Detroit Lions: Why Calvin Johnson Needs a Better Lions Running Game

In order for Calvin Johnson to continue his tremendous ascent up the NFL's wide receiver totem pole, he needs one thing above all else: an improved running game around him.

Johnson's stat sheet from last season is mesmerizing. He had 96 receptions, 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns.

What stands out most about these numbers is not the total amount, but the game-by-game breakdown.

Johnson scored at least one touchdown in each game until Week 6, the same week that Jahvid Best was injured and lost for the season.

Best provided a threat in the Detroit Lions backfield, something they needed in order to bring defenders into the box and divert a small amount of attention away from Johnson.

This is not to say that "Megatron" cannot produce without a decent rushing attack surrounding him.

In fact, his 6'5", 236-pound frame and freakish athleticism all but guarantee that he will be able to get separation from defenders and make plays on the ball.

Still, to improve on his impressive statistics from a year ago, he and quarterback Matthew Stafford will need some help from Best, Mikel LeShoure, Kevin Smith or whoever else is taking the handoffs next season.

Imagine the Lions passing attack when they are able to execute play-action.

That was unthinkable for the majority of this past season, because no team actually believed Detroit was handing the ball off.

Stafford attempted 663 passes in 2011, more than any other QB in the NFL. The Lions offense was productive but predictable.

They were a quick-hit unit predicated on short passes to compensate for a lackluster running game and had the ability to throw the occasional deep ball.

A balanced offense in 2012 can open up the entire field and help Detroit sustain longer drives.

If the offense is constantly moving the ball 80 yards at a time, everybody's statistics have the potential to increase.

This could also mean more catches for Johnson. Last season, he had two games with nine or more catches and he had over 200 yards receiving in both of those contests.

The formula seems almost too obvious—more catches means more production from "Megatron."

Without a decent run game Johnson will not have a chance at those catches, and he will not have the opportunity to continue to improve.