D’Andre Swift could be part of the puzzle to getting Matthew Stafford a ring

D’Andre Swift joins fellow Bulldog Matthew Stafford in Detriot, and this combination may unlock the elusive ring Stafford has been hunting.

When the announcement was made that the Detroit Lions had taken Georgia running back D’Andre Swift with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Dawg fans everywhere had the same thought.

God, did Matthew Stafford need that pick!

Stafford has been an iron man in Detroit and done more than his share to try and turn around one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. One thing Stafford has never really had in his 12 years in the league is a premier, workhorse running back who can give the Lions a little balance in their offense.

The Lions have only had one 1,000-yard rusher since Stafford came to Detriot in 2009 (Reggie Bush, 1,006 yards in 2013) and in six of those seasons, the team’s leading rusher had less than 600 yards.

The absence of a true, consistent rushing game has put undue pressure on Stafford as defenses simply keyed on rushing him, dropping linebackers into coverage, and daring the Lions to run the ball.

The Lions did not dare, most years.

That is all going to change in 2020 with the arrival of D’Andre Swift in Detriot, and Matthew Stafford is probably breathing a sigh of relief that his coach and GM found him the help he’s been wanting.

D’Andre Swift is a complete back. He can run with power, he can make ankle-breaking cuts, he can catch passes out of the backfield and break off some huge chunk plays, and — and this should not be understood — he can pass-block like a beast.

Lions GM Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia found the 3-down back they’ve been wanting, and someone who will be a perfect running-mate to Kerryon Johnson, who hasn’t quite put together the type of career the Lions thought they might get with the No. 43 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Swift will be a day-one starter and will make an impact immediately for the Lions. Granted, Detroit still has some serious work to do on a defense that finished 31st in the league last season, but Swift will help the Lions keep opposing offenses off the field longer.

Is this going to happen right away? No, certainly not. Can a prediction be made for the Lions as a Super Bowl contender in 2020? Not even close.

But brother, does this make it more possible in the future.

This is a perfect fit for Swift, and Bulldog fans everywhere not only want to see him succeed in the NFL, but they’d love to see Matthew Stafford at least have a legitimate shot at a Lombardi Trophy before his playing days are done.