Detroit Lions running backs enjoy a “dope” intro, then create the Bears

On November 29, 2024By Littum

The Detroit Lions had a new wrinkle for player introductions before their Thanksgiving game with the Chicago Bears.

After the offensive line was introduced, Detroit’s running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery received a joint intro. The tandem ran out of the tunnel together, stopping and posing back to back as it received a loud roar from the crowd. They wore matching red-and-yellow cleats as an ode to their video game nickname, “Sonic and Knuckles”, after arrives at Ford Field with the mascots and custom jackets that showcase each character.

“It was super cool,” Montgomery said of his new induction. “I’ve never experienced anything like this. Jahmyr is my little brother and I’m super blessed to have him in my life. As a footballer, but also as a person to me.

“So to be able to share that moment and that experience with him and how the ‘Sonic and Knuckles’ thing is going is pretty cool to be a part of.”

Gibbs said the introduction was something the running backs had been planning since they embraced the “Sonic and Knuckles” moniker, and said being able to share that moment was “a lot of fun.” The Lions the running back duo entered the game as the NFL’s second backfield tandem with 10 touchdowns apiece or more through 11 games and continued their work Sunday in a 23-20 win over the Chicago Bears.

After getting the crowd going with the introduction, the duo set about setting the tone for the track. Montgomery carried it six times for 27 yards on Detroit’s opening drive, leading to a field goal. Then Gibbs came in for his first touches and ripped off 52 yards on his first five touches to set up the first of Sam LaPorta’s two touchdown catches.

The Lions ran the ball 20 times for 141 yards in the first half to open up a 16-0 lead. Montgomery had 13 carries for 58 yards in the first half, while Gibbs made some explosive plays with 83 yards on seven carries. Gibbs became the first player in Lions history to record 70 yards or more from scrimmage in each of the first 12 games of the season.

The Lions have now won 10 straight games, tying the franchise record while going 11-1 for the first time in franchise history. In addition to going undefeated against the NFC North, Montgomery said knocking off his former team made it that much better.

“It’s always a little sweeter to be able to beat someone who didn’t think I was good enough,” Montgomery said. “I appreciate Chicago taking a chance on me and giving me a shot and an opportunity.”

The Lions’ dominance on the ground did not carry over into the second half. After gaining just 53 yards in the first half, Chicago was able to move the ball on the Lions in the second and control the time of possession after only holding the ball for seven minutes in the first half.

Montgomery had eight carries for 30 yards in the second half to finish with 88 yards on 21 carries in his third game against his former team. After Gibbs dominated early, he fumbled on a catch in the red zone late in the first half and had just two shots in the second half.

Gibbs said afterward that it was just the nature of the game and how the Bears attacked on defense. He finished with 87 rushing yards on nine carries and two catches for 17 yards.

“It just ended up that way,” Gibbs said. “We can’t really run the ball in certain situations, so I think we just had to deal with the cards we had.”

Montgomery was stuffed on his final carry on third-and-1 on what ended up being Detroit’s final offensive drive, ending in a punt.

The Lions pulled off the upset to earn their first Thanksgiving victory since 2016 and maintain control of first place in the NFC and the division.

“It’s about time,” Gibbs said of ending the seven-game losing streak on Thanksgiving.

Jared Ramsey is a sports reporter for Detroit Free Press. Follow Jared on X @jared_ramsey22and email him at [email protected].