Notebook: Will Gibbs, Montgomery Play Together More?

Will Lions continue to play both running backs together?

Jahmyr Gibbs’ workload was relatively limited in his NFL debut for the Detroit Lions. He played just 19 snaps, and finished with nine touches. He spent many passing downs on the sidelines, as David Montgomery handled much of the pass-protection duties.

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson chalked it up to reliability in Montgomery, while the team didn’t know what to expect from the rookie in his first regular season game.

“I think, on third down, you could see both those guys step on in there. I don’t see necessarily David as just a blocker,” Johnson explained. “You know, I think he’s got underrated receiving ability that was on his tape all over from Chicago the last four years. And, just because we didn’t throw him the ball last week, doesn’t mean we don’t feel really good about doing that. And then Gibbs is, he’s more physical than what you would imagine. So, we have no problem. No problem in six-man pro him stepping in there and blocking linebackers. And so, we’ll continue to increase his role.”

Gibbs will continue to see his workload increase as he becomes more comfortable in the offensive scheme. These decisions will be made based on matchups, which Dan Campbell believes his offensive coordinator will do a great job of identifying.

Ben Johnson playing chess

Detroit's offensive coordinator has earned praise from both pundits and from the team's coaching staff. 

When asked, Campbell indicated the potential future NFL head coach is able to solve problems, and quite quickly in real-time. 

"He's just, to me, he's such a chess player. He can identify quickly things that, 'I've gotta be better here. I won't ever do that again. If we play these guys again, this is exactly what I would do.' He's got an answer for all of it in real time," Campbell said. "The more he memory banks, he just keeps getting better and better and growing. Even from the gameplan standpoint, putting players in the best position to have success, I think he does a great job of."

Defensive identity 'showed up' against Chiefs

The Detroit Lions showed their defensive mettle in a gritty win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.

The effort wasn’t perfect, though. The defense had a difficult time bringing down quarterback Patrick Mahomes at various points. However, the unit came through with big plays in the clutch.

That showing is precisely what defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is looking for out of his group, as it  continues to progress throughout the season.

"Here's what I would say about us defensively, and it has nothing to do with stats to be honest with you," Glenn explained. "I think our identity showed up for the most part. ... I thought we were physical, I thought we were violent, especially the secondary, and I thought we attacked the football. Now we didn't come away with many balls we wanted, as far as interceptions or punch outs. We did get one, but to me, that's what really showed up. The stats are the stats, but if we do those things, if we understand that if we do those three things, it's gonna take care of itself and those guys did that."

Reminder that Ford Field is 'family-friendly' 

Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson ignited the fanbase by suggesting it wear blue ski masks to the team's home opener. Since then, the item has sold out on Amazon. 

In anticipation of the environment being rowdy, Campbell implored the safety with a reminder of the family atmosphere at Ford Field. 

"I told C.J. yesterday, I'm like, 'Just remember we've got kids coming to this game. Let's let them have it and let's enjoy it, it should be loud out there. But, let's remember, man, there's moms and dads with kids around,'" Campbell explained. "Let's keep it somewhat friendly out here. Anyway, it's good."

Fake punts: ‘Coach Campbell’s incredible with that stuff’

The Lions’ coaching staff has made a habit of being fearless in big moments. Dan Campbell rarely hesitates to roll the dice in key situations.

That was on full display in Week 1. The Lions converted a fake punt attempt from their own 17-yard line in the first quarter, evidence of how firm Campbell and his staff are committed to winning at all costs.

Some are quick to credit special teams coordinator Dave Fipp for the unit’s success on plays such as that. However, he deflected the praise to the head coach for how he views the game.

“I mean, Coach Campbell’s incredible with that stuff. I’ve said that every time I’ve done one of these things and then really, the players are the guys that go out there and execute that stuff,” Fipp explained. “People say good job on the fake, and I’m like, ‘I didn’t do anything.’ I mean, we talked about it, we put it in, we practiced it or whatever. But ultimately, it’s those guys out there making plays and the head coach having the confidence in those guys to call it.”

During his time in Philadelphia, Fipp pointed out that the team ran very few fake punts. He views Campbell’s decision-making as emblematic of how the head coach wants his team to be identified.

“All of that stuff shapes what you need to win a football game, really, so I think that has a lot to do with it," Fipp said. "Now, that being said, Coach Campbell embraces that part, so he’s pushed that to another level certainly for me and I love it. It’s been great. When I sit in there and watch the film, I’m looking at all the rushes, and he’s like, ‘Oh, rushes, that’s perfect. If they’re rushing us, we can do this and this.’ He’s looking at all the fakes off of it, and so he’s an offensive coach. It’s really helped me being around him and seeing the game through his eyes that way.”

Potential offensive line combinations 

Detroit's coaching staff has been exploring multiple different offensive line combinations, given that Taylor Decker could be unavailable to suit up at Ford Field. 

Campbell noted before practice Friday, "We’ve worked a couple of different combinations. We’ve really done three different things. We’ve kept Sewell over there (at right tacke). We’ve had (Halapoulivaati) Vaitai move (to left tackle). We’ve moved Sewell (to left tackle). We’ve had Vaitai out (at right tackle), (Graham) Glasgow in (at right guard). So, we’re going to continue messing with that today, and then we’ll see. The beauty is we’ve got options we feel pretty good about. Certainly, Nelson’s involved in all that, as well.”