Saquon Barkley’s strong season with the Eagles has sparked fresh debate that NFL teams can still lean on a top running back to reach the Super Bowl. For the Lions, that might mean relying on a powerful running back duo.

Barry Sanders, who won just one playoff game during his Hall of Fame run with the Lions, told USA Today he believes Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery can lead Detroit to a title with a run-first offense.

“They’re the best running back tandem in the league, and I don’t see that changing soon,” Sanders said. “If a Super Bowl is in reach, in the near future, those two will have a major role in getting us there.”

Sanders said he’s long admired Montgomery, even before Detroit signed him, and that Gibbs proved during Montgomery’s injury absence that he could also be a featured back.

“David Montgomery has been a solid NFL back for years, and he elevated that with the Lions after leaving the Bears, especially behind this offensive line,” Sanders said. “Then you look at what Jahmyr Gibbs accomplished, particularly last season, and you could say it was a true breakout year for him.”

It was Detroit’s best regular season in nearly seven decades, but their playoff push fell short. Sanders believes if they are to finally break through, it will be because of their ground game.