The Detroit Lions had a breakout campaign in 2023, establishing themselves as a contender.
In 2023, the Lions snapped their 32-year drought without a playoff win by making it all the way to the NFC Championship Game.
Detroit nearly made it to the Super Bowl as they controlled the NFC Title Game. At halftime, the Lions led 24-7 over the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers then rallied back to tie the game heading into the fourth quarter and came away with a 34-31 victory.
While the Lions were unable to seal the deal and advance to the Super Bowl, it was a step in the right direction.
For years, Detroit has been a laughingstock in the NFL. Now, the Lions are one of the top contenders in the NFC.
Heading into the 2024 season, they have a lot of promise and now have playoff experience.
Jahmyr Gibbs was a player who made a great impact in his rookie campaign for the Lions. The 22-year-old running back had 182 carries for 945 yards and ten touchdowns.
Gibbs split the backfield with David Montgomery. Head coach Dan Campbell wanted to ease Gibbs in, which led to his carries increasing throughout the season.
Heading into year two, Gibbs will likely see more touches but still split carries with Montgomery.
Gibbs has room to improve heading into this second season as a talented young running back.
Jahmyr Gibbs is ready to take the next step
While Gibbs had a productive rookie campaign, he could take a jump in year two.
“What we need him to do from a passing game standpoint is go to that next level,” Lions assistant head coach and running backs coach Scottie Montgomery said via The Detroit Free Press.
Gibbs is exceptionally talented and was a solid receiver in his rookie season. However, for the Lions offense to reach their full potential, he must improve even more as a pass catcher.
Gibbs caught 52 passes for 316 yards and one touchdown in the 2023 season. While these are solid numbers, he has the talent to become an elite receiver out of the backfield.
To reach an elite level, the Lions need Gibbs to become a better route runner, which would allow them to place him in the slot.
Gibbs’s versatility in running routes from out of the backfield or in the slot would make it difficult for opposing teams to match up.
If Gibbs can take the next step as a pass catcher, the Lions will have a new element to their offense as they look to establish themselves as a powerhouse in the NFC.