How did the running game break down the Jaguars’ defense?

Detroit Lions They are off to a 9-1 start and setting new standards with their elite offense.

In the first 10 games of the 2024 season lionsThe offense is performing at a historic level and shows little sign of slowing down. A key factor in their success has been the performance of the running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

Detroit’s duo Gibbs and Montgomery, or ‘Sonic and Knuckles’ as they are affectionately known, are the first running backs in NFL history to have more than 800 rushing yards and nine or more touchdowns in the first 10 games of any season.

The duo combined for three touchdowns in Detroit’s 52-6 victory over Jacksonville on Sunday. Montgomery He led the team with 75 yards receiving, while Gibbs added 69 yards on 11 carries.

Let’s take a look at how the Lions’ running backs, offensive line and wide receivers performed solidly on Sunday with contributions as lead blockers.

Montgomery and Gibbs have shown the natural skills that make them great, but Detroit’s unique schemes and the way they use both linemen and offensive linemen as primary blockers allows talented backs to thrive.

David Montgomery

Montgomery led the first series and helped set up what would eventually be his own goal. After a long completion of Shane Zylstra, lions Cross midfield to set up the senior running back’s 9-yard run.

On this play, Montgomery displays his signature bruising running style as well as exceptional vision and balance. lions To divert attention, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Move Brown, then pass it to Montgomery, who runs left behind a loaded lineup with two tight ends.

As Taylor Decker on the left block, left guard Graham Glasgow and center Frank Ragnow advance to the left side on the left block, Zylstra crosses the formation and cuts off the defensive end, preventing him from tackling from behind.

Montgomery He passes behind Ragnow and then meets Jaguars safety Andre Cisco. As Cisco attempts to tackle, the rear end exhibits a strong center of gravity and maintains balance through contact.

Four different Jaguars defenders are forced to enter the game to take Montgomery down. He would add another reception and a carry before scoring the first goal of the game to give Detroit a 7-3 lead.

After Gibbs’ goal lions Once again, I moved downfield to quickly get into the Jaguars’ red zone. As a result, Montgomery was able to score his second score of the afternoon with an assist from Penei Sewell down the right.

The All-Pro right tackle first eliminates offensive linebacker Ventrell Miller, allowing Montgomery to create a clearer lane toward the end zone. As Ragnow and right winger Kevin Zeitler opened up space on the right, Montgomery set his sights on scoring his second goal of the game.

Safety Antonio Johnson meets Montgomery He’s close to the goal line and gets some help from other defenders, but Sewell tracks the play and gets behind the runner, giving him the extra push to get into the end zone.

Jahmyr Gibbs

Gibbs He had a chance to advance starting with the team’s second drive. Here he makes his presence felt with an 8-yard gain with help from the team’s wide receivers.

Senior Tim Patrick, who has received good reviews for his work as a blocker since joining the team, tackles multiple defenders throughout Gibbs’ run. The right side of the line blocks and Brock Wright runs over the formation to create the running lane for Gibbs and Wright gets some help from Patrick to block the finish.

After poking the end, Patrick He then goes out and tackles Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, which allows Gibbs to step out. Gibbs, due to his elusiveness, causes a pair of defenders to miss tackles and leaves the field.

Patrick gets one last block and ends the play with a shoulder tackle to defensive end Arik Armstead as Gibbs is taken down.

Later while driving, lions Gibbs, who switched sides as a result of the end of the first quarter, caps off the scoring streak with a 23-yard field goal. What stands out in this game is the work of the left side of the line.

Especially left defender GrahamGlasgow Adjusts the running lane. Gibbs jumps to the left, showing off his excellent vision, and then steps on the gas. He races through the hole and slides over a defender as he crosses the 20-yard line.

The second-year running back nearly scores on this play, but Darnell Savage uses a good angle to force Gibbs out of bounds. Still, the running back can punch in later plays to extend Detroit’s lead.

Second-year running back is the leading option so far Detroit to start this third quarter drive. The Lions are backed up near their own goal line, but Gibbs is able to quickly get the offense out of the shadow of his own goal line.

Running left, Gibbs initially sets up behind a wall of blockers. Detroit is planning a unique game; wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is the lead blocker in Gibbs’ lane.

Saint Brown He’s proven himself as a high-level blocker and he delivers that here as well. Penei Sewell throws Travon Walker, St. Brown steps forward through the hole and blocks linebacker Devin Lloyd. Gibbs cuts to the frontcourt and gets between Lloyd and Jarrian Jones.

The running back both breaks the tackle and nearly shrugs off Darnell Savage before wrestling him into the turf at the 20-yard line.