By Moses Joshua 
Detroit leans heavily on Jahmyr Gibbs as playoff pressure mounts — but at what cost?
The Detroit Lions find themselves in a tightening NFC North race, where each week feels heavier than the last. A frustrating loss to the Green Bay Packers has only intensified the urgency. Detroit is 3–4 in its last seven outings, and the team that once looked like a confident postseason threat now has to climb to a higher gear if it wants to survive December football.
Yet as the challenges mount, one pattern has emerged with striking clarity: the Lions are turning increasingly toward Jahmyr Gibbs — perhaps to a fault.
The Balance Tipping: How Detroit’s Run Game Lost Its Dual Threat
Early in the season, the Lions showcased one of the most dynamic backfield tandems in the league. Gibbs brought electricity and open-field danger, while David Montgomery provided the muscle to grind down defenses. The combination kept opponents honest and allowed Detroit to dictate tempo.
But over the past three weeks, that balance has shifted almost entirely in Gibbs’ direction. The numbers paint the picture starkly: Gibbs has accumulated 47 rushes and 19 receptions, while Montgomery has touched the ball only 25 times total across the same span. That’s a staggering 41-touch difference between two backs who were once used interchangeably.
The strategy is understandable — Gibbs’ recent heroics speak for themselves. He erupted for 264 total yards and three touchdowns in an overtime win against the New York Giants, almost single-handedly dragging Detroit across the finish line. When a player bursts with that kind of potential, the temptation to keep feeding him is natural.
But it raises a pressing question: Is it sustainable?
Montgomery’s Value: The Overlooked Ingredient
Gibbs is undeniably the spark. But Montgomery is the foundation — and lately, the Lions seem to be building without it.
Against the Packers, Montgomery averaged 4.0 yards per carry, compared to Gibbs’ 3.4, and still managed to punch in a touchdown. His bruising style not only softens defenses; it complements Gibbs by opening lanes and wearing down fronts that would otherwise key in on Detroit’s quicker, lighter back.
The Lions have “the privilege of having two really good running backs,” a luxury most teams envy. Utilizing both doesn’t dilute Gibbs’ role — it strengthens it. Alternating fresh legs, contrasting styles, and unpredictable looks could give Detroit’s offense a level of versatility it sorely needs down the stretch.
Yet head coach Dan Campbell has leaned heavily in one direction. And as he admitted in another context this week, sometimes timing and readiness matter more than hope. “It just wasn’t enough time… hate it for him,” Campbell said about another player’s setback — words that echo eerily when considering how Detroit is handling its backfield.
Walking the Tightrope: Will Detroit’s Gamble Pay Off?
With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Lions’ offensive identity is at a crossroads. Gibbs can be a weekly game-changer, but running him into heavy-volume territory this early in his career risks diminishing returns — or worse, injury. Meanwhile, minimizing Montgomery’s role removes a dimension that once defined Detroit’s physical, grinding style.
Dan Campbell has earned trust with bold decisions and aggressive coaching. But this choice — pushing the gas pedal on one running back at the expense of proven balance — could prove costly if defenses adjust or fatigue catches up.
The Lions aren’t just fighting opponents now. They’re fighting the consequences of their own strategy.
If Detroit wants to steady itself in a tightening postseason race, restoring the thunder-and-lightning backfield that once powered its confidence may be the adjustment that keeps its playoff dreams alive.
For now, the gamble continues. Whether it becomes the spark of a late-season surge or the reason a promising campaign stalls — that’s the high-stakes question hovering over Detroit’s final stretch.