The Detroit Lions are officially in survival mode. Following their loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the margin for error has vanished, and the team likely needs to win its remaining games to stay in the playoff hunt. With the season hanging in the balance, head coach Dan Campbell and his staff may need to reassess how their offense is functioning — particularly in the backfield.

On paper, Detroit’s rushing attack looks solid. The Lions sit fifth in the league, averaging just over 131 yards per game on the ground, and Jahmyr Gibbs has delivered several explosive performances. But as the season has progressed, the offense has become increasingly uneven, and David Montgomery’s involvement has quietly dwindled.

At a time when consistency and balance are essential, Montgomery has become an afterthought. Recent results suggest that reestablishing him as a meaningful part of the game plan could be the adjustment that keeps Detroit’s postseason hopes alive.

Montgomery’s Efficiency Is Being Overlooked

The loss to the Rams highlighted the issue clearly. Gibbs struggled to gain traction against a physical defensive front, finishing with 38 rushing yards on 13 attempts. He added some value as a receiver, but Montgomery was noticeably more productive as a runner, averaging nearly five yards per carry on seven attempts.

While the carry distribution wasn’t extreme, it exposed a larger trend. Since his breakout performance against the Giants in Week 11, Gibbs’ efficiency has dipped significantly. Over the past three games, he has averaged just 3.3 yards per rush, despite continuing to receive the bulk of the workload.

Meanwhile, Montgomery has quietly excelled with limited opportunities. Over that same stretch, he has posted nearly six yards per carry, scored three touchdowns, and consistently generated positive results when given the ball. Statistical breakdowns show that in most of Detroit’s losses this season, Montgomery has outperformed Gibbs in key efficiency metrics, including success rate and expected points added.

Some of the struggles could be attributed to offensive line issues, particularly with injuries and personnel changes in the interior. However, advanced metrics tell a compelling story: Montgomery has significantly exceeded expected rushing production recently, while Gibbs has fallen well below it. In fact, Montgomery’s contact balance and yards after contact numbers rank among the league’s best, even though his workload doesn’t reflect that impact.

A Balanced Approach Could Be the Answer

None of this suggests that Gibbs should be sidelined. His explosiveness remains vital to Detroit’s offense. But leaning too heavily on one back has made the unit predictable and less effective. A more even distribution of touches could benefit both players — keeping Gibbs fresh while allowing Montgomery to establish rhythm and physicality.

Campbell has seen this model succeed before. During his time in New Orleans, the Saints thrived by splitting carries between Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. That approach produced one of the league’s most consistent rushing attacks, with both backs playing complementary roles rather than competing for touches.

Adopting a similar philosophy could stabilize the Lions’ offense during a critical stretch. By restoring balance and trusting Montgomery’s efficiency, Detroit may find the consistency it has lacked all season.

With the playoffs still within reach, the Lions can’t afford to let productive options fade into the background. Adjusting Montgomery’s role may not be a dramatic overhaul — but it could be the difference between extending the season and heading into an early offseason.