For years, the NFL tried to convince everyone that running backs were replaceable. “Don’t draft them early.” “Don’t pay them big.” “Just plug any guy in the backfield.” That narrative spread everywhere — from analytics conversations to sports talk shows. But then the Detroit Lions showed up with a different vision, and suddenly the whole league is paying attention.
Jahmyr Gibbs didn’t just silence that debate — he buried it. Every time he touches the ball, the energy in the stadium changes. Defenders panic. Fans rise to their feet. You can feel the fear from the other sideline. He gives Detroit something money can’t always buy — explosiveness, unpredictability, and the chance to break a game wide open on any snap.
And let’s not forget David Montgomery — the heartbeat of the run game. While Gibbs brings speed and electricity, Monty brings bruises and first downs. That thunder-and-lightning combo didn’t just help Detroit win games… it shaped their identity. It made the Lions a team nobody wants to see when the playoffs arrive.
Look around the NFC: teams with elite running back play are the ones that keep defenses honest when everything tightens up. When the weather turns cold and it’s punch-you-in-the-mouth football, who do you trust? Detroit leans on its backs and imposes its will. That’s not old-school football — that’s smart football.
Running backs matter because scoring matters. Physicality matters. Playmakers matter. And right now, Detroit has two of the best weapons in the league sitting in the same backfield. The Lions didn’t just invest in the position… they doubled down on it. And today, that decision looks like a championship blueprint.
The proof is on the field every Sunday — running backs still matter. And in Detroit, they matter a whole lot.
Jahmyr Gibbs Is the Reminder the NFL Didn’t Want — Running Backs Still Matter
