The Lions’ Success Is Dependent on Jahmyr Gibbs, Not Jared Goff
The Detroit Lions have been a franchise on the rise in recent years. While they’ve had their ups and downs, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the team. With a revamped roster, strong coaching, and a mix of veteran leadership and youthful talent, the Lions are aiming to finally break through as a legitimate contender in the NFL. However, as the team moves forward, one thing is clear: the Lions’ success in the near future will hinge more on the development and performance of rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs than on the play of veteran quarterback Jared Goff.
To be sure, Goff has been a stabilizing force for the Lions since he arrived in Detroit. His steady play, solid leadership, and ability to execute head coach Dan Campbell’s offense have allowed the Lions to stay competitive in a tough NFC North division. Goff was instrumental in the team’s offense last season, and many point to him as one of the primary reasons the Lions made a significant leap toward becoming playoff contenders. However, to truly take the next step, the Lions will need to rely more on their running game and, in particular, on Gibbs’ potential to transform their offense.
Jared Goff: The Consistent, Yet Limited Quarterback
Jared Goff, the former first overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, has carved out a niche for himself in Detroit as a reliable, if unspectacular, quarterback. He doesn’t make many flashy plays, but he is an efficient, steady presence under center. Goff is a quarterback who excels in play-action scenarios, often finding success when the running game is humming, and he can work off the threat of a strong running attack. His ability to execute short and intermediate throws makes him an ideal quarterback for an offense predicated on ball control and maintaining a solid balance between the run and pass.
However, while Goff is competent, he also has limitations. He has never been regarded as a top-tier quarterback and has faced criticism for his struggles in key moments throughout his career. Despite leading the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2018 season, Goff has often struggled to perform in big games or against elite defenses. When forced to throw the ball 40 times a game or more, he has been prone to making mistakes, whether through turnovers, missed throws, or getting rattled under pressure.
The Lions, therefore, should be cautious about relying too heavily on Goff to carry the team to victory. In the NFL, teams with great quarterbacks can often overcome deficiencies elsewhere on the roster. But for the Lions, whose strength lies in the collective effort of their offense and defense, Goff’s limitations may hold the team back from competing at the highest level.
Enter Jahmyr Gibbs: The Catalyst for Detroit’s Offensive Success
While Jared Goff may be the quarterback and the face of the offense, it is running back Jahmyr Gibbs who could be the true engine driving the Lions’ success in 2025 and beyond. The Lions were aggressive in selecting Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, a move that raised eyebrows across the league. Many questioned the decision to draft a running back that high, especially when Detroit already had a productive back in D’Andre Swift. But the Lions saw something special in Gibbs, a dynamic, versatile player capable of transforming their offense into one that could operate at an elite level.
Gibbs’ college tape at Alabama and Georgia Tech was electric. He is a smooth, fast, and explosive runner with the ability to break off long runs or make defenders miss in the open field. But what sets Gibbs apart from many running backs is his versatility as both a runner and a receiver. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and create mismatches in the passing game makes him a true dual-threat weapon. He can be a traditional running back who picks up tough yards between the tackles, or he can line up in the slot and run routes like a wide receiver. In today’s NFL, this type of versatility is invaluable and has become a key trait for running backs who can truly make a difference on offense.
As the NFL has shifted toward more pass-heavy offenses, running backs have taken on an increasingly important role as dual-threats who can impact the game in multiple ways. Running backs like Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Austin Ekeler have proven that a back who can catch passes as well as run the ball is essential to modern offenses. The Lions clearly recognize this, and by selecting Gibbs, they have a player who could give them the ability to become more unpredictable and dynamic.
Why the Lions Need a Dominant Running Game
The NFL is increasingly becoming a league where passing attacks dominate, and for good reason—elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow can take over games with their arm and decision-making. However, successful teams are still built around a strong running game. A dominant running back is a game-changer who can control the tempo of a game, wear down defenses, and create play-action opportunities for the quarterback. The Lions’ offense could benefit tremendously from a running back of Gibbs’ caliber.
While Jared Goff’s strengths lie in his ability to execute the passing game efficiently, his success as a quarterback is often tied to the performance of the running game. When the Lions run the ball effectively, Goff’s efficiency improves, and the offense becomes much more difficult to defend. This was evident during the 2023 season, when the Lions were at their best when they could keep defenses on their toes with a balanced attack. Goff thrives in play-action situations, and having a reliable and explosive back like Gibbs in the backfield would create more opportunities for Goff to execute the passing game effectively.
But what makes Gibbs even more important is that his presence would allow the Lions to diversify their offensive attack. With a running back who can catch passes out of the backfield, the Lions can run screens, swing passes, and other short-area routes that put pressure on the defense. In doing so, they would open up space for Goff to take shots down the field, utilizing the speed and athleticism of their wide receivers to stretch defenses vertically.
Additionally, an elite running game would help the Lions control the clock, limit turnovers, and keep opposing offenses off the field. This is a critical element of winning games in the NFL, particularly in big moments when the team needs to hold onto a lead or grind out a victory in a close game. Running backs like Gibbs can be trusted to carry the load, helping to maintain offensive rhythm and giving the team a better chance to win in the long term.
The Need for a Long-Term Solution
The Lions’ reliance on Gibbs goes beyond the immediate future. If the Lions are truly going to compete for championships, they will need to establish a long-term solution in the running game. NFL teams are built for sustained success, and while quarterbacks like Goff can provide some stability, the running game is often what separates elite teams from the rest of the pack. The Lions’ success will largely depend on whether they can develop Gibbs into a top-tier back who can carry the offense for years to come.
A solid running back can help cover up a variety of deficiencies on offense. If Goff struggles in a given week or if the team’s offensive line faces challenges, a dynamic back like Gibbs can help mitigate those issues by creating big plays, gaining valuable yards on the ground, and providing an outlet in the passing game. Over the next several seasons, the Lions will need Gibbs to evolve into an all-around star who can become the focal point of the offense.
In contrast, Goff’s ceiling is likely limited at this point in his career. He can be a competent starter and a valuable leader for the Lions, but to truly compete for a Super Bowl, they will need to have a more explosive offense that can carry them in crunch-time situations. Gibbs could be that player who takes the offense to another level, allowing Goff to manage the game without having to be the primary focal point.
Conclusion
While Jared Goff has played an essential role in stabilizing the Lions’ offense and leading them to improvement, the future success of the team will ultimately depend on the play of Jahmyr Gibbs. Goff’s limitations as a quarterback make it necessary for the Lions to establish a dominant running game, and Gibbs has the potential to become one of the league’s best dual-threat backs. As the Lions continue to build their roster around young talent, Gibbs could be the key player who elevates the entire offense and allows Detroit to reach its full potential.
The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, but the most successful teams are those that can establish a balanced, multifaceted offense. The Lions must build around Gibbs and make him the focal point of their offensive game plan. By doing so, they will maximize their chances of success in the coming years and give themselves a legitimate shot at competing for championships. The Lions’ future is bright, but it will be their running back, Jahmyr Gibbs, who will ultimately make the difference between a solid contender and a true Super Bowl contender.