Lions projected to enter 2025 season with top weapons in NFL on offense
Over the last two seasons, the running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery for the Detroit Lions proved to be one of the best in the league. More well known by Lions fans as "Sonic" and "Knuckles," the running back tandem of Gibbs and Montgomery recorded a combined rushing total of 2,187 yards and 28 touchdowns last season.
Gibbs led the Lions in rushing with 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns on the season, while Montgomery rushed for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Entering the 2025 NFL season with a new offensive coordinator in John Morton, the Lions are primed to have the best running back group once again this season. According to the latest 2025 NFL positional group rankings by ESPN, the Lions have the best running back group in the NFL.
ESPN's reasoning for ranking the Lions as the best running back group in the league was the duo of Gibbs and Montgomery and what they've accomplished since 2023. The duo was formed after the Lions drafted Gibbs out of Alabama with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
What to expect from Gibbs and Montgomery entering the 2025 season
Since the two teamed up, the Lions running back group has produced a league high 5,960 yards and 57 touchdowns. The group leads the league in rushing by 718 yards and eight touchdowns more than any other NFL running back group during the last two seasons.
Gibbs led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season, and Montgomery ranked in the top ten in the league in that category.
Outside of Gibbs and Montgomery, the Lions have received contributions, while not as impactful as the duo of Craig Reynold and Sione Vaki.
Having another impactful season from the running back duo of Gibbs and Montgomery will be key for the Lions to accomplish their goal of capturing their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. It'll be interesting to see how Morton utilizes the duo in his offensive play calling and if the group can still thrive without the presence of former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
The group will also need to stay healthy to have a successful year if both running backs hope to reach the mark of 1,000 rushing yards season. Montgomery missed three games last season after suffering a sprained MCL against the Buffalo Bills, before returning for the NFC Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders.