Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was one of the most explosive players in the NFL last season, and it turns out he joined an exclusive group in the process.
According to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis, Gibbs had 10 carries of 20-plus yards during his rookie campaign, the second-most in the NFL.
The 10 big runs accounted for 9.1% of his total carries last season, making him the third rookie running back in NFL history to hit over 5% in at least 150 minimum attempts.
Only two other rookie running backs have managed to go over 5% in a season in NFL history in Cleveland Browns rusher Nick Chubb and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barley, who did it with the New York Giants.
all 10 rushes of 20+ yards from Jahmyr Gibbs
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 9, 2024
he had the #2 most rushes of 20+ yards of any player last year despite being a rookie & sharing a backfield
rookie RBs with over 5% of rushes gaining 20+ yards since 2010 (min 150 att)
Nick Chubb
Saquon Barkley
Jahmyr Gibbs https://t.co/eB7h8Py4cV pic.twitter.com/9iCvDW8FEI
Gibbs ultimately finished with 1,261 yards from scrimmage, including 945 on the ground. Making that total more impressive is the fact that he had to split work with David Montgomery, he had a fairly light workload in terms of carries to start the season, and he missed two games.
But things are expected to pick up for Gibbs in 2024, as the Lions are looking to put more on his plate, including in the passing game.
“I definitely would expect (Gibbs) to see more of a load, but David Montgomery will still be here, too," general manager Brad Holmes said. "Dan [Campbell] and I love that one-two punch of him and David... I think he’s got much more to offer in the passing game, so most likely you’ll see an increase in that, as well.”
If Gibbs can stay healthy while running behind the best offensive line in the sport, he should have a monster sophomore campaign.
