Although the Detroit Lions failed to reach the Super Bowl this year, they still boasted a potent duo of running backs in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Just recently, though, the two were ranked as the best duo in the NFL.
The Chicago Bears added Montgomery to their roster in the third round of the draft as the 73rd overall pick. On June 14, Montgomery signed a four-year rookie contract with the team. In his rookie season, he showcased his skills, accumulating 889 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, 25 receptions for 185 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.
![Detroit Lions' Running Back Duo Ranked as Best in the NFL 1 Detroit Lions, Jahmyr Gibbs](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22396031.webp)
Following four seasons with the Bears, Montgomery made a move to the Lions after signing a three-year, $18 million contract. He began the season as the RB1 but sustained a rib injury in week 6. After a two-week absence, he returned to share the backfield with rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. This duo proved to be a formidable force, making history as the first pair in NFL history to achieve 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns each. Montgomery and the Lions advanced to the NFC Championship but suffered a 34-31 loss to the 49ers.
Gibbs, on the other hand, was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft with the 12th overall pick. In his rookie campaign, he made an impact with 182 carries for 945 rushing yards, ten rushing touchdowns, 52 receptions for 316 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown in 15 games and three starts. He received recognition as a Pro Bowl Alternate and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Detroit Lions Duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs Named as Best in the NFL
![Detroit Lions' Running Back Duo Ranked as Best in the NFL 2 Detroit Lions, David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22296555-1.webp)
Even though Detroit went far into the postseason, they could not have done that without Montgomery and Gibbs in the lineup. In an article for Bleacher Report, Kristopher Knox goes into detail about why they’re the best pair for the upcoming season.
“However, Montgomery and Gibbs were good enough individually that Detroit went 4-1 in games without both. As a tandem, Montgomery and Gibbs were a veritable terror on the rest of the NFL. Gibbs was the Pro Bowler of the two and proved to be a do-it-all playmaker.
While the rookie was more active in the passing game than his veteran counterpart, Montgomery was the perfect complement as a bruising high-volume runner. Together, Detroit’s top running backs combined for 1,960 rushing yards, 2,393 scrimmage yards and 24 total touchdowns.
The pair helped the Lions rank fifth in yards per carry, fifth in rushing yards, first in rushing touchdowns, third in total offense and fifth in scoring,” Knox wrote.
Next season, the Lions hope to dominate the NFC division, and eventually make their way to the Super Bowl. Detroit hasn’t made it back to the prestigious event since 1957.
![Detroit Lions' Running Back Duo Ranked as Best in the NFL 3 Detroit Lions, David Montgomery](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22394475.webp)
If the Lions hope to win the Super Bowl, they’ll be counting on Montgomery and Gibbs to help get them there. In any case, a lot of eyes will be on the duo to see if they’re up to the challenge.
![Detroit Lions' Running Back Duo Ranked as Best in the NFL 3 Detroit Lions, David Montgomery](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22394475.webp)
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