Jahvid Best Injury: Detroit Lions Can Cope Without Running Back

Fans all over Michigan have been bemoaning the Detroit Lions' running back woes. 

First, Mikel Leshoure was lost for the season to an achilles injury before ever taking an official snap. Then Jahvid Best was diagnosed with his second concussion in two months following last week's tilt with the San Francisco 49ers.

Jerome Harrison was diagnosed with a brain tumor (all reports point towards a positive recovery), leaving Detroit with two running backs on the roster as of Monday this week.

Yet, the Lions will be able to overcome these injuries today and going forward thanks to their stellar passing game and Maurice Morris.

The following five slides will outline how the Lions will overcome Best's injury today against the Atlanta Falcons.  

Short Passing Game Is an Extension of the Running Game

NFL coaches have been saying for quite awhile now that the short passing game is an extension of the running game. 

Passing yards have been astronomical this year due to the recent rule changes that have shifted the balance of power towards quarterbacks and wide receivers. The middle of the field has been opened up for players like Wes Welker because defenders can no longer launch into unprotected receivers.

Brandon Pettigrew has been exceptional in this role, and Nate Burleson will need to be utilized more often with Jahvid Best's absence. 

Maurice Morris Is Not That Bad

Maurice Morris is Jahvid Best's replacement and the backup has proven to be more than capable at filling in.

Morris has had a journeyman-type career, but the fact that he is still in the league at 31 is a testament to his skill.

Additionally, he has been in Scott Linehan's offensive system for three years and should know all the pass protections in his sleep by now. 

Atlanta Falcons Have One of the Worst Passing Defenses in the NFL

The Atlanta Falcons' passing defense ranks 27th in the NFL, since they give up just over 283 yards a game.

Matthew Stafford will exploit the Falcons secondary early and often to offset the loss of Jahvid Best.

Calvin Johnson should resume his record-breaking ways by hauling in at least two touchdowns today. If the Falcons devote too many defensive resources to stopping Johnson, Nate Burleson and Titus Young will be able to run wild in one on one coverage. 

Matthew Stafford Is Focused

Matthew Stafford had a rough outing last week against the San Francisco 49ers. He did throw for almost 300 yards and had two touchdowns, but there were many missed opportunities throughout the game.

In the first half, he seemed to miss multiple open receivers and gave up a safety. The offense never seemed to get in sync for the duration of the game.

Stafford has been answering the call all season, and he probably cannot wait to get the taste out of his mouth against the weak Atlanta Falcons secondary. Fans can rest assured that Jim Schwartz has the young quarterback focused and driven after his show of intensity last week.

The Atlanta Falcons Have Injuries as Well

Every team in the NFL deals with personnel losses, and the Atlanta Falcons are no different. Their prize first-round selection Julio Jones has been ruled out this week with a hamstring injury.

Jones' injury may play a larger role than Jahvid Best's because the Detroit Lions are sure to unleash Ndamukong Suh and his line-mates on Matt Ryan. The Falcons will need to get the ball out quickly to playmakers, and Jones' replacement, Harry Douglas, does not fit the description.

In three years, Douglas has only two touchdowns, and has yet to reach the end zone this season. This will not be enough to overcome the Detroit Lions, as they should roll to a contested, but solid victory.