The Green Bay Packers defense might have a guy they need to keep tabs on inside the division as a threat when they play twice a year. The Detroit Lions stunned many people with their choices in the first round. The Lions drafted running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick and off-the-ball linebacker Jack Campbell six spots later.
Linebacker and running are two positions that aren’t considered premium in the modern NFL. The Lions, who came into the offseason as the overwhelming favorite to win the NFC North, had the luxury on their roster to pick outside those premium positions. Many fans and media outside Detroit mocked the Lions for taking Gibbs so early. But he’s reportedly turning heads in OTAs this spring.
Jahmyr Gibbs looks dangerous
According to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, Gibbs is now standing out in practice. The Lions are using him as more than a standard running back, as Gibbs is showing his talent at route running:
“Gibbs is also standing out. He just looks the part. His route-running out of the backfield is as advertised and the Lions have continued to split him out wide in team scrimmages. It’s just comes so natural for him, which isn’t always the case with running backs. Some look stiff because they don’t work on that element of their games. Gibbs does. He’s so fluid, even in drills.”
The Green Bay Packers struggled with the run in 2022
This could present a challenge for the Packers’ defense. The Packers gave up the 26th most rushing yards last season, averaging giving up 139.5 rushing yards per game to their opponents for the 2022 season. The Packers haven’t added much run-stopping help to the defense this offseason.
They lost two defensive linemen, Jarran Reed, and Dean Lowry, to free agency this offseason and haven’t replaced them. The Packers hope 2022 first-round pick Devonte Wyatt can step up in year two. Gibbs’ presence will give the Packers’ defense a few extra challenges due to his natural flexibility in the passing game. The defense can’t just focus on trying to stop him in the box. Hopefully, for the Packers, defensive coordinator Joe Barry can cook something up for the defense.
For more in-depth analysis on how Jahmyr Gibbs could pose a significant challenge to the Green Bay Packers, check out our Green Bay Packers News section. Get the latest insights on team strategies, player performances, and more.
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Frequently Asked Question’s
How long did the Lions go without winning?
The Lions went for 30 years without winning, stretching from 1991 to 2021. Following the Cincinnati Bengals' breakthrough win over the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2021 wild-card round, the Detroit Lions made it to the top spot for the longest playoff victory drought in the NFL.
What is the longest winning streak in Lions history?
In the 1934 season, the Lions achieved their longest regular season winning streak in franchise history, winning straight 10 consecutive games. This historical streak commenced on September 23, 1934, with a 9-0 victory against the New York Giants and concluded on November 25 with a close 0-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
