Montgomery and Gibbs formed one of the NFL’s top running back duos last season for the Lions.
In their first season together, they became the first teammates in NFL history to record at least 1,000 scrimmage yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in the same season. They also became only the fourth pair of running backs in NFL history to each rush for at least 10 touchdowns in a season, joining the 2008 Panthers, 1975 Colts, and 1960 Packers.
Now, after a season together in Detroit, and with Gibbs heading into his second year—where most players experience a significant boost in development—Montgomery believes they can achieve even greater success in 2024.
“We have high expectations for ourselves,” Montgomery said Tuesday after the first mandatory minicamp practice. “Neither of us thought what we did last year was good enough. We want to improve this year, and we will. There are plenty of ways we can get better, and we will.”
Montgomery explained that their uniqueness as players is what makes them a special duo.
“We’re both great in our own way,” he said. “It’s tough for teams to prepare for us. Our differences allow Jah (Jahmyr) to coach me on the things I need to do, and I do the same for him. Being able to complement each other and build off of each other is crucial. It’s hard to find that in the NFL.”
Both players are extremely talented but approach the game differently. Montgomery, the seasoned veteran, has been a model of consistency in his first five seasons. Last year, he rushed 219 times for 1,015 yards (4.6 avg.) and 13 touchdowns.
With 4,624 yards over the past five seasons, Montgomery ranks eighth in the NFL during that span. His 233 forced missed tackles during that stretch are the fourth most behind only Josh Jacobs (295), Derrick Henry (291), and Nick Chubb (271). He’s also one of only four NFL players to score at least five touchdowns in each of the last five seasons.
Gibbs, on the other hand, is the explosive young talent with 4.3 speed and impressive toughness. He also boasts exceptional playmaking ability as a receiver, with 52 catches for 316 yards as a rookie. That number is expected to rise significantly this season.
Montgomery and Gibbs perfectly complement each other in this offense, forcing defenses to account for two distinct styles of running. Having two backs who can carry the load and make plays also helps keep them fresh throughout the season.
Heading into their second season in Detroit’s system, under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, Montgomery is excited about the Lions’ running game.
“The expectations are much higher,” he said. “After being in the system for a year, there are no excuses. The things we did well and just okay last year have to be taken to the next level and made elite.
“We believe in each other, and we know we can do it. But for that to happen, we need to push each other harder than we did last year, and we will do that.”