Lions HC Dan Campbell calls new RB tandem a 'two-headed monster'
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is a firm believer that it takes more than one good running back to be successful in the NFL.
On Thursday, Campbell told the media about backfield tandems that were on teams he coached as an assistant. Campbell noted Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne were formidable during his time with the New York Giants, as well as Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara with the New Orleans Saints.
Campbell believes the Lions may have something special brewing with the RB duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery brings the thunder, and Gibbs the lightning.
"I do see a two-headed monster here," Campbell said, per ESPN.
Montgomery spent the first four seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears, totaling 3,609 yards rushing and 26 rushing touchdowns. Montgomery's career average of 3.9 yards per carry is lackluster, but he was playing behind porous offensive lines in Chicago. The Iowa State product can also chip in in the passing game, hauling in 155 receptions in four seasons.
Big things are expected from Gibbs, who was selected with the No. 12 overall pick in this year's draft. Gibbs is the highest-drafted Lions RB since 1989 (Barry Sanders at No. 3). The 5-foot-9 back from Alabama ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine after a 2022 season for the Crimson Tide where he had 926 yards rushing and seven rushing scores along with 44 receptions for 444 yards and three receiving scores.
"You need a back that push comes to shove, he can carry a load. You need somebody you feel like you can give the ball to 20 to 25 times a game potentially," Campbell explained. "And then you need that specialty guy -- he's much more."
Campbell said that Gibbs, the specialty guy, is the one that "carries the scalpel" and "slice you up."
"He can hurt you in the pass game potentially," Campbell said.
The Lions had a great duo last season in Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift, the two combined for 25 touchdowns in 2022. Replacing that production won't be easy to replace, but it's also easy to see why Campbell's encouraged by what Montgomery and Gibbs have to offer. A change of scenery may do Montgomery wonders, and Gibbs can be a major asset as a receiver, even motioning into the slot position.
The Lions finished the '22 season 9-8, narrowly missing the playoffs. The hype train has been full steam ahead for Detroit heading into this season, and they'll be looking for Montgomery and Gibbs to help power the locomotive.
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