The Detroit Lions have been experiencing a whale of a season, and it’s almost time for them to get onto a bigger stage and take their success to the next level.
They have an 12-5 after their win in a Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, and while they’re the third seed in the NFC, they are still in good shape to make a run.
One big factor in Detroit’s success this year has been its tag-team duo of David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs at running back. In particular, Gibbs has been a revelation, and he has made a great impression on many observers, including the greatest Lions player of them all.
Legendary running back Barry Sanders said on “The Pat McAfee Show” that Gibbs has been impressive and that every time he gets the ball, it seems he’s about to “do something exciting.”
Through 15 games, Gibbs put up 945 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns while averaging an outstanding 5.2 yards per rush attempt. He also added 316 yards and another touchdown on 52 receptions, an ability Montgomery doesn’t really have.
His talent and production have helped the Lions rank fifth in yards per running attempt, fourth in rushing yards and third in rushing touchdowns going into Week 18.
Across the board, the Lions have enjoyed high levels of production from many key players. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had a career year with 1,515 yards and 10 touchdowns, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta made the Pro Bowl with 889 yards and 10 touchdowns and quarterback Jared Goff continues to put up strong numbers.
On the other side of the football, second-year defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson’s 11.5 sacks and 33 quarterback hits earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl.
As a result, the Lions appear to have an excellent chance of winning their first playoff game since the 1991 season.
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