know they can rely on the teachings of an old friend to score points.
