Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs wasn't just handed the keys to the teams' running back room - it feels like he is their running back room.
That's no disrespect to Isiah Pacheco, who landed with the Lions in free agency this year, nor is it any to Sione Vaki, who is still seeking out a consistent role with the team in his third season. But, Gibbs is the face of this room, and possibly the face of their offense. And, he's being treated as such following minicamp and OTAs.
Running backs coach Tashard Choice told reporters that Gibbs is looking as great as ever, and his expectations for the now-seasoned back are sky-high.
"When the head coach tells you he's giving you the keys and you have the responsibility for everybody in the organization, every kid and every fan that's a Detroit Lions fan ... he has to handle that and handle it well. For him to be in the best shape he can be in. He's smarter. He knows the offense. So, I'm excited for him. He has a big role to play and I'm really (looking forward to) what level he plays at right now."
Lions' expectations for Gibbs are reaching MVP levels
In this century, only four running backs have won MVP honors - Marshall Faulk in 2000, Shaun Alexander in 2005, LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006, and Adrian Peterson in 2012. For the Lions, they've got some history with the award and another famed running back - Barry Sanders back in 1997.
So, there's precedent for Gibbs, just not a popular one. Quarterbacks reign supreme in MVP voting, but again, that's because they're often the "bell cows" of their teams' offenses. Gibbs is that for Detroit headed into this season.
With an "easier" schedule, and ideally a much better offensive line that can create more open lanes for him this year, Gibbs could find himself back in 2024 shape. He had 1,412 rushing yards that season, which was fifth-most in the league. That was accomplished while also sharing touches with David Montgomery, who had 775 rushing yards. They combined for 435 rushing attempts on the year, with Gibbs getting 65 more touches than Montgomery.
READ MORE: Lions still an easy landing spot for apparent odd-man out with his current team
In 2025, Gibbs had 243 of the Lions' 401 rushing attempts, with Montgomery taking 158 of those touches. They were less efficient thanks to a weaker O-line and flatter offensive scheme.
So, imagining a world where Gibbs is not only getting somewhere in the range of 300 or more rushing attempts on the year - closer to what Derrick Henry, James Cook, and Jonathan Taylor were seeing in 2025 with their teams - it feels more likely that he's in the conversation for MVP.
That'll especially be the case if the team goes away from relying on Jared Goff to score, and towards Gibbs' heroics. That feels likely in Drew Petzing's run-heavy scheme.
Coach Choice added on Gibbs, "He's come back and looked the best he's looked so far in his pro career." He sounds perfectly ready to take over and make a push for the top honor in the NFL this year.
Add us as a preferred source on Google