Lions fans were waiting for Jahmyr Gibbs to break out and show he was worthy of a first-round pick. He did so in a big way in front of a Monday Night Football audience.
The 12th pick of April’s NFL Draft responded with a career evening exactly when his Lions needed him the most. Gibbs rushed for 152 yards on 26 carries. And he caught five passes for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Dan Campbell was all kinds of happy with Gibbs, the former Alabama standout.
“”We wanted to get Gibbs going and we wanted to establish the run and you could tell he was feeling it,” Campbell told reporters. “Every week he’s just gotten a little bit better and a little bit better. I thought last week was his best game, and this week certainly surpassed that.
“I think the more he gains his own confidence in his own abilities in this league, he’s just going to continue to grow. And I think this was kind of the tip of the iceberg, if you will, for what he’s able to do and going to be able to do. Really proud of him.”
Final stat score: Jahmyr Gibbs 189, Raiders 157
The Lions had their way with the Raiders, 26-14. But let’s go beyond the score. The Raiders generated only 157 total yards. Meanwhile, Jahmyr Gibbs rolled to 189 all by himself.
Gibbs’ 27-yard touchdown gave the Lions a 23-14 lead in the third quarter. And if you’re wondering if Jahmyr Gibbs was proud of his efforts, check out this clip showing the touchdown. Gibbs ran through the end zone and jumped into the stands at Ford Field.
David Montgomery is the starter at running back for the Lions, not Jahmyr Gibbs. But Montgomery injured ribs, Oct. 15, in a game against the Lions. Detroit enjoys a bye this weekend. By the time they return, Campbell probably has two healthy tailbacks. And that’s a good way to kick off the final half of the season. The Lions are 6-2 and trying to show they are the best team in the NFC, although the Eagles, Cowboys and even the 49ers beg to differ.
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