Over the past two seasons, the Detroit Lions have owned one of the best offenses in the NFL. But while they can put scoreboards on tilt with their passing attack, the running game has also been a big reason for their success.
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have led the movement, earning the nickname “Sonic & Knuckles” in reference to their running styles. With two Pro Bowlers as the anchor, Detroit’s rushing attack ranks fourth in the NFL in yards (4,816), fifth in yards per attempt (4.6) and first in touchdowns (56) since Gibbs arrived in 2023.
It’s not surprising to anyone that has watched the Lions, but it also includes some underrated elements. One of those re-signed with Detroit last week and is already putting in the work to help the Lions reach a new level on the ground next season.
Jahmyr Gibbs Posts Video Working Out With Lions Re-Signing Craig Reynolds
Craig Reynolds agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Lions last week and was shown in a video working out with Gibbs at a local high school. The clip shows the two players running sprints and doing a variety of drills as they prepare to get ready for the upcoming season.
Gibbs was a surprising pick by the Lions when he went 12th overall in the 2023 draft, but he’s done his part to validate that decision. After making the Pro Bowl with 945 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground last season, Gibbs had an encore, running for 1,412 yards and an NFL-high 16 touchdowns to lead Detroit to a 15-2 record.
It’s good to see Gibbs taking a leadership role during the offseason. But it’s just as positive to see Reynolds working beside him. The 28-year-old has spent the past four seasons with Detroit, running for 650 yards and a touchdown on 150 carries but has also been a key contributor on special teams, posting Pro Football Focus grades of 71.7 in 2023 and 65.7 last season.
A player that has appeared in every game for the past two seasons, Reynolds has the inside track to a roster spot over 2024 fourth-round pick Sione Vaki. After working out with Gibbs, Reynolds appears committed to taking a larger role if need be and help the Lions contend again in a wide-open NFC.