Jahmyr Gibbs was only prodded by the Lions coach to make the leap to offensive player of the year.

The Detroit Lions are fortunate to have Jahmyr Gibbs, an All-Pro running back, to help their offense get the boost it needs to contend with the NFL’s top players. Fans haven’t yet realized how much of a game-changer Gibbs can be in the professional ranks, according to new running backs coach Tashard Choice. Choice, Gibbs’ college coach at Georgia Tech, was recently hired as the Lions’ running back coach after Scottie Montgomery was promoted to wide receivers coach during the summer. Choice wants Detroit’s dynamic dignitary to improve even more following his incredible 2024 campaign now that he is back in the professional ranks.

Over the past few years, Gibbs and David Montgomery have alternated carries, and the rest of the league has been subjected to the full fury of the “Sonic and Knuckles” duo. But Gibbs is beginning to show himself to be the more explosive of the two, to the point where Detroit might not be best served splitting up the carries. Last season, despite an offense that provided him just under 15 rushes per week, Gibbs ran for 1,400 yards and led the league in rushing touchdowns with 16. With a workload akin to that of Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley this season, just think of what he could accomplish. It’s hard to find a back with an average volume of 5.6 yards per carry.

Perhaps the real test of Gibbs’ abilities will come in 2025. Right guard Kevin Zeitler and center Frank Ragnow, two elite run blockers, left the team. Ben Johnson was replaced as offensive coordinator by John Morton, whose coaching background is more concerned with developing proficient passing offenses than strong rushing attacks. Barkley, who just finished a season with 2,000 yards and is primed to run it back with an outstanding Eagles offensive line, is currently Gibbs’ toughest rival for the honor. Additionally, Gibbs has to be on the lookout for a wide receiver like Justin Jefferson or Ja’MarrChase to explode.

Gibbs’ success in this offense might add a third player to the Barkley and Henry two-man running back category.