A running back conflict appears to be brewing in the Detroit Lions’ backfield. Veteran David Montgomery is nearing his return from a rib ailment. Meanwhile, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs has performed admirably in his absence and deserves to continue getting significant playing time.
It’s a good thing to have, but it’s still a problem. On November 6, Lions head coach Dan Campbell discussed how his coaching staff intends to handle the backfield whenever Montgomery returns.
“I think we certainly know what David [Montgomery] can do, but we know that Gibbs has gotten better every week,” Campbell was quoted as saying by the press. “So we’re gonna ask those guys to do things they do well and that help our offence move the football.”
Campbell went on to add that Gibbs will not receive the majority of the carries. But it doesn’t mean he’ll be the team’s backup running back.
“I don’t think I see Gibbs getting 65 plays right now, sitting here talking to you.” “I don’t think so,” Campbell continued. “But he’ll get his fair share now that we know what he’s capable of, and he’s growing.”
“I think it’ll be by committee, and we’ll make sure we get those guys touches.” Gibbs will be touched.”
Gibbs had 189 yards from scrimmage on 31 touches against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. He rushed for 152 yards on an average of 5.8 yards per run and also caught 37 passes for 37 yards.
Lions’ David Montgomery ‘Trending the Right Way’ to Return
Gibbs setting career highs across the board in Week 8, especially with 26 carries, is a clear indication that the organisation believes in him. He’s averaged nearly 6 yards per rush and scored two touchdowns in the last two weeks thanks to that faith.
It’s difficult not to keep handing the ball to a playmaker on a roll.
Montgomery, on the other hand, does not deserve to lose his position.
Montgomery has run for 385 yards and six touchdowns in five games this season. He has a 4.1 yard per carry average and 6 receptions for 66 yards.
Montgomery rushed for more than 100 yards in both Weeks 4 and 5, his final two games of the season. He also had four touchdowns.
On November 6, Campbell reported that Montgomery, along with centre Frank Ragnow and guard Jonah Jackson, is nearing a return to the field. Montgomery left the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6 due to a rib injury.
“Yeah, I think so,” Campbell said of the three returning players. “We’ll see what happens tomorrow when we pad them up, but they’ve been trending in the right direction for a while.” “I’m hoping to get them.”
Lions’ Dan Campbell Raves About RB Jahmyr Gibbs
When speaking to the media about Gibbs on November 6, Campbell was a little more reserved. Campbell, on the other hand, was quite appreciative of the youngster after his breakout performance against the Raiders the week before.
“You could tell he was in a good mood. “He’s just gotten a little bit better, a little bit better every week,” Campbell said during his Week 8 postgame press conference. “And I thought last week was his best game, and this week certainly surpassed that.”
“I think the more he gains his own confidence in his own abilities in this league, he’s just going to continue to grow, and I think this was kind of the tip of the iceberg, if you will, of what he is able to do.”
Montgomery could be Detroit’s starting running back again, but there should be enough touches for both backs to shine.
This season, the Lions are fourth in the NFL in rushing attempts per game. Furthermore, Detroit has targeted its running backs 6.25 times per game in the passing game. Gibbs ranks third on the team with 33 goals.
