After reaching the NFC Championship Game and enjoying one of the best seasons in franchise history, the Detroit Lions entered the 2024 NFL season with high expectations.
Many believed they could be the top team in the NFC, and so far, they’ve delivered a promising start to the campaign.
Despite an early stumble in Week 2 with a home loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions have managed a solid 3-1 record, bouncing back with an impressive win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4.
While the Minnesota Vikings are currently the team to beat in the NFC North—arguably the best team in the NFL—the Lions have established themselves as formidable contenders, with a great chance of making the postseason and going deep in the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
Key to their offensive success has been the resurgent play of quarterback Jared Goff and, just as importantly, the impressive contributions of their running back duo, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
The Montgomery-Gibbs tandem has been firing on all cylinders one month into the 2024 season, and their performance has energized Detroit’s offense.
Montgomery, who joined the Lions last year, recently spoke about sharing the backfield with the young and explosive Gibbs. His words reflected not only his enthusiasm but also the ambition that both players share.
“We just want to be the best running back duo in history,” Montgomery said in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio—a statement that is sure to put a smile on head coach Dan Campbell’s face.
.@Lions RB David Montgomery on sharing the backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs and how people need to give QB Jared Goff the respect he deserves...
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) October 2, 2024
📻 https://t.co/u2cRkateWV#Lions | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/VSBxy3jSFG
So far, Montgomery and Gibbs are backing up that bold claim with strong on-field performances. Through the first four games of the season, the pair have put up nearly identical stats on the ground, combining for 556 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Their ability to alternate between punishing power runs and explosive, shifty bursts has kept opposing defenses guessing and unable to key in on just one running style.
This two-headed monster in the backfield has become the heartbeat of Detroit’s offense, providing balance and consistency. Montgomery’s rugged, physical running style complements Gibbs’ versatility and ability to make defenders miss in open space.
Together, they’ve established a rhythm that makes it difficult for defenses to predict or stop the Lions’ ground attack.
As long as Montgomery and Gibbs stay healthy, the Lions look poised to keep rolling on offense. Their contributions not only take pressure off Goff but also open up opportunities in the passing game, making Detroit’s attack multi-dimensional and dangerous.
With four games in the books, the Lions are showing that last season’s success was no fluke. As they continue to establish themselves as serious contenders in the NFC, their dynamic backfield duo could very well be on the path to making history—just as they set out to do.
For now, the focus remains on consistency, health, and building on this early-season momentum. If Montgomery and Gibbs can maintain their form, the Lions will have a solid foundation to challenge the best teams in the league and perhaps make another deep playoff run.
Detroit fans, who have longed for a competitive team, have every reason to believe that this Lions squad—led by their electrifying backfield duo—can be something special.
