Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders knows a thing or two about running the football — and now he’s placing his faith in the Lions’ current backfield stars. In a recent chat with USA Today, Sanders said he believes Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are the key pieces that could push Detroit to a Super Bowl.
“They’re the best duo in the NFL, and there’s no reason that’s going to change anytime soon,” Sanders said. “If a Super Bowl is in our near future, you’d think those two guys would be a huge part of it.”
Sanders has been a fan of Montgomery since before he joined the Lions from the Bears, and he’s impressed by what Gibbs has shown, especially when Montgomery missed time last season with a knee injury. Gibbs topped 1,000 yards and had a breakout year, showing he’s more than capable of being a lead back.
“David’s been a great running back in the NFL for years, and pairing him with this offensive line has been special,” Sanders said. “And Gibbs — you saw what he could do last year. It really felt like his true breakout.”
The Lions are coming off their best regular season in nearly 70 years, though the playoff run fizzled out earlier than fans hoped. But if the team is going to take that next step in the postseason, Sanders is confident it’ll be thanks to the ground game.
Barry Sanders Believes Gibbs, Montgomery Can Power Lions to a Super Bowl
