Lions Run Game 'Close' to Generating Explosive Plays

Ben Johnson believes explosive plays are coming to Lions' run game.

The Detroit Lions have struggled to generate explosive plays in the run game through the first two weeks of the NFL season. 

Pro Football Focus quantifies a breakaway as a run of 15 or more yards. In the first two games of the 2023 campaign, the Lions have had just four. Both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs each have recorded two rushes for big gains. 

Additionally, the team has yet to field an individual 100-yard rusher in either of the two games to start the season. 

Heading into Week 3, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson believes the team is on the precipice of hitting those plays at a higher rate.

"We are, we're very close, but we're not where we need to be yet. You see the potential when you watch the tape, and I think it's just a matter of time before we start hitting some bigger ones," Johnson said. "I really do. You turn it on, and you can say it's one guy here, there. And you say that every week. But we're very close from not just having these two, three yard gains, but having explosive runs. I think that's what shows up. Normally when you say one guy is off, that's the difference between a three-yard gain and five- or six-yard gain. These are the difference between 12 to 15-yard runs."

The Lions may face a challenge Sunday against a Falcons team that has won their first two games. Montgomery's status is in doubt, meaning that Gibbs may get his first career start and see an increased volume of touches. 

The rookie has made an impact in spurts but has yet to generate significant contributions as a rusher. Despite that limited production, the feeling surrounding his potential remains tantalizing and expectations are high.

"Gibby can do anything," Johnson stated. "We'll see what all we ask him to do, but we feel very comfortable with him doing anything that our running backs need to do." 

Other options in the backfield Sunday will include Craig Reynolds and Zonovan 'Bam' Knight. Elevated from the practice squad, Knight's role for Sunday remains to be seen. 

He gained valuable experience as a rookie with the New York Jets, though, and could be a candidate to take carries and ease the workload on Gibbs. 

"That's been the big challenge since he's been here, how much of the nuance of what we do can he pick up? He's already got high football IQ and he's been in the league a few years now," Johnson said. "I say that even though he's an N.C. State guy, that's a tough one to admit. He's done a phenomenal job picking it up and we'll see as the week goes on how much he can handle. But we've been encouraged with what he's shown on scout team over the past couple weeks and so far this week in terms of running ability, pass protection and receiving ability."