The Detroit Lions promise to be a fun watch under the direction of new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi.
The former Saints quarterbacks coach told reporters in February that Detroit's Matthew Stafford-led attack will offer a "lot of similarities" to what New Orleans has done under Sean Payton.
Fourth-year running back Mikel Leshoure approves of the new approach.
"I can't tell you (what my role will be) during OTAs, but it looks like I'll be involved a little more than last year so far," Leshoure told MLive this week. "As far as the role, I don't know. That could change weekly. But I think I'll be more involved."
It would be hard for Leshoure to be less involved after the 2011 second-round pick saw just two carries last season after 14 starts and 215 totes in 2012.
Leshoure's role withered up with Joique Bell splitting reps with Reggie Bush, but a third runner is bound to play a role in Lombardi's scheme.
Last season's Saints saw three backs earn 50-plus carries behind a team-leading 147 attempts for Pierre Thomas. In 2012, Mark Ingram led the way with 156 carries ahead of Thomas (105), Darren Sproles (48) and Chris Ivory (40).
If Leshoure can outshine second-year runner Theo Riddick, he's a solid candidate to see a role similar to what Ivory played before his trade to the New York Jets. If that doesn't happen, Leshoure's time in Detroit is likely up.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" picks the best receiver group in the NFL, and goes deep previewing the season with Bucky Brooks.
