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.
Cowboys remain mum on Trevon Diggs' mystery concussion, Stephen Jones dodges question
The Dallas Cowboys can never go through a week of the NFL season without making some sort of headline. Whether Jerry Jones or his son makes a ridiculous comment during their weekly radio appearances or sports talk shows use the Cowboys for ratings, there is always a conversation about America's Team.
Then, you have the absolutely bizarre headlines that come out of Dallas that only the Cowboys can deliver. On Friday afternoon, that involved All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs.
Diggs suffered a concussion in an "accident" at his home and was swiftly ruled out of the team's Week 7 showdown with the division rival Washington Commanders. There are very few details about the incident that led to Diggs' concussion, and it doesn't look like we will be getting any anytime soon.
After news of Diggs' concussion went public, everyone was searching for answers. NFL insider Josina Anderson shut down any speculation that the concussion was a result of any "dispute" at his home.
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But if you're looking for any clarity on what went down, don't bother asking Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones.
Jones was asked about Diggs missing Sunday's game when passing by the media on Friday afternoon, but he said he had no comment on the situation, according to Calvin Watkins of the
So, for now, everyone is staying mum. We'll have to see if anyone speaks out about what went down with Diggs, or if he reveals himself what led to the unfortunate situation.
Diggs' latest setback
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Earlier this season, Diggs was benched amid ongoing struggles in the secondary. While the Cowboys claimed Diggs' benching was because he had been battling injuries during practice, Diggs appeared to believe it was performance based.
He ultimately returned to the starting lineup, but will now be forced to miss his first game of the year.
Through six games this season, Diggs has totaled 18 tackles, but has yet to record an interception or pass defended.
Diggs was named a first-team All-Pro in 2021 and led the NFL in interceptions with 11, but he was also known for giving up the big play because of his aggressive nature. Diggs has played in just 19 of 37 Cowboys games since signing his five-year, $97 million extension with the team.
