Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs Shines in Bye Week After Record-Setting Performance

The Detroit Lions are enjoying a bye week, a momentary pause that may be the only factor slowing down Jahmyr Gibbs. The young running back recently delivered a standout performance, amassing 218 total yards and two touchdowns in a decisive 24-9 victory over the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. This remarkable display not only marked his best outing in three years but also made him the first player in franchise history—and the tenth in NFL history—to achieve at least 135 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, and two rushing touchdowns in a single game.

“If you give him a crease, he’s going to make you pay — and he made us pay,” remarked Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles after the game. Gibbs currently ranks fifth in the NFL with 720 yards from scrimmage overall, second with 526 rushing yards, and third with six rushing touchdowns.

Exceptional Speed and Skill

During the game against Tampa Bay, Gibbs showcased his exceptional speed with a career-best 78-yard touchdown run, reaching an impressive 22.23 mph. This run is recorded as the second-fastest of the season, trailing only another of his sprints. Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff expressed admiration for his teammate’s speed, stating, “I don’t know how many safeties in the league could catch him. So as soon as he gets there, it’s over.”

Gibbs’ success can be attributed in part to the Lions’ reshaped offensive line, which includes two first-year starters. The line created a significant gap during his long run, allowing Gibbs to remain untouched. “In the first 12 yards, I knew it was a touchdown,” he noted. “All I saw was black jerseys and I just ran straight.”

In addition to his rushing prowess, Gibbs demonstrated his agility and quick decision-making during a catch in the flat, evading two defenders. He humorously attributed his juke move to watching videos online. “That’s just me watching YouTube,” he said.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

With the bye week providing a brief respite, the Lions (5-2) will return to action on November 2, 2023, against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Teams across the league will undoubtedly study game footage, searching for strategies to contain the dual-threat running back. Gibbs faced challenges in previous losses to the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs, where he managed just 50 and 65 yards from scrimmage, respectively.

Despite these setbacks, the Lions have made a habit of avoiding consecutive losses over the past three years, with Gibbs playing a vital role in the team’s ability to bounce back. “We hate losing,” he declared after the game while wearing a Pistons jersey and a Tigers cap. “We’re always going to find a way to bounce back and get to our standards.”

Head coach Dan Campbell is optimistic about the team’s trajectory. “It feels good to get to 5-2. I’m pleased with the team,” he stated. Campbell also praised the performance of his defense against the Buccaneers, despite missing several key players. With three starters sidelined due to injuries and a fourth suspended, the defense allowed just nine points, recorded four sacks, and recovered a fumble.

Looking towards the future, Campbell expressed confidence in the team’s improvement. “You are going to see players start to come back over the next month, so that is encouraging,” he said. The Lions aim to secure their first Super Bowl appearance, and with a favorable schedule ahead, including home games against the New York Giants, Green Bay, Dallas, and Pittsburgh, hopes are high for continued success.