The Detroit Lions' postseason run didn't go nearly as planned, but that doesn't mean the 2024 campaign was a failure.
After all, the Lions did plenty of things right this season, especially as far as the backfield was concerned. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery took turns terrorizing opposing defenses throughout the campaign, resulting in Detroit averaging 146.4 rushing yards per game (6th) and 4.7 yards per carry (T-6th).
The Lions proved that having two RB1-quality runners on the roster is a viable option. Unsurprisingly, it looks like the rest of the NFL is trying to replicate Dan Campbell & Co.'s success this offseason.
Lions Rumors: NFL Teams to Copy Detroit's RB Strategy
On Monday, Reese's Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy revealed that the Lions' Gibbs-Montgomery tandem has inspired a chunk of the league to follow in the latter's footsteps.
"Everyone in the (NFL) is trying to get where Detroit is," Nagy said, (h/t The Draft Network).
“Everyone in the league is trying to get where Detroit is.”
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) January 27, 2025
— @JimNagy_SB in regards to the value of running backs in the draft and at the @SeniorBowl
Some people were caught off guard when the Lions drafted Gibbs 12th overall at the 2023 NFL draft. Grabbing an RB early in Round 1 can sometimes blow up in a team's face and some Detroit fans were concerned with whether or not the franchise would ultimately regret its decision.
It only took two seasons for Gibbs to prove any doubters wrong.
The former Alabama runner paced the NFL with 20 scrimmage touchdowns in 2024, all while converting 250 carries into 1,412 rushing yards and 52 receptions into 517 receiving yards. Only Saquon Barkley (2,283) and Derrick Henry (2,114) recorded more scrimmage yards than Gibbs (1,929), cementing him as one of the league's premier RBs.
Additionally, the 22-year-old phenom earned a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod for his efforts.
Gibbs also benefited from having Montgomery to help give him a breather when needed. The veteran RB performed well in his second year in the Motor City, toppling 1,000 scrimmage yards for the sixth straight season as he also found the end zone 12 times in 14 games.
After signing the veteran RB to an $18.25 million extension in October, the Lions can rest easy knowing both Montgomery and Gibbs are under contract through 2027 (assuming they accept the latter's fifth-year option). Barring any major fall-off, the dynamic duo will ensure that Detroit has one of the best backfields for years to come.
In the meantime, it'll be revealed if any other franchise can successfully follow Detroit's blueprint. Few teams have one game-changing RB on their roster, let alone two.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and the Lions should be honored that the league views their roster construction as a road map to success.