In the Detroit Lions’ 34–27 overtime victory against the New York Giants, what was expected to be a balanced backfield turned into a one-man show. Jahmyr Gibbs delivered the most explosive performance of his young career at Ford Field, while David Montgomery was largely invisible.
Gibbs erupted for 219 yards on the ground, scored twice as a runner, added 45 receiving yards, and hauled in a touchdown through the air in Week 12. Montgomery, on the other hand, managed only 18 rushing yards on five attempts and caught three passes for 19 yards—a continuation of a quiet stretch that has left fans frustrated.
One back was essential. The other barely moved the needle.
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell praised Gibbs , highlighting both the running back’s skill and the dominance of the offensive line.
“He’s explosive. He changes the game,” Campbell said. “I’m giving the o-line a ton of credit, too. We all kind of felt like today was going to be a big one for Gibbs.”
Montgomery didn’t receive similar confidence—or carries. Detroit didn’t operate with a two-headed attack because they didn’t need to. Gibbs has looked more than capable of being the primary option, out-touching Montgomery 27 to 11 over the past two weeks.
Detroit Proving They Don’t Need Montgomery to Win
Earlier in the season, many pointed fingers at new offensive coordinator John Morton for the offense’s inconsistencies. But with Campbell now handling play-calling, it’s become clear the issue isn’t the scheme—it’s Montgomery’s diminishing impact.
When he signed with Detroit in 2023, he produced immediately with a 1,000-yard season. But his effectiveness has slipped, and he doesn’t appear to be the same fit within the offense. If the Lions can hang 34 points on the board without leaning on him, what incentive is there to change the formula?
Detroit’s offense is operating too efficiently to force a bigger role for Montgomery. Still, if the Lions bow out early in the postseason again—something that feels plausible given their inconsistency—changes will almost certainly follow.
Montgomery could be one of them. Though his contract runs for two more seasons, Spotrac notes that Detroit can move on after June 1 and free up roughly $6 million, with manageable dead-cap charges of $2.3 million in 2026 and $2.4 million in 2027.
With Gibbs emerging as the clear centerpiece of the backfield, Montgomery is drifting toward replacement-level production. Nothing is guaranteed, but the longer his struggles continue, the more likely it becomes that Detroit decides to go in a different direction.
