By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions are entering the 2025 NFL season with sky-high expectations—and for good reason. After a dominant 2024 campaign in which they racked up 15 wins and secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC, Detroit has its eyes firmly set on a deeper playoff run and, possibly, a Super Bowl berth.
Central to those hopes is the Lions’ dynamic offense, particularly the electric presence of running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
In a recent ESPN feature by Jeremy Fowler, Gibbs found himself ranked as the third-best running back in the NFL, according to input from league executives, coaches, and scouts. It’s a major nod to the young star’s talent—and one that came with a powerful comparison.
“He’s a lot like Reggie Bush, just with a little bit more power,” an AFC executive told ESPN. “Size will always be a little bit more of an issue with him, but his speed and instincts and ability to change the game are a problem and maybe the best in the league.”
The only two backs ahead of Gibbs in the ranking were Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry—both household names and game-changers in their own right. Gibbs edged out Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, another rising star, by a narrow margin. The deciding factor? Touchdowns.
Gibbs led the entire NFL with 20 touchdowns in 2024, compared to Robinson’s 15. That scoring ability gave him the edge in the rankings and helped solidify his status as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
But with all the buzz around Gibbs, a key question continues to float around Detroit: Should Jahmyr Gibbs be the Lions’ lead back in 2025?
While fans are clamoring for him to get more touches this season, some around the league are cautious about giving him a full workload. Gibbs has typically shared the backfield with David Montgomery in a 1-2 punch setup that has worked well for the team. Some analysts believe this balance is the best way to maximize both players’ strengths and keep Gibbs fresh throughout the season.
“Some evaluators agree Gibbs is best utilized in a 1-2 combo, like he is in Detroit with David Montgomery,” Fowler wrote. The same AFC executive added that while Gibbs could be a primary back, “he might wear down faster” due to his size if asked to take too many hits running between the tackles. “But he runs with a toughness, so it’s not like he wouldn’t be up for the challenge,” the exec acknowledged.
Gibbs had the chance to prove his durability last season when Montgomery went down with an injury. During that stretch, Gibbs stepped into a lead role and didn’t miss a beat. Over three games without his backfield partner, Gibbs totaled 365 rushing yards on 64 carries—an average of over 5.7 yards per carry. That performance offered a strong glimpse into his potential as a featured back.
So, while the “Sonic and Knuckles” duo of Gibbs and Montgomery isn’t going anywhere, Gibbs’ solo act during Montgomery’s absence gave fans and coaches plenty to think about. If needed, he’s more than capable of carrying the load—and doing it with style.
The Reggie Bush comparison isn’t just flattery; it’s a signal that Gibbs is not only a highlight-reel player but someone who can shape the Lions’ offense for years to come. And if he continues to grow at this pace, Detroit might be closer than ever to reaching the promised land.
One thing is certain: the rest of the league is watching—and they’re beginning to understand that Jahmyr Gibbs is a problem they’ll have to deal with for a long time.