With David Montgomery gone, the Lions may finally unleash Jahmyr Gibbs as the centerpiece of their offense. Add in Isaiah Pacheco and a retooled offensive line, and Detroit’s run game could become the identity of the 2026 season.
The Detroit Lions may look different offensively in 2026, but one thing could become even more clear this season: Detroit is preparing to lean heavily on the run game.
For the last few years, the Lions built one of the NFL’s most balanced and explosive offenses behind a dominant offensive line and the two-headed rushing attack of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. But with Montgomery no longer in Detroit, the Lions now appear ready to fully unleash Gibbs as the centerpiece of their offense.
And honestly, the numbers already suggest he’s capable of handling it.
Gibbs has been electric since entering the league. His elite burst, acceleration and ability to create explosive plays made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in football. Whether it was lining up in the backfield, motioning into the slot or turning a simple outside zone carry into a 40-yard gain, Gibbs consistently changed games with his speed and vision.
Last season, Gibbs continued proving why Detroit spent premium draft capital on him. He finished among the league leaders in explosive runs while also becoming a major factor in the passing game. His versatility forced defenses into impossible situations. Stack the box and Gibbs could beat linebackers as a receiver. Play lighter personnel and Detroit could dominate on the ground.
Now, without Montgomery taking a large portion of the carries, Gibbs could be in line for the biggest workload of his career.
That doesn’t mean the Lions will simply hand him the ball 25 times a game, though. Detroit understands what makes Gibbs special is efficiency and explosiveness, not just volume. The goal will likely be finding more creative ways to maximize touches while preserving his big-play ability over an entire season.
That’s where the addition of Isiah Pacheco becomes important.
Pacheco gives Detroit another physical runner capable of handling tough inside carries and short-yardage situations. His violent running style contrasts perfectly with Gibbs’ agility and explosiveness. While Gibbs can threaten defenses horizontally and in space, Pacheco brings downhill energy that wears defenses down late in games.
The pairing could allow the Lions to maintain a dangerous rushing attack without overworking Gibbs.
It also helps that Detroit still appears committed to building through the offensive line, even with major changes up front.
The Lions are expected to have new starters along the offensive line in 2026, and how quickly that group develops could determine just how dominant the rushing attack becomes. First-round pick Blake Miller will immediately be under the spotlight as Detroit looks for him to stabilize one of the tackle spots. Miller brings size, athleticism and experience against high-level competition, and the Lions clearly believe he can become a long-term foundational piece.
Meanwhile, Cade Mays is expected to be the starting role inside. Mays has flashed versatility throughout his career and could provide the physicality Detroit wants in the run game. The Lions also added competition with players like Larry Borom, who will push for snaps and provide valuable depth.
Even with the personnel changes, Detroit’s offensive identity likely won’t change much philosophically. This coaching staff still wants to control the line of scrimmage, establish physicality and create explosive plays off play-action. Leaning more into the run game may actually help ease the transition for a reworked offensive line early in the season.
A strong rushing attack also takes pressure off the passing game and keeps the offense on schedule. If the Lions can consistently create manageable second and third downs through the run game, it opens up everything else offensively.
And few players in the NFL are better suited to carry that identity than Gibbs.
Detroit already knows he’s a home-run threat every time he touches the football. In 2026, the Lions may finally build the offense around that reality. Between Gibbs’ emergence as a superstar, the addition of Pacheco, and an organizational commitment to physical football, don’t be surprised if the Lions become one of the NFL’s most run-heavy teams this season.
If the offensive line develops quickly, Detroit’s ground attack could become the engine that drives another playoff push.