5 reasons why the Vikings biggest NFC North challenger will be the Lions

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Matthew Stafford
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Matthew Stafford
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) D’Andre Swift

An impressive running back tandem

There promises to be plenty of production coming from the Lions’ new running back tandem. The organization drafted D’Andre Swift to compete with Kerryon Johnson for the No. 1 position this year.

This might be a problem for the Vikings after losing Linval Joseph in free agency and recent signing Michael Pierce opting out of the season due to health concerns related to COVID-19.

Swift might have fallen out of the first round in the 2020 NFL Draft, but that does not detract from what an outstanding prospect he is. The former Georgia standout is a dual-threat weapon that is all the rage in today’s NFL and his lower center of gravity makes him incredibly elusive in tight windows.

His sensational three-year stint with the Bulldogs ended with 2,885 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on 440 carries with a 6.6 yards-per-rush average. His efforts in the passing game also came in for praise during his time in college, with Swift hauling in 73 receptions for 666 receiving yards and five scores.

The No. 35 overall pick is expected to share the load with Johnson this season, who has shown glimpses of promise and injury concerns in equal measure during his two years with the Lions.

If the tandem hits the ground running, it will provide Detroit with a strong platform from which to build on offense. Their performance could also open up the team’s formidable passing attack in the process.

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