PFF practically pleads for Lions RB's place to be higher in their rankings

Last August, during a visit with SiriusXM NFL Radio to training camp, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he envisioned a “two-headed monster” backfield with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

It’s safe to say that it came to fruition. Montgomery and Gibbs are far from the seventh teammate duo in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards. They both had double-digit rushing scores and over 1,100 yards from scrimmage, although they each missed a few games.

Montgomery and Gibbs have a strong case as the best running back duo in the league, and Bleacher Report agrees. They were one of three teammate duos among Pro Football Focus’ top 20 running backs last season, and one of only two still together this year.

It’s rankings season and Pro Football Focus is rolling out position rankings. Running back unit rankings were released recently, with the Lions coming in at No. 3. The San Francisco 49ers, led by Christian McCaffrey, come in at No. 1. The Miami Dolphins (De’Von Achane, Raheem Mostert, rookie Jaylen Wright) coming in at No. 2.

McCaffrey generated the most “PFF wins above average” among running backs last year (0.25). The Dolphins had the highest team rushing rating. But the site’s own explanation describing the Lions’ resume seems to point to a broader job.

“The Lions, led by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs was among the top five teams in rushing touchdowns (24), forced missed tackles (96), explosive running plays (55) and rushing rating (90.2) in 2023.”

“Gibbs is primed to be even better in 2024, so expect Detroit to stay atop this ranking.”

Yes, Gibbs should be even better this year. The Dolphins running backs had six more explosive runs than the Lions running backs last year, with two more scores on the ground. But Montgomery and Gibbs had more rushing yards and scrimmage yards, and Gibbs had as many receptions by himself as Mostert and Achane combined. The context of the team and the offensive system is an important thing to note, but the numbers are what they are.

The Lions running backs therefore obtained a nice ranking from Pro Football Focus. But there seem to be arguments, and they almost succeeded, that Montgomery, Gibbs, etc. are higher.