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Cooter Adjusting As OC, Says Abdullah Will See Bigger Role In Lions' Offense

By Ashley Scoby
@AshleyScoby

One of Jim Bob Cooter's first challenges as offensive coordinator and brand-new play-caller? Too many cords.

Adjusting to headset cords and sideline technology is just one change Cooter has had to make since stepping up into the open offensive coordinator position with the Lions.

"You know, there's a lot of cords going on the sidelines," Cooter joked. "On that London game, they keep you corded up pretty good, so you're always stepping over cords and all that, but I tried to get through the distraction of that. But overall, it was a learning experience for me. … There's some things I would definitely – some calls I would like back, some calls that I could improve."

Heading into his second game as full-time play-caller and OC, Cooter says the emphasis remains on protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions have done a horrid job of that so far this season, allowing Stafford to be sacked 22 times and hit far more often than that.

"It could be a who's got who situation, could be a just blocking guys situation, could be a little bit of a schematic thing that we have to fix, so something that's really important," he said. "If you want to play winning football, you need to protect the quarterback and that's something we really have to do."

Sticking to the run game is the second priority, Cooter said. And with that comes figuring out who on the roster can consistently run the ball effectively.

Ameer Abdullah has shown flashes, but has had fumbling issues. Joique Bell had a solid outing against Kansas City, but has been hampered by injuries. Theo Riddick has been better as a slot receiver and catching balls out of the backfield than rushing.

Cooter admitted that Abdullah needed to see a bigger role, but then backtracked and said that everyone needed to get more touches.

"Ameer's role will be growing," Cooter said. "I would like to get him the ball, would like to get all of our guys the ball. … But three and outs lead to minimal touches for everybody, so if we can avoid those, we're all getting the ball a little bit more, we're all moving the ball a little bit more and results are a little bit better."

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