By Moses Joshua 
Jahmyr Gibbs carries the weight of Detroit’s offense as the Lions face a Dallas front seven that has tightened up its run defense.
Gibbs: The Spark Detroit Needs
For the Detroit Lions, Jahmyr Gibbs has emerged as the offense’s most consistent threat. Amid a season filled with struggles in the passing game, Gibbs has provided both a spark and stability. With Jared Goff facing ongoing challenges in finding open receivers, the Lions will rely heavily on Gibbs to generate momentum on the ground against a Cowboys defense that has steadily improved.
Gibbs has been on fire recently, averaging 5.8 yards per carry and totaling 1,019 rushing yards on the season, along with 10 touchdowns. His standout performance against the Giants in overtime, which helped secure a victory and led to the firing of New York’s defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, underscores his ability to take over a game.
Dallas’ Run Defense: A Rising Wall
The Cowboys’ defense has transformed in recent weeks, especially following the trade acquisition of Quinnen Williams. While Dallas has adjusted to life without Micah Parsons, the team has maintained a dominant presence, ranking sixth in the league in run stop win rate and 15th in pass rush win rate.
This presents a significant challenge for Gibbs and fellow back David Montgomery. Stopping the run has become a cornerstone of Dallas’ defensive identity, particularly in short-yardage and high-pressure situations—a strength that has consistently given Detroit trouble this season.
Pressure on Gibbs and the Offensive Line
Gibbs’ success is far from guaranteed. In previous matchups against elite defenses such as Green Bay, Philadelphia, and Minnesota, Detroit’s running game has been effectively neutralized due to strong defensive line play focused on shutting down the run.
To maximize Gibbs’ impact against Dallas, Detroit’s interior offensive line—likely featuring Tate Ratlege, Kayode Awosika, and Graham Glasgow—must step up. Creating lanes for the running game is essential not only for rushing success but also for opening up opportunities in the passing attack. However, given the group’s struggles this season, that may be asking too much.
The Stakes: Opening the Offense
Gibbs isn’t just the Lions’ top runner—he represents the key to Detroit’s offensive balance. If he can consistently gain yards on the ground, it forces Dallas to respect the run, potentially loosening coverage and creating opportunities downfield. Without him, Detroit’s offense risks becoming one-dimensional, leaving Goff exposed and limiting scoring chances.
In short, Gibbs carries the hopes of the Lions’ offense on his shoulders. A strong performance could ignite the team and give Detroit a fighting chance. Conversely, if Dallas’ revamped front seven asserts dominance, Gibbs may struggle to produce the spark the Lions desperately need in a primetime showdown.