The Detroit Lions’ rushing attack continues to be among the league’s most efficient following a solid showing in 2024.
Whenever Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery were both in good health, the Lions discovered methods to engage both in the game. The outcomes were promising, as Detroit was close to having two rushers exceed 1,000 yards before injuries impacted their performance.
The Lions are set to have both of their key players back in 2025, and appear ready to achieve similar success running the ball. Provided both maintain their health, this will rank among Detroit’s top position groups.
Here’s an evaluation of the Lions’ performance at the running back position in 2024.
Cause for optimism
The Lions boast one of the top running back duos when both are fit. Montgomery and Gibbs both exceeded 1,000 total scrimmage yards, with Gibbs ranking fifth in the league in rushing yards at 1,412 yards.
Gibbs rose to prominence as one of the league’s top young talents. Even though he shared carries for much of the year with Montgomery, he seized his chance as the primary back when Montgomery suffered an injury.
The Alabama player averaged 5.6 yards per carry, ranking third among qualified running backs, trailing only Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, and established a franchise record for total touchdowns.
Though Gibbs is recognized for his breakout speed, he showcased a refined skill to navigate between the tackles and secure challenging yards following contact. Among running backs who had at least 207 carries, Gibbs placed eighth with an average of 3.29 yards per carry after being contacted.
Gibbs ranked third among qualified running backs in Pro Football Focus’ breakaway percentage at 42.1 percent, measured by the percentage of designed runs gaining 15 or more yards.
Montgomery faced a knee injury last year, yet his performance was impressive. He concluded with 775 yards before being sidelined for the last three regular season games, and he was indeed the imposing figure Detroit anticipated.
Cause for concern
Although the Lions have effectively handled the workload of their running backs, injuries will consistently be a worry for the position. Montgomery was absent from all three of the last regular season games due to a knee injury.
The Lions decided to extend Montgomery’s contract for two additional years beyond next season, which is the last year of his initial agreement. He will turn 28 next season, and age may begin to influence him in the years ahead.
Detroit must keep handling the workloads of both Montgomery and Gibbs carefully to mitigate injury risks, yet with Gibbs showcasing his status as one of the most electrifying young talents in the league, it will be challenging to keep him off the field for long stretches. It will be interesting to observe if there are any alterations in carry distributions for the two running backs.
The seasoned running back secured a two-year contract extension and proved dependable in short-yardage scenarios while occasionally delivering a long touchdown run. This pairing has been outstanding for Detroit’s offense over the past two years, and as long as the duo remains healthy, it’s difficult to envision a decline.
Craig Reynolds was reliable when needed to take charge. He continues to be a dependable depth player with a solid grasp of the team’s pass protections, and he was able to rise to the occasion after Montgomery was sidelined by injury.
There’s also excitement surrounding 2024 fourth-round selection Sione Vaki. The converted safety primarily played on special teams throughout the season, but possesses inherent running back instincts and may develop into a rotational player.
Largest inquiry
Has Gibbs established himself as the leading running back for the future? In the 14 games when both running backs participated during the regular season, Gibbs recorded 186 carries while Montgomery totaled 185. Gibbs concluded the regular season with 250 carries after achieving 64 during the last three games while Montgomery was out.
Due to Gibbs’s impressive dynamism, one could argue that he merits a significant portion of the carries in 2025. Montgomery’s involvement will always be justified, yet the Lions are at their most dynamic with Gibbs playing.
Consequently, adjustments may be on the horizon regarding how the Lions allocate touches in the rushing attack. Moreover, the team hinted at utilizing two-back formations featuring both players on the field simultaneously, but seldom executed them. This is a possible approach for the team to make use of both players, and may be a strategy new offensive coordinator John Morton chooses to implement in 2025.