Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/400621
IRISH IN THE PROS BY ANDREW OWENS T he Detroit Lions' high-octane of- fense is centered on standout play- makers Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush, so the situation looked dire when both players missed an Oct. 12 matchup with the Vikings in Minne- sota, historically a place of torment for Detroit. However, former Irish running back Theo Riddick (2009-12) stepped in and provided the offense needed to top the Vikings 17-3 and help the Lions improve to 4-2. On the opening drive, Riddick turned a screen pass into a 41-yard touchdown scamper to give the Lions enough points to win on the road. "I think [quarterback Matt Stafford] made a great effort extending the play because it wasn't there initially," Rid- dick told reporters after the game. "The linemen got out in front of me and I just did what I did." What Riddick does is make plays. He showed that ability at Notre Dame and, now given the chance, is doing the same in Detroit. "Theo came out there and took ad- vantage of his opportunity and that's one thing that coach said, 'take advan- tage of your opportunities,' and they believe in us," fellow Lions running back Joique Bell said. Riddick's playing time has fluctu- ated in the two years since joining the organization as a sixth-round pick in 2013. After playing in only five games as a rookie and notching his first profes- sional touchdown late in the season, he played in five of the first six games in 2014, with only an injury holding him out of play in the sixth. When Bush and Johnson return, Riddick's reps will decrease after he Theo Riddick Takes Advantage Of Rare Opportunity Riddick set the tone early for the Detroit Lions in a 17-3 win at Minnesota Oct. 12, turning a screen pass into a 41-yard gain and then hauling in a nine-yard touchdown reception. PHOTO COURTESY DETROIT LIONS