JUST IN: Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are both projected to exceed 1,000 rushing yards.

It looks like you’re interested in an analysis of Detroit Lions’ running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, both of whom are projected to exceed 1,000 rushing yards in the 2024 season. I’ll break this down into key aspects, looking at their individual playing styles, the Lions’ offensive system, and the context of their projections. Let me know if you want to dive into any specific area in more detail!

1. Team Offensive Scheme and Rushing Attack

The Detroit Lions have emerged as one of the more potent offensive units in the NFL, especially after their resurgence under head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. A major aspect of their offensive system is a balanced attack that emphasizes both the passing game and a strong, versatile rushing offense.

In 2023, the Lions finished with a top-10 rushing offense, a feat driven by the presence of strong blockers up front and an efficient, downhill rushing scheme. The Lions were 8th in the league in total rushing yards, and much of that success was due to the combination of David Montgomery, who was brought in as a veteran presence, and the young, explosive Jahmyr Gibbs, who the Lions selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Their offensive line, led by Pro Bowlers like Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell, excels in run blocking, particularly in zone blocking schemes that leverage the quickness and agility of running backs like Gibbs. Montgomery, known for his downhill, hard-nosed running style, complements Gibbs’ elusiveness and quickness.

2. David Montgomery’s Role and Skill Set

David Montgomery enters the 2024 season after a solid first year with the Lions. A former Chicago Bear, Montgomery is a workhorse back who brings physicality and leadership to the team. He is known for his ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles and for his durability, consistently accumulating 200+ carries per season.

Montgomery’s rushing style is best described as “bruising” and “punishing,” as he often breaks tackles and falls forward for additional yardage. His patience behind the line of scrimmage allows him to follow blocks effectively, and he has excellent vision to find running lanes. Montgomery’s ability to pick up crucial yards in short-yardage situations (including at the goal line) is a major asset to Detroit’s offense.

As a result of his physicality and workhorse ability, Montgomery is expected to shoulder a heavy load in 2024, likely earning the lion’s share of carries inside the red zone and in short-yardage situations. His projected rushing yards of over 1,000 yards is a reasonable expectation, considering his workload and role in the offense.

3. Jahmyr Gibbs’ Role and Skill Set

Jahmyr Gibbs, the second-year running back out of Alabama, is the player many expect to take a big leap in 2024. Gibbs is an electrifying athlete known for his combination of speed, agility, and soft hands in the passing game. While he is a different kind of back compared to Montgomery, he is an ideal complement in a two-back system.

Gibbs excels in the open field with his ability to make defenders miss and create big plays. He is one of the fastest backs in the NFL and is a threat to break long runs on any given play. His lateral quickness and ability to cut on a dime make him dangerous in space, and his vision in finding running lanes, particularly in the outside zone scheme the Lions often use, will allow him to maximize his potential in 2024.

Additionally, Gibbs has proven to be a versatile weapon in the passing game, often lining up in the slot or out wide. His ability to contribute as a receiver—both in the screen game and on deeper routes—provides a dual-threat dynamic that puts pressure on opposing defenses.

Given his dynamic skill set, Gibbs is expected to contribute both on the ground and through the air, and it’s not out of the question for him to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in 2024, especially if he gets the opportunity to carry the ball more frequently with a greater share of touches.

4. Projected Touches and Workload

The major factor in whether both running backs can eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in 2024 is their workload. While Montgomery will likely be the lead back in terms of overall carries and red-zone touches, Gibbs will still have a significant role in both the running and passing games.

• David Montgomery: With an expected workload of around 250-300 carries (depending on game script and injury), Montgomery has the potential to rack up a significant amount of rushing yards. If he averages 4.0-4.5 yards per carry, this would put him comfortably above 1,000 rushing yards for the season.
• Jahmyr Gibbs: Assuming he receives around 175-225 carries, Gibbs’ explosive playmaking ability could lead to big gains and a higher average yards per carry (around 4.5-5.0 yards). This could allow him to hit the 1,000-yard mark, especially if he receives more touches in the second half of the season.

It’s important to note that the Lions’ offensive scheme allows for a lot of creativity and flexibility in how the running backs are used. Both players have distinct strengths—Montgomery with his ability to grind out tough yards, and Gibbs with his home-run speed and versatility—which should allow both to excel.

5. Impact of Offensive Line and Scheme

A key element in both Montgomery and Gibbs’ success will be the continued development of the Lions’ offensive line. As previously mentioned, the Lions boast one of the NFL’s top offensive lines, led by center Frank Ragnow and tackle Penei Sewell. The line’s ability to create running lanes will be crucial for both backs, particularly Montgomery, who thrives behind an offensive line that can create push at the line of scrimmage.

The Lions’ offensive line excels in creating a balanced run game that uses a variety of blocking schemes, from power runs to outside zone runs. This will allow Gibbs to use his speed to get to the edge, while Montgomery can wear down defenses with his power.

6. Projected Season for the Lions’ Running Back Duo

The projections for both players to surpass 1,000 rushing yards are optimistic but not unrealistic, given the state of the offense, their individual skill sets, and their roles. There’s also a strong chance that both players may reach this milestone through a combination of rushing attempts, receiving yards, and the overall efficiency of the Lions’ offense.

A rough estimate for each player’s potential stats in 2024 might look like this:

• David Montgomery: 270 carries, 1,100 yards, 7 touchdowns
• Jahmyr Gibbs: 225 carries, 1,000 yards, 4 touchdowns

Both backs are poised to be central to the Lions’ offensive attack, with Montgomery handling the heavy lifting between the tackles and Gibbs serving as both a dynamic runner and pass catcher.

7. Conclusion

The Detroit Lions’ offense has the potential to be even more potent in 2024, and both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery should benefit from a balanced rushing attack, the presence of a strong offensive line, and a versatile offensive scheme. With both backs expected to see significant workloads and opportunities for big plays, projections for them each exceeding 1,000 rushing yards seem entirely plausible. Fans of the Lions can expect an exciting and dynamic running game that combines the best of both backs’ skill sets.