Lombardi Says More Production From Ebron Key To Overall Growth Of Offense
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - At the town hall meeting with season ticket holders Tuesday, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi pulled no punches about how much the Detroit Lions need someone to step up as the third option in the passing game this season.
"It's critical," Lombardi said, "and I think [tight end] Eric [Ebron]'s the guy that we're really counting on to do that, and really getting all the tight ends more involved. A lot of that was injury-related, obviously ... and there's a role for those other receivers that we have right now, but it's critical."
The Lions took Ebron with the 10th overall pick of last year's draft, but in 13 games Ebron made only 25 catches for 248 yards.
"There's a big learning curve, obviously, for a new rookie, and the tight end position is one that requires a lot," Lombardi said. "As you look back, if you're self-critical, you might say maybe we asked a little bit too much of him from that perspective. I think there was just a volume that he struggled with early, but listen, he was productive. Again, for anybody the second year is always where you see the biggest jump."
Lombardi said the Detroit offense still has plenty of room for improvement, and Ebron can help it reach its potential.
"That's going to be a big key to our growth is to get more production from Eric," Lombardi said. "He's ready to do that. I know he's been making some trips to Atlanta to work with Matt already this offseason. The thing you like about Eric is he's a bright kid, and he works hard, and he wants to be good. So we expect very big things from him moving forward."
