The 6-2 Detroit Lions are 2nd in the league in yards per game and sit at 6th in the league in rush yards per game, despite having been without starting running back David Montgomery since Week 6.
Montgomery has now returned to the fold, and his presence complemented by dynamic pass-catching rookie Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield will be a handful for the Chargers to handle.
Here's what defensive lineman Morgan Fox had to say about the two of them, per Omar Navarro of Chargers.com:
"Both of them are really talented," defensive lineman Morgan Fox said Thursday. "When you got one coming down hill, you've got to be ready for more physical, downhill runs and just kind of click into that mindset of if they run it this way, it's going to be a war and a fight.
Fox added: "Then you get [Gibbs] who's faster, speedier, can do things out on the edge. It's like, 'We've got to protect the perimeter, protect the outside runs where if he hits in space, he's dangerous.'"
Defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley also had some comments, per Navarro:
"We have to do a good job of attacking blocks, staying connected and knowing where our help is at in the run game, but we have to be aware of which back is in the game because David and Jahmyr are really different in their styles.
"Jahmyr is more of a home-run threat and David is more of a hammerhead, move-the-chains type of guy with enough speed to take it to the house, as well," Ansley added. "We have our work cut out for us, but we're looking forward to the challenge."
As Fox and Ansley clearly explain, Montgomery and Gibbs are a perfect 1-2 punch, where Monty brings the power and short-yardage from the inside, while Gibbs has incredible big-play potential and explosiveness on the outside.
The key to the Chargers coming away with a win in what will be a difficult matchup will be stopping this dynamic duo, as Detroit relies heavily on controlling the clock and pace via the run game, with it also opening up the play action, which is their bread and butter.
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