Rookie could have a monster game in Miami

The Detroit Lions could get a monster performance from one of their rookies when they face off against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

In golf, getting your ball rolling is usually a big hit, usually with a driver, out of the box. When applying that same phrase to the Detroit Lions' upcoming Miami match against the 4-2 Miami Dolphins this Sunday, it's rookie running back Kerryon Johnson that appears to be "teed up" to have a monster performance.

Johnson has been showing the Lions' coaching staff that he is ready to be given more opportunities to shine. And with fellow running back Theo Riddick already ruled out of the game against the Dolphins due to a knee injury, it should be Detroit's second rounder who benefits from those extra carries.

Throughout his first five games in the Motor City, Johnson has rushed for 286 yards and has touchdown on 50 carries. He is averaging 5.7 yards per rushing attempt, which is the second highest average of any rookie runner with 50 carries or more. And it's the fifth highest in the NFL.

According to Graham Barfield's NFL.com, Johnson is set to have a monster game in Miami.

"The Dolphins rarely stack the box, too, committing eight or more defenders to the tackle box on 18.6 percent of rush plays (11th-lowest rate). It's likely Miami will be unable to stack up against a Detroit team that runs 11-staff (3WR) 60 percent of the time, by Next Gen Stats. If Riddick misses, this sets up an incredibly attractive breakout spot for Johnson. "

LeGarrette Blount, who is coming off a two-touchdown performance in a big win over the Lions' North NFC rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in Week Five. But the 31-year old veteran is a short-yardage specialist, averaging just 2.5 yards per carry through five games.

With the news that Theo Riddick has been officially ruled out for their contest against the Miami Dolphins, the Detroit Lions will be reunited with Kerryon Johnson not only as a runner, but as a receiver out of the backfield. Johnson has posted 13 receptions for 68 yards through Riddick's absence. All signs are pointing to the first-year back to a Sunshine State monster game.