Detroit is stuck in a tight NFC North battle and cannot afford many more missteps if it wants to secure a playoff berth. Their recent loss to the Packers only amplified the pressure, and with the team going just 3–4 over its last seven outings, the Lions have leaned heavily on one very clear solution: Jahmyr Gibbs.

Earlier in the year, Detroit enjoyed a balanced, highly effective backfield featuring both Gibbs and David Montgomery. Lately, that balance has disappeared. With each passing week, the offense has increasingly revolved around Gibbs, raising legitimate questions about whether the shift is disrupting the overall rhythm of the run game.

Gibbs’ massive workload could create problems down the stretch

For most of the season, Gibbs and Montgomery shared touches fairly evenly, usually with each settling somewhere in the mid-teens. But that trend has evaporated. Over Weeks 11 through 13, Gibbs logged 47 carries and 19 catches. Montgomery, by comparison, totaled just 19 rushes and six receptions — a stunning gap of 41 touches.

It’s difficult to criticize the approach entirely, considering Gibbs practically willed Detroit to an overtime win against the Giants with 264 yards from scrimmage and three scores. Still, it’s reasonable to wonder whether leaning this hard on one player is sustainable.

Montgomery’s value shouldn’t be overlooked. He’s a physical runner who softens defenses and complements Gibbs’ explosiveness. Against Green Bay, Montgomery actually out-produced Gibbs on the ground, averaging 4.0 yards per carry to Gibbs’ 3.4, while also scoring a touchdown. A more balanced workload might have boosted the entire run game.

Detroit is fortunate to have two high-quality backs, which should allow them to rotate, stay fresh, and force defenses to adjust constantly. When both are involved, the Lions’ running game can be overwhelming.

For reasons that remain unclear, Campbell and his staff have drifted away from that formula. Now, the Lions have to hope the imbalance doesn’t come back to bite them as the playoff race tightens.