httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_f1DG3N3uU
Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell has said multiple times this season that players who can’t protect the football will lose playing time.
We may be seeing those repercussions in play with rookie running back Ameer Abdullah, who played just five offensive snaps in the team’s 45-10 loss to Kansas City.
He was also targeted on two pass plays, one of which he appeared to stop his route short, allowing Kansas City to easily intercept quarterback Matthew Stafford’s throw.
He played just 17 snaps, but was far more productive, racking up 56 yards on seven carries.
Golden Tate nearly played every snap, missing just one.
Despite the team’s desperate need for blocking help, Brandon Pettigrew played just 15 snaps in his return to the lineup from injury.
Rookie Michael Burton was on the field a season-low four offensive plays.
He’s played at least double-digits snaps in the team’s seven other games.