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Kowalski on WDFN: Bell, Pinner, Calhoun fight for last spot
by James Schmehl | MLive.com
Monday August 18, 2008, 10:02 PM
Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith (34) runs past Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Leon Hall (29) in the first quarter Sunday. Smith totaled 19 yards on four attempts.Detroit's running game continues to be the Lions' biggest question mark heading into the regular season and in order solve that puzzle, coach Rod Marinelli must first decide who will actually be doing the running.
According to Tom Kowalski, it's Kevin Smith - without a question.
But Kowalski told WDFN that Marinelli's real headache will be in deciding Smith's backup.
"If you look at the results the first two games, Artose Pinner was playing like a guy who wants a spot on the roster, so I think it's a coin toss now," Kowalski said.
Kowalski said he initially thought Tatum Bell locked up the final spot due to his veteran experience, but Pinner's recent performance should make Marinelli's cut that much more difficult to make.
"Aveion Cason has one spot locked up because I think he's going to be their principle return guy," Kowalski said. "Now it's those three guys: Pinner, (Brian) Calhoun and Bell that are all fighting for that last spot."
Listen to the entire interview to hear which running back Killer thinks might be the odd man out:
Click here to download this file
I'm for Toose and Calhoun..I strill remberber how good Calhoun was in his senior year at Wisconson.I have never been impressed with Bell. Toose can get the hard yard on 3rd and one and near the goal line.
What the hell is there a fight about? This is done and over considering what I've seen and what I've read here on this forum. Pinner in a knockout, or is it a default because the others refused to show up?. YOU make the call!
This is really a toss-up, and depends a lot on the return game.
Middleton has looked good on kickoffs, and Moore on punts. I'd like to see more work on returns. I'd even like to see Moore do kickoffs as well as punts. Ellis isn't impressing on either, but is getting the reps and a few catches.
Cason returning punts? Well, he'll have to get some reps there to prove that. I'm pretty sure he's done it before, though.
As it stands, let's say Cason makes the team as a returner, 3rd down back, and 3rd string runner. I'd put Bell as 2nd string, although Pinner is pushing him with nice running vs. Cincy albeit against 3rd string cheese D.
Calhoun was my favorite to be the 3rd RB going into camp. I figured he'd return kickoffs like last season but isn't getting the reps. He is not impressing with his running and receiving - not bad, but not good.
It's possible we only carry 4 WR's which could leave room for 4 RB's. I think Calhoun is the odd man out. If we only carry 3 RB's then it's between Bell and Pinner.
I read a recent article on Tatum Bell. He said he was just 'getting the feel' for the new system (in response to his 12 carries for 15 yards or something). But what about Tose!!? he isnt 'getting a feel' for the O-Line, he is fighting and plowing through defenders like a man who wants to EARN his spot.
Sounds like time to make a Marinelli character call. I go Pinner.
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