The running back for the Detroit Lions has the ability to open up the entire offense.
It will probably be very challenging to remove triple-threat running back Jahmyr Gibbs off the field this season.
The former first-round choice belongs to a special breed of running backs who can pretty much do everything thanks to his ability to run, block, and catch.
Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated was present for Tuesday’s joint practice and noted how Gibbs’ presence in the backfield will be very beneficial to the Lions.
“The Lions and Gibbs have made no secret about how instrumental he is to the passing game this year, but it was stunning to see him leak out of the backfield to the left and watch the entirety of the Giants defense shift toward the running back,” writes Orr. “Remember, Sam LaPorta, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are on the field, too.
“Last year, Gibbs had one of the highest Net Yards over Average ratings on the Lions’ offense, according to NFLGSIS statistics,” Orr continued. “Gibbs only played on 57% of the snaps. Gibbs played a majority on first down last year, with 103 of his 182 rushing attempts occurring on first down. Gibbs had just 11 catches and 23 carries on third down. This is a long way of saying that his statistical ceiling is immense.”
Gibbs’ ability to pass protect is an underappreciated part of his game that gives Jared Goff additional time to analyze an opponent’s defense.
“The Lions employed a lot of misdirection on Tuesday to exploit the Giants’ defense. It’s beginning to show why the Lions made such a large investment in Gibbs, but David Montgomery caught what turned out to be Goff’s finest pass to a running back,” Orr said. “With more pass-protection reps, allowing him to be entrusted with more of a three-down role, Gibbs adds an irreplaceable dynamic.”
