Lions Sign Rudi Johnson: Rush Offense Has Hope

You can speculate the reasons why Cincinnati released Rudi Johnson, their pro-bowl running back. He was coming off an injury shortened season due to his hamstring in which he played in 11 games and only racked up 497 yards and three touchdowns.

Backup Kenny Watson took over for Johnson last season and played solidly for the Bengals and he comes at a much cheaper price tag. Its also been known that Cincinnati would like to give Chris Perry some playing time this season.

Putting these factors into account and the rumor that the Bengals wanted a top flight receiver in exchange for Johnson in any possible trade, and you can see why the Pro-Bowler was released.

Enter the Lions:

Detroit had released their 1st round pick at running back, Kevin Jones months ago and then drafted Kevin Smith to replace him.

Smith was looked at as a great pick by many because he finished as one of the best single season rushers in college football history and only cost the Lions a 3rd round draft pick.

However, chalking this up anyway you want to, Smith didn't have that impressive of a preseason. Showing flashes of talent, but being largely inconsistent prompted Detroit to take action when opportunity knocked. To add to that, Tatum Bell, who was slated to backup Smith performed poorly as well.

The Lions worked out Rudi Johnson on September 1st and liked what they saw. So much in fact, that they didn't let him get on a plane to go elsewhere.

This was a no-brainer for Detroit. The Lions haven't had a running back of Johnson's caliber since the days of Barry Sanders. There's practically no risk involved in this move either.

If Johnson has a healthy season and gives the Lions a semblance of a rushing attack, it was a fantastic pickup. If he re-injures his hamstring and misses a good chunk of time, its only a one year contract and it cost Detroit nothing.

I would expect Smith to retain his starting job for Week One but also expect Johnson to get some carries as he works his way into the Lions offense. Now, with a very credible veteran behind him, this should put pressure on Smith to perform that wasn't there before with Tatum Bell behind him.

This could be the start of something good.