The Detroit Lions are facing new challenges and expect their star runner, Jahmyr Gibbs, to perform well in the absence of David Montgomery. Gibbs will face the Bills in his next matchup on Thursday.
Gibbs' Experience in a Lead Role
In the first three years of his career, Gibbs worked alongside David Montgomery in Detroit. Montgomery averaged 853.3 yards and 11 touchdowns during this time. He scored three touchdowns on Sunday in the 36-31 loss to the Houston Texans against the Bills.
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Meanwhile, Gibbs faces a new burden as the only experienced running back in Detroit. Last season, he averaged 18.8 touches per game and experienced 34 touches in Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints, which was three touches more than his previous record. In that game, Gibbs rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns, and also caught 30 yards from 5 passes.
Challenges Ahead for Gibbs and the Lions
The Lions are currently preparing for the game against the Bills, and head coach Dan Campbell has advised Gibbs to stay hydrated. Campbell said, "If this week were normal, Thursday would be the day our players fully recovered. But this week, we will quickly get into the game." Gibbs announced after Sunday’s game that he feels good and is capable of handling 40 touches.
Gibbs' backup is Craig Reynolds, who has only touched the ball 9 times in his 28 professional games. The new Detroit offensive line, with Blake Miller at tackle and Joyce Skraeggs at center, performed well, carrying the ball 33 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns.
The Detroit defense was dominant in the first 38 minutes of the game, helping Tyler Shough commit three turnovers and thus the Lions took a 21-0 lead. However, in the next 31 minutes, Shough completed 25 of 33 passes (75.8%) for 325 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Saints to overtime.
While the Detroit offensive line performed well, the availability of two of the five starters on Thursday remains uncertain. Monday's injury report indicated that Christian Mahogany (ankle) and Miller (knee) will likely not participate in practice.
Campbell said, "It's a short week, so it really depends on how quickly we can get them back. We need to know more tomorrow, but the situation is such that Friday will be better than Thursday." If Gibbs continues on this path, his number of touches will reach 578, surpassing his previous record of 320 touches last season.
The Lions do not have enough depth on the offensive line to replace two starters, especially in a short week, so the medical staff is working hard to prepare Mahogany and Miller for the game. The Bills have won their last five matchups against the Lions, but each game has ended with a one-point margin.
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Source: abcnews.com
