By Mummy Grace 
The Detroit Lions have built one of the league’s most powerful rushing offenses, and much of that success is attributed to the combination of a strong offensive line and a dynamic backfield. The team’s longest-tenured players, offensive tackle Taylor Decker and center Frank Ragnow, both first-round picks in 2016 and 2018 respectively, have been key figures in this transformation. Under general manager Brad Holmes, the Lions further bolstered their offensive line with the selection of two-time All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 draft.
But it wasn’t just the line that got stronger; the backfield also received a major upgrade in 2023. The Lions signed free-agent running back David Montgomery and drafted Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round, significantly enhancing their rushing attack. Additionally, the signing of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler added further stability to the offensive line. These moves have helped the Lions develop into one of the NFL’s top teams in terms of running the football.
Detroit’s powerful ground game has propelled the team to the top seed in the NFC for the first time in franchise history. Running backs Montgomery and Gibbs have been key to that success, and Montgomery has been vocal about the crucial role played by the offensive line. “We’ve got the best O-line in the world,” Montgomery said, stressing that without them, his own success and the success of Gibbs wouldn’t be possible. During the regular season, Montgomery and Gibbs combined for an impressive 138.5 rushing yards per game.
The Washington Commanders, who will face the Lions in the divisional round, are acutely aware of the challenge ahead. The Commanders’ defense ranked 30th in the NFL in run defense during the regular season, allowing 137.5 yards per game. In their wild-card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Commanders gave up 101 yards rushing. Linebacker Frankie Luvu acknowledged Detroit’s potent running back duo but stressed that it was more about the Commanders’ defense stepping up to the challenge.
Gibbs had a standout season, leading the Lions with a franchise-record 20 touchdowns and finishing fifth in the NFL with 1,412 rushing yards. He also had 517 receiving yards and four touchdown receptions. Montgomery, in his sixth season, added 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns despite dealing with a knee injury late in the season. After a brief rest period, Montgomery has bounced back and looked ready to contribute in the postseason.
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is also a top head coaching candidate for next season, expressed confidence that Montgomery would pick up where he left off. “I expect David to come in and pick up where he left off,” Johnson said, noting that Montgomery’s preparation has been on point during practice.
In Montgomery’s absence, Gibbs stepped up in a big way, rushing for over 100 yards in three consecutive games for the first time in his career. He averaged an impressive 162.3 yards from scrimmage per game during that stretch, scoring six touchdowns. Montgomery, who has been known for setting the tone as a physical runner, admitted that Gibbs has taken over the show during this stretch, but he is ready to return and continue contributing to the team’s success.
Head coach Dan Campbell also emphasized the importance of Montgomery to the team’s identity. “5’s a big part of us,” Campbell said, referring to Montgomery’s jersey number. “He’s a huge part of us.” For Campbell, establishing a strong running game has been a cornerstone of his vision for the Lions since he and general manager Brad Holmes took the helm of the franchise four years ago. “It creates an attitude,” Campbell said. “It creates a style.”
As the Lions head into their divisional round matchup against the Washington Commanders, they know that their success on the ground will be critical to their postseason hopes. With Montgomery and Gibbs leading the charge behind one of the best offensive lines in the league, Detroit’s ground game is ready to take center stage as they look to continue their playoff run.