By Moses Joshua 
How a young star is anchoring Detroit’s offense through turbulence
The Detroit Lions haven’t looked like themselves on offense in recent weeks, but one player has consistently risen above the inconsistency. As Detroit searches for rhythm and stability, Jahmyr Gibbs has not only handled a larger workload—he has thrived under it.
A Steady Force Amid an Unsteady Offense
Over the past five games, the Lions have topped 320 total yards just once, and unsurprisingly, they’ve lost the other three games. This offense, once viewed as one of the league’s most balanced, has become unpredictable. Yet even amid those issues, Jahmyr Gibbs has delivered.
Gibbs hasn’t been flawless—no running back is—but he has emerged as Detroit’s clear lead option, with David Montgomery shifting into a complementary role. Through Week 11, Gibbs sits inside the league’s top 10 in rushing yards (732), total yards from scrimmage (1,066), rushing touchdowns (8), and total touchdowns (10). On a more consistent offense, those numbers may be even better.
A Workhorse Defined by Reliability
Production is one thing. Security is another—and Gibbs has excelled in both.
While turnovers haven’t been the Lions’ biggest offensive issue this year, Gibbs has taken ball security to another level. After logging three fumbles over his first two seasons, he has turned into one of the NFL’s most sure-handed players in 2025.
Through 183 touches (carries plus targets), Gibbs has zero fumbles and zero drops, according to Fantasy Life’s Ian Hartitz. Even acknowledging that “drops” can vary depending on the statistical source, his streak remains unmatched league-wide.
Hartitz highlighted the top players without a fumble or credited drop this season:
- Jahmyr Gibbs (183)
- Quinshon Judkins (177)
- Rachaad White (129)
- Zach Charbonnet (115)
- RJ Harvey (93)
- Bhayshul Tuten (71)
- Brian Robinson (65)
- Chris Rodriguez (61)
The analyst even joked that mentioning this streak might “jinx” those players—so if Gibbs puts the ball on the turf in Week 12, Lions fans will know exactly where to point their frustration.
The Role Detroit Envisioned — Now Fully Realized
There was an offseason buzz about Gibbs taking on a larger role in Detroit’s offense. Ten games in, that vision has crystallized. He’s not only handling the increased touches—he’s elevating his game while doing so.
The worries about whether a heavier workload might lead to more mistakes? Gone. The concerns about whether Gibbs could be a true workhorse? Answered.
As Detroit works to fix its broader offensive issues, Gibbs has emerged as the most dependable piece of the unit—explosive, efficient, and secure with the football. If the Lions are going to steady themselves and make a push back into playoff form, their emerging workhorse will be a major reason why.