New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III tackles Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The reasons the Lions should give Jahmyr Gibbs a larger share of the pie after David Montgomery heals from his injury
Most people believed that Jahmyr Gibbs, who the Detroit Lions selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, would be their unquestionable number one running back right away. A month before drafting Gibbs, the Lions signed fellow back David Montgomery to a three-year contract, but first-round picks usually start or play a significant role in the team’s scheme.
That wasn’t quite the case for Gibbs, who made three starts this season at Montgomery’s expense. The veteran has been Detroit’s guy when he’s been well enough to play, which has limited Gibbs’s chance to develop in the NFL and have an early impact on his Lions career.
For Gibbs, who has made three starts this season, that wasn’t quite the case as Montgomery was sidelined. Gibbs has had less opportunity to develop into the NFL and have an early impact in his Lions career because Detroit has been led by the veteran when he is well enough to play.
Given that they have one of the easiest remaining schedules in the NFL and are among the best teams in the NFC, the Lions have a good chance of earning the conference’s top seed. If Detroit can figure out a way to use both Gibbs and Montgomery in meaningful roles, it will increase its chances of succeeding.
The Lions, who rank 11th in the NFL in terms of rushing play percentage, run the ball more often than most other teams. With two reliable running backs, that is a recipe for success, but when both are active, Detroit hasn’t been able to find a balance between their two elite rushers.
The easiest way out would be to give Gibbs some of Montgomery’s touches after the latter’s injury heals. The Lions may decide to split the points evenly, but if one of them is playing exceptionally well, it wouldn’t be shocking if they rode the hot hand in that particular game.
Even though the NFL still has bell cow running backs, more teams are beginning to use multiple backs in important offensive roles. Capacity to
Although Gibbs has earned the right to more carries even after his backfield partner returns, Montgomery has done nothing to deserve to lose his starting position. It would be prudent for the Lions to give them to him.
About the Author
Andrew Meyers is an avid sports fan with a fondness for Philadelphia teams that rarely love him back. He has two degrees from Quinnipiac University, including a master’s in sports journalism. Outside of ClutchPoints, Meyers does play-by-play broadcasting for various colleges in the northeast.
