Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has what he calls a “good” problem on his hands.
The team is expecting the return of veteran running back David Montgomery after missing the last two games with a rib injury, which means a decision on what to do with rookie back Jahmyr Gibbs.
The No. 12 overall pick proved more than worthy to hold the mantle of lead running back in Montgomery’s absence, registering 126 yards from scrimmage with one touchdown in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens and 189 yards from scrimmage with one touchdown in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders.As Johnson revealed this week, Montgomery and Gibbs could see something close to an equal workload going forward.
Both Backs to Get ‘Fair Load’
Speaking to reporters this week, Johnson said he expects both Montgomery and Gibbs to play a big role for the back half of the season. The Lions had been more deliberate in working Gibbs into the offense through the first two months of the season, giving the larger share of touches to Montgomery.
“Looking forward to getting (Gibbs) and Monty both their fair load of touches,” Johnson, via the team’s official website. “They both have proved worthy of it. I was talking to the skill guys earlier this week, it’s a good problem to have right now having some mouths to feed. So, it’s not just that room, but receivers and tight ends as well.”
The Lions have made some other additions on offense since the start of the season, adding wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones at the trade deadline and getting second-year receiver Jameson Williams back from suspension.
Johnson shared some praise for Peoples-Jones this week, saying he has a rare combination of size and skill that should be an asset to the Lions.
“I mean you’re talking about 6’2, 210 and can run under a 4.5. So, those guys don’t grow on trees, and I think so far what we’ve seen from him is exactly that,” Johnson said, via the team’s official website. “Really fluid route runner, strong hands, big catch radius and I think he can work both outside and inside.”
Offensive Line Play Key
A big part of Detroit’s backfield success has been due to their ability to roll with changes at offensive line. As reporter Tim Twentyman noted for the team’s official website, the Lions have started seven different combinations at offensive line in eight games as they dealt with injuries, but still managed to rank in the top six in both passing and rushing offense.
“That’s a credit to offensive line coach Hank Fraley and players like Graham Glasgow, Kayode Awosika, Colby Sorsdal and others for stepping in and having a next-man-up mentality,” Twentyman wrote. “Glasgow has played so well starting at all three interior spots at times this season he’s earned the starting nod at right guard. Center Frank Ragnow and left guard Jonah Jackson return to the lineup today from injury.”
The outlook could be even stronger going forward, Twentyman noted, as the Lions are healthy upfront for the first time since Week 1. They could have a good opportunity to build on their lead atop the NFC North, as Heavy projections by Quarter4 give the Lions a 66% win percentage against the Los Angeles Chargers on November 12.