Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell recently issued a stern warning to rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs after the player unintentionally shared
sensitive team information on social media.Gibbs, who recorded his first 100-yard rushing game in the NFL, posted a video featuring teammate Jermar Jefferson in front of a whiteboard displaying offensive plays and pass protection schemes, including specific play call codes.
Although it appeared the revelation was accidental, Campbell was not pleased with the oversight.
When asked about it by reporters, the Lions head coach expressed his surprise, acknowledging he hadn’t been aware of the post.
He then issued a clear directive for players to be cautious about sharing internal details with the public. “Yeah, I need to check on that. Did not know that.
Yeah, I’d rather our stuff not be out there,” Campbell stated. This statement highlighted his concerns about teams gaining access to confidential game strategies.
Despite the mishap, Campbell maintained that Gibbs has been a central figure in the Lions’ offense this season.
The rookie has surpassed expectations, amassing 973 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, and contributing with 28 receptions for 282 yards and a touchdown.
However, Gibbs’ performance in the Lions’ Thanksgiving Day win over the Chicago Bears wasn’t without its struggles. Early in the game, he fumbled and dropped a pass, which prevented the Lions from extending their 16-0 lead.
As a result, Gibbs saw limited action in the second half, with veteran David Montgomery taking on a larger role.
While some may have seen this as a sign of diminished confidence in Gibbs, Campbell explained that it was a reflection of the offense’s overall difficulties rather than a punishment for the rookie.
“We had two of those drives that were stall-outs,” Campbell explained, referencing a series of quick, unsuccessful drives.
“We had a three-and-out and a four-and-out, or I guess both of ‘em may have been a four-and-out, and so it just didn’t quite work out really quickly.”
The Lions were able to hang on for the victory despite the Bears’ late-game push, which nearly allowed Chicago to tie the game with a field goal in the final moments. Detroit’s win was critical, as it maintained their strong position in the NFC playoff race.
With the victory, the Lions extended their winning streak to 10 games, giving them a two-game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles for the top seed in the NFC.
Although the second half performance raised some questions, Campbell emphasized that the rotation between Gibbs and Montgomery was simply part of the usual offensive rhythm.
The struggles of the offense, combined with missed opportunities, led to a situation where the Lions’ offensive unit couldn’t execute as efficiently as usual.
This victory solidified the Lions’ place as one of the NFL’s top teams, and Campbell’s leadership continues to guide the team through the highs and lows of the season.
While Gibbs is a key piece of the offense, Campbell’s warning about sharing sensitive information serves as a reminder of the tight-knit nature of the Lions’ strategy heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
The team is clearly focused on maintaining their momentum and securing a prime position in the playoffs.