Between Reggie Bush in 2013 and Jamaal Williams in 2022, the Detroit Lions had zero 1,000-yard rushers in a season. Stretch back to 2004, and you'll add just one to the list (Kevin Jones). Go back to 2000, and you'll add the two times James Stewart did in a three-season span (2000 and 2002).
This year, the Lions have the NFL's 11th-ranked rushing attack entering Week 18, with the third-most touchdowns on the ground in the league (23). The duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, both added last offseason of course, have led the way.
The Lions are set to play their starters in Sunday's regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings, with a very faint chance they can move up to the No. 2 seed for the playoffs. There will surely be some regard for game situation, and anyone who is dealing with an injury going into or during the game.
How close are David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs to getting 1,000 rushing yards?
Just six duos on the same team in NFL history have rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. The last was D'Angelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart for the Carolina Panthers in 2009.
Here are the others.
-Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward, New York Giants (2008)
-Warrick Dunn and Michael Vick, Atlanta Falcons (2006)
-Kevin Mack and Earnest Byner, Cleveland Browns (1985)
-Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1976)
-Larry Csonka and Eugene “Mercury” Morris, Miami Dolphins (1972)
Montgomery has missed three games this season, and he has 975 rushing yards. Gibbs missed two games, and he has 915. So they could get it done in 14 and 15 games respectively, which sets aside the "but they have a17th game" deal.
Running backs coach Scottie Montgomery acknowledged how special it would be to have David Montgomery and Gibbs both get to 1,000 yards on the ground. But it won't be forced.
Montgomery said that David Montgomery/Jahmyr Gibbs both having a chance to finish with 1,000 seasons is "special."
— Kory E. Woods (@KoryEWoods) January 3, 2024
The focus won't be attempting to get them both to that mark unless it happens in the flow of the game according to Montgomery.
There's been enough work to go around for Montgomery and Gibbs to both be very productive as the season has gone on. Gibb has a bit more work to do to get to 1,000 rushing yards for the season, but an explosive run or two on Sunday could make it much easier.