By Moses Joshua 
How Detroit’s backfield dynamic remains unchanged—despite a surge in star power.
A Backfield That Looks Different—But Hasn’t Actually Changed
From the outside, it looks like Detroit has shifted its offensive identity. Jahmyr Gibbs has erupted over the past month, producing highlight runs and stat lines that already border on historic. Meanwhile, David Montgomery—once the steady, punishing engine of the Lions’ rushing attack—has appeared to fade into the background.
For fantasy managers and casual observers alike, the optics are puzzling. Why has Gibbs suddenly taken over the Lions’ backfield? Why does Montgomery feel like a supporting character?
The reality, however, is far less dramatic than the box scores suggest.
Snap Counts Tell the Truth: Detroit’s Plan Never Changed
Despite the explosion of Gibbs’ production, the Lions have not actually altered their running back rotation. Montgomery’s usage remains exactly where it has been for most of the season.
He has reached 50% of Detroit’s offensive snaps only twice all year, spending most games in the 30–40% range—the same range he landed in during both recent matchups where Gibbs stole the show.
Detroit’s coaching staff hasn’t turned away from Montgomery. They haven’t demoted him. They haven’t even reduced his role. Instead, Gibbs has simply been too explosive to keep off the highlight reel.
Every time Gibbs rips off a long touchdown run, it eliminates the extended drives and red-zone opportunities where Montgomery typically thrives. In short, Gibbs’ success—not Montgomery’s performance—has created the illusion of a changing backfield.
Production vs. Opportunity: Understanding the Illusion
The Lions’ philosophy remains consistent: use Montgomery as the bruiser who softens defenses and Gibbs as the lightning bolt who can score from anywhere on the field.
What’s different now is that Gibbs is scoring before Montgomery ever gets the chance.
Long touchdowns cut drives short. That means fewer 5-yard plunges, fewer goal-line carries, and fewer traditional “Monty” moments. As a result, Montgomery’s fantasy numbers look worse—even though his role is the same.
If anything, the Lions are benefiting from a perfectly complementary system. Gibbs’ emergence opens up defenses. Montgomery’s physicality maintains balance. Together, they give Detroit one of the NFL’s most versatile backfields.
Fantasy Outlook: Don’t Panic on Montgomery Yet
Despite how it feels, Montgomery’s fantasy value hasn’t actually changed. As the passage notes, “He’s getting the same chances he’s always gotten.” Touchdowns and big plays can skew perceptions, but the underlying usage tells a more reliable story.
If Gibbs slows down—or if the Lions find themselves in more grinding, low-scoring matchups—Montgomery’s role will look just as important as it did early in the season.
For now, Gibbs’ electric pace simply makes it harder to notice.
Detroit’s backfield isn’t evolving. It’s exploding. And Gibbs’ rise isn’t a shift in philosophy—it’s a testament to what happens when a rare talent takes full advantage of the opportunities he’s always had.