The Detroit Lions’ strong season came to a close, but now the focus shifts to the future. Over the next two weeks, MLive will review each of the team’s position groups. Today’s focus is on the running backs. (Previously: Quarterbacks.)
RUNNING BACK
The Lions face a significant decision regarding one of their most dynamic playmakers.
Starter: David Montgomery
Backups: Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Justin Jefferson, Sione Vaki
Key stats: While Detroit’s rushing attack slightly dropped in league rankings, their overall production and efficiency on the ground showed improvement.
The Lions ended the season with 2,488 total rushing yards, averaging 146.6 per game. They also finished second in rushing touchdowns with 29, surpassing last season’s 27, but still trailing the league-leading Buffalo Bills, who scored 32.
David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs experienced a role reversal in production this season. Gibbs had a breakout year, rushing for 1,412 yards (fifth in the league), while Montgomery, hindered by an MCL injury, finished with 775 yards.
Gibbs also led the league with 20 total touchdowns, tying with Derrick Henry of Baltimore and James Cook of Buffalo for the most rushing touchdowns at 16.
Kory’s Grade: A
Breakdown: The Lions’ offense was already brimming with talent, including MVP-caliber play from Jared Goff, a strong offensive line, and key weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and even Tim Patrick. The running back duo of Montgomery and Gibbs made the offense even more potent, resembling a modern version of the “Greatest Show on Turf” (for those unfamiliar, a reference worth googling).
Despite a dip in NFL rankings for rushing yards, the Lions improved in their second season with Montgomery and Gibbs. They rushed for more yards and scored more often, setting a franchise record with 29 rushing touchdowns, up from 27 last year. Montgomery and Gibbs combined for 28 of those touchdowns.
Detroit also achieved its highest single-season rushing total since 1997.
Montgomery played in 14 games but was again affected by injuries, missing the final three games due to an MCL injury. He finished with 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, though he saw 63 fewer snaps (390) than the previous season.
This decline in workload was largely due to Gibbs’ breakout performance. In the 14 games he played alongside Montgomery, Gibbs accumulated 1,047 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. After Montgomery’s injury, Gibbs took over as the lead back and thrived, showcasing his ability to handle a heavy workload.
To finish the season, Gibbs had three straight games with at least 109 rushing yards, adding five more touchdowns. He finished as one of the league’s top rushers and scorers. Gibbs also made history, joining Barry Sanders as the only Lions players to record 1,700 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns in a season.
Together, Montgomery and Gibbs came close to surpassing 1,000 rushing yards each, an impressive feat for a backfield duo. However, both ended with more than 775 yards.
The duo’s success was not expected, but it was made possible by Montgomery’s selflessness. Back in November, head coach Dan Campbell praised Montgomery’s team-first mentality.
“(Montgomery) is coming in as a free agent, and I think he wants to make his own mark first,” Campbell said. “That’s important, like, ‘Hey man, these guys are taking a chance on me.’ Free agency, he wants to prove his own worth and let us know, ‘Hey, what you signed on is — you’re about to see and then some.’
“And so, I think so much of it started there, but man, once we acquired (Jahmyr) Gibbs, it didn’t take long. That’s just how David is — even if he wanted to hide that, he can’t hide it.
“He wants to help, and he’s all about — it really is a team-first mentality. I mean, he’d lay it on the line for those guys, and if it meant he didn’t get the touch but somebody else did for us to win the game, he’s all for it. That’s not an easy thing to do, to put your ego aside. So, I’ll tell you what, he’s been an unbelievable addition for us. He fits us perfectly. I’m so thankful we got him here. That worked out great.”
Heading into next season, the Lions’ management of their dynamic duo will be a key topic. Montgomery showed willingness to let Gibbs take over as the primary back late in the season. While the shared workload worked, could the Lions increase Gibbs’ involvement next year?
The Lions also face important decisions regarding depth. Craig Reynolds, a restricted free agent, has been a solid contributor, raising his yards per carry to 4.5 this season. Jermar Jefferson, an exclusive rights free agent, showed promise in limited opportunities following Montgomery’s injury.
Detroit may opt to strengthen their third running back spot through free agency or give rookie Sione Vaki a chance next season.
