Jahmyr Gibbs holds the key to unlocking Lions' offense against Buccaneers

The Detroit Lions have one of the best and most explosive offenses in the NFL this season, and that's been due in large part to their strong running game.

Detroit's combo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are routinely able to put together 100 yard games and multiple touchdown efforts. That ability helps the Lions be dangerous in the play action game, helping Jared Goff to be lethal down the field with his receiver targets.

So far, Detroit's run game ranks No. 8 overall in the league, and have gone for 128.7 yards per-game on the ground with 772 total yards. Their offensive line has played well enough to dominate games. In spite of that success, they weren't as effective in the second-half against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Lions only rushed for 98 yards and no touchdowns on the night, which was likely a big reason they went on to lose 30-17. Without the ground game to chew up clock and help the defense overcommit, the Chiefs were able to make Detroit one-dimensional and limit their ability to hit bigger pass plays with success.

In order to get back to their winning roots against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions are going to have to lean heavier on the run game. Tampa Bay's offense can be just as lethal as Kansas City's, and giving Baker Mayfield less chances to impact the outcome should be a major goal for John Morton.

With the weaponry the Lions have at their disposal, there's no excuse for Detroit not to have the right game plan going into a primetime game. Establishing the run game early and maintaining it throughout offers them the best chance at success. Fortunately, they have an elite player to help.

Past results vs. Buccaneers make Gibbs a player Lions must emphasize

The Lions have had success running the ball against Tampa Bay before. In the last two games against the Buccaneers, Detroit has rushed for a total of 252 yards and two touchdowns. Much of that success has been due to Gibbs and his ability to make huge plays on the ground.

Gibbs himself has accounted for 158 of those yards, and in the playoff game against Tampa Bay, his fourth-quarter touchdown changed the game for the Lions as they were able to make the NFC Championship Game. In last year's loss, Gibbs rushed for 84 yards

A big reason the Lions were not able to win last season's regular season game was due to red zone struggles. In spite of Dan Campbell's recent take on the running game, Gibbs is the perfect player to exploit those weaknesses. That means Morton should do whatever he can to get him the ball when the field compresses and the defense is on the run.

Detroit's ground game is once again elite in 2025, and Gibbs' explosiveness is a big reason why that is the case. He's found a way to have fantastic performances against Tampa Bay before, and emphasizing him again could be the biggest key to unlocking the offense.

Lamar Jackson’s Bold Statement: 'Every Setback Is a Setup for Our Greatest Comeback'

Lamar Jackson, the fearless leader of the Baltimore Ravens, has made his intentions clear: "Every setback is a setup for our greatest comeback." In a recent interview, Jackson delivered a powerful message to his team and fans, showcasing not only his determination but the resilient spirit that defines him as a player. The Ravens have faced significant challenges this season, but Jackson’s words embody the unwavering mindset that will drive the team forward.

Despite the obstacles the team has encountered, including tough losses and an underperforming offensive line, Jackson's perspective remains relentlessly positive. “Every time we hit the field, it’s more than just about the game. It’s about the heart, the hustle, and the legacy we’re building,” he said. Jackson’s focus is on the bigger picture, one that transcends individual games and reflects a deep commitment to building something lasting and impactful.

The Ravens have certainly been through their share of adversity. With an offensive line struggling to protect Jackson and a series of tough losses, critics have questioned the team’s ability to overcome these challenges. Yet, Jackson has refused to back down. "We’ve been knocked down, but we’re not staying down," he continued. “Every challenge we face makes us stronger, and every setback is just a setup for a comeback.” These words have become a rallying cry for the Ravens as they look to bounce back and prove themselves once again.

Jackson’s resilience is evident not just in his words but in his actions on the field. Despite facing relentless pressure, he continues to fight through every play, showing his team and fans that he is unshaken. The quarterback’s leadership has been a source of inspiration, fueling the Ravens’ determination to rise above their challenges.

This statement is not just about the Ravens’ current struggles—it’s about the mentality of the team as a whole. Jackson has built a culture where setbacks are seen not as failures, but as stepping stones to future success. With his bold declaration, he is setting the tone for the remainder of the season, rallying his teammates to dig deeper, push harder, and come together in pursuit of greatness.

As Jackson so aptly put it, “We’ll rise above, we’ll fight through, and we’ll prove everyone wrong. This is just the beginning.” These words signal a future where the Ravens are not defined by their setbacks but by their ability to come back stronger than ever. With Jackson leading the charge, the Ravens' journey is far from over, and their best moments may still lie ahead.