I like Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith, but I am not sure if he is a big-time NFL runner.
Since he was drafted by the Lions, Smith has always been a big talker - but not in a bad way. His talk was about how he wanted to excel and work hard to achieve his goal.
Smith talked about the Lions making the playoffs and people made fun of him. It was a big statement the team wasn't about to back up, but what would you rather him say? How about, "We stink. We have no chance at winning."
I want the players on the teams I root for to have a winning attitude even in the team ins't very good.
While I like Smith, I fear he is not going to be an above-average player. So far, he has shown he is a decent back but lacks breakaway speed and has not been able to carry the team.
Heading into tomorrow's game at Seattle, Smith has played in 23 games, started 19 and has 1,369 yards rushing, 484 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. I know he was stuck in the miserable Jim Colletto offense last year and hasn't had much of an offensive line in front of him, but Smith has doesn't much to make us think he'll be a game breaker.
If the Lions build a strong O-line then we'll see what Smith can do. I hope I am wrong and he becomes a solid, dependable runner that can take over a game when needed.
If he can't, then the Lions need to find out soon and start looking for a runner that can those things.
My Prediction for the Lions-Seattle game:
The Lions were supposed to beat St. Louis at home, but didn't.
The Lions are bad at home and even worse on the road, so they are supposed to lose to the Seahawks, they won't.
Detroit 23, Seattle 17.
