A recent CBS Sports ranking has named the Detroit Lions’ running back duo—Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery—as the top backfield in the league. Analyst Tyler Sullivan highlights their combined dominance last season:
Together, Gibbs (“lightning”) and Montgomery (“power”) rushed for over 2,000 yards and 25 total touchdowns, setting a new NFL benchmark—no other backfield has produced consecutive seasons with 10+ rushing TDs each .
He adds: “They’re the first pair in league history with more than 10 rushing TDs in consecutive seasons… Remember, this franchise once had Barry Sanders—what Gibbs is doing is beyond special.”
Barry Sanders, Lions legend himself, echoed this sentiment: “They’re the best duo in the NFL and there’s no reason that’s going to change any time soon.”
—
🔥 Gibbs Ranks Among NFL’s Elite
According to ESPN’s mid-July survey of league execs, scouts, and coaches, Jahmyr Gibbs secured the No. 3 spot among running backs—only behind Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry .
He was praised for a league-best 20 rushing touchdowns in 2024, matching a franchise record .
An NFC scout noted his ability to “flip the game upside down on one play,” citing his 6.4 yards per touch, the best mark in any season with 250+ touches over the past decade .
An AFC exec offered a compelling comparison: “He’s a lot like Reggie Bush, just with a little more power… Speed, instincts, ability to change the game… maybe the best in the league” .
—
🧠 How Detroit Built the Ideal Backfield
Performance synergy: Gibbs and Montgomery each had 10+ rushing TDs, the first duo in NFL history to achieve that feat in back-to-back seasons .
Elite yardage: Their combined production—2K+ yards and 25 TDs—outshines almost every other backfield in the league .
Balance & specialization: Montgomery offers the brute strength; Gibbs brings speed and versatility, making them a tough pair to defend .
—
🚀 What’s Ahead for 2025
Gibbs, only in his third year, already sits among the top three RBs—and many believe he’s still climbing .
With a new offensive coordinator and backfield coach, Gibbs might take on even more responsibility—PFF already ranks him as a top‑2 fantasy RB ahead of 2025 .
Montgomery provides the hard-nosed pounding, while Gibbs offers explosive game-changing plays. Together, they form the league’s deepest and most dynamic RB room .
—
Bottom line:
Detroit’s “Sonic & Knuckles” backfield hasn’t just carved a place in franchise lore—it’s now topping national rankings as the NFL’s strongest duo. With Gibbs gaining acclaim near the absolute summit of running backs, expectations are sky-high for both to fuel another high-scoring season.
