After 3 scintillating years scooting across the California Memorial Stadium hash-marks like a greased pig hell bent on finding pay-dirt, Jahvid Best could soon burst onto the national scene with a big play ability and natural NFL aptitude rivaling that of fellow former Bear DeSean Jackson. Both players have similar upside actually. While undersized for their respective positions, Jackson at wide out and Best in the backfield, they make up for small stature with top end speed and uncanny elusiveness. Best can only hope he continues to follow Jackson’s professional trajectory, already the number 1 receiving option for the pass happy Eagles, and a Pro-Bowl selection in his second year in the league. Based on early returns, similar success seems forthcoming for Best, who quickly ascended the Lions’ depth chart this preseason, aided by incumbent starter Kevin Smith’s extended absence resulting from ACL surgery.Still, Best has been downright impressive in exhibition play, showing flashes of the talent that made him a human highlight reel during his collegiate career. In his final preseason tune up, Best had only one carry, which he used effectively, breaking of a 51 yard scamper up the left side. In his only other play of the game, Best caught a checkdown pass, dodging right before ducking left, picking up 10 yards and another first down. Clearly the starter, the Lions held Best out of their final meaningless contest, ensuring his health come week 1. In the Lions regular season debut, Best found the end zone for the Lions first 2 touchdowns of 2010, both carries from inside the 10, helping the Lions nearly pull off what would’ve been an improbable upset on the road against the Chicago Bears. In week 2, Best scored 3 times, twice on the ground and once through the air, totaling 78 yards and 154 receiving. With Matt Stafford still on the shelf due to a opening game shoulder injury, the Lion’s should continue to use the run game to carry the team (combined with check down passes out of the backfield), meaning Best should see plenty of opportunity to assert himself as a household name in areas outside of Southern California and Northern Michigan, sooner rather than later.
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