As the Detroit Lions embarked on the offseason, general manager Brad Holmes issued a warning to the rest of the NFL about running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
"He’s (Gibbs) gonna be better next year, like this was just scratching the surface of what he did this year," Holmes said. "Next year’s gonna be even better which is scary."
Holmes made an appearance on Monday's edition of "The Rich Eisen Show", and the host asked him about Gibbs. As expected, Holmes backed up his previous words.
" I would definitely expect to him to see more of a load. But you know, David Montgomery will still be here too. We love, Dan and I, love that 1-2 punch of he and David.”
"Speaking of him (Gibbs) specifically, him being a rookie last year, he had some pops in that KC game, in that opener, I was watching and I was like, ya know, he’s still trying to get the feel of the game. He was playing very fast and had to slow down a little bit. He openly admitted that he had to slow down a little bit and that he was going too fast. Once he got that sweet spot, it was right about there, you kinda saw it a little bit in that Ravens, which unfortunately we didn’t show up very well for that game. But that’s when we saw those glimpses in that game and then obviously that Raiders game. I would say was that breakout and okay, the game is slowing down for him.”
"I think he has much more to offer in the passing game. So most likely you will see an increase in that as well.”
Jahmyr Gibbs has path to being even more productive in Year 2
Despite being eased in early, then missing a couple games, Gibbs still finished with more than 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns as a rookie last season. He also finished third among running backs in yards per carry (5.2), and he was top-20 in yards per touch (5.4). As Holmes noted, games against Baltimore (Week 7) and Las Vegas (Week 8) were turning points that launched him to a strong finish.
Gibbs had 52 receptions as a rookie, but as Holmes mentioned there seems to be room for more there.
Over the final six regular season games, Gibbs had three or fewer targets and two or fewer catches four times. As he had more carries (65 over the final five regular season games), his involvement as a pass catcher largely waned.
It's easy to project a lot more touches for Gibbs in his second season, if only based on more involvement from the start and on the idea he doesn't miss any games. There will be a balance to strike, with David Montgomery remaining involved and also plenty capable, but it's not a stretch to project Gibbs for 275 touches in 2024.