The Detroit Lions saw their playoff hopes get crushed in a shocking Christmas Day loss to the Max Brosmer-led Minnesota Vikings. While the offensive line struggled to protect quarterback Jared Goff and the Lions committed six turnovers in the game, the run game was held to just 68 yards in the latest subpar performance from one of the league's best running back duos of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
According to ESPN Lions reporter Eric Woodyard, the Lions have a stark contrast in their rushing attack in wins versus losses, averaging north of 170 rushing yards and 5.8 yards per carry in wins compared to just 69.4 yards and 3.1 yards per carry in losses. When head coach Dan Campbell was asked how important it is to get the ground game going on Friday, he simply said, "It's everything."
Detroit has dealt with its share of injuries all season and has lacked the offensive firepower fans have come to expect the last few years under Campbell, but the run game is the catalyst to its success, and when it is nonexistent, the Lions are usually in trouble.
Detroit's Rushing Attack Must Provide More Balance for the Offense
Sure, the Lions have dropped to the 15th-most rush yards per game (119.9 YPG) after being held under 100 rush yards each of the last three games. In fact, the Lions have not even had 100 combined rush yards in their last two losses, including a dismal 15 yards on the ground against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16.
With that said, Gibbs (1,143 yards, 13 TDs) and Montgomery (674 yards, eight TDs) have proven to be key weapons in this Lions offense, so much so that the team's success typically revolves around their production. Gibbs has topped 100 rush yards three times this season and even put up 219 yards against the New York Giants. All three of those games ended in wins. Montgomery only has the 23rd-most yards per average (4.5) and could be marching toward his exit from the Motor City after this season, but he still went for a season-high 151 yards in a Week 3 win over the Baltimore Ravens before his usage was dialed back.
In seven of Detroit's eight losses, it has amassed fewer than 100 rush yards. Considering the lack of protection Goff has been getting and a banged-up defense that has struggled down the stretch, the success of the run game usually dictates if the Lions are going to win, or at least be in contention for a win each week.
Even though it may appear the Lions have nothing to play for in Sunday's season finale against the Chicago Bears, that is not the case at all. A Bears win would mean Chicago hosts an injury-riddled Green Bay Packers team that is limping its way into the postseason. A loss at the hands of the Lions, coupled with a Philadelphia Eagles win over the Washington Commanders, would drop Chicago to the NFC's No. 3-seed, where it would host either the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, or San Francisco 49ers, all three of whom would likely provide a stiffer challenge for the Bears.
If the Lions want to put their NFC North rivals in a vulnerable position in the wild-card round and potentially send them packing early, the run game needs to show up. If Detroit can eclipse the 100-yard mark and take better care of the ball, it could definitely play spoiler, especially against a Bears team that ranks 28th in ground defense (135.3 YPG).
And, regardless of how the Week 18 showdown ends, the Lions must make upgrading the run game a top priority this offseason.