Former South Dakota State standout Zach Zenner has been in the NFL for two years but hasn't made much noise. That was until last night when Zenner had the best game of his career.

Zenner had career-highs with 67 yards rushing yards and two touchdowns in Detroit's 21-42 loss to Dallas Monday. He also added two catches for 25 yards to his statline.

The SDSU alumnus ready to play with an impressive 38 yards rushing and 25 receiving yards on the first drive. He finished the drive with a rushing touchdown on a nice cut back from the seven yard line.

Two possessions later Zenner, rushed for 16 yards and ended the drive with a hard run up the middle for another touchdown before half ended.

But things took a turn for the worst after halftime. The first possession Zenner was called for a hold that cost the Lions 10 yards and then Matthew Stafford got sacked for another 11 yard loss. The next play Matthew Stafford was picked off after scrambling around outside of the pocket.

Dwayne Washington came in and took a few snaps the following possession, so it's safe to assume that the hold put Zenner in some hot water.

Zenner didn't receive much action after that because the Cowboys took advantage of the turnover and a Lions 3 & out to run the score to 35-21 with 4:11 left in the third quarter.

Zenner is a tough runner and his ball carrier vision has improved throughout the past two seasons. He isn't going to be running away from anyone or juking anyone out of their shorts but he gets the job done running North to South.

Unfortunately, Zenner's biggest issue this season is one that cannot be ignored on the Lions offense. He's got a below average ability to pick up a blitz or even just pass block for the Lions. The holding call was pretty bad and then he followed it up a few plays later with a whiffed block.

Detroit travels to Green Bay next week for a Sunday Night Football showdown and the division title. Even if the red hot Packers defeat the Lions, I hope Zenner has some success against the Packers defense so he can end the season on a high note.

 

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