Ragnow: Gibbs' Touchdown Was Among 'Best Cuts' Ever Seen
The Detroit Lions have clearly found a budding star in rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
After a slow start to his career, including a two-game injury absence, Gibbs has been on a tear, beginning with a breakout game in Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
He has been exceptional throughout his first two postseason appearances, including a 110-yard all-purpose performance against the Buccaneers in the divisional round.
Gibbs' highlight came on a fourth-quarter run, when he made one cut in the open field and outran Tampa Bay's defense for a 31-yard, go-ahead touchdown.
That move in the open field left many in awe, including Lions second-team All-Pro center Frank Ragnow.
"He's special. That cut on that touchdown was one of the best cuts I've ever seen," Ragnow said. "He's just a special running back, and to think, he's only a rookie, it's pretty cool. And, he's got that combination of that dynamic speed and those cuts, but he's also strong and powerful. He's a special player for sure. He had some impressive blitz pickups for sure, which I like a lot."
Gibbs was billed as purely a speed back coming out of Alabama during the pre-draft cycle. However, the Lions saw more potential in the talented runner, and envisioned him as a complete back.
Since the team's loss to Baltimore in Week 7, which served as Gibbs' first career start, coach Dan Campbell has noticed a marked improvement in his abilities as a pass-protector.
Additionally, his skills outside of pure speed have been displayed in recent weeks. The rookie, though small in stature, packs a punch as a runner, and has good hands that allow him to contribute as a receiver.
"He's improved in everything. I think you can see that. His protection has improved, and that's not something that you say, 'Well, we've got him in here to protect.' No, but he's got to be able to do it," Campbell said. "And, he's grown leaps and bounds in that regard. I think you see he's getting better in the pass game out of the backfield. That was somewhere we felt like there was a ton of room to grow, and it's getting better and better and better. And, he's still got so much room to go there, but his running ability, his vision, to me, he really is a complete back that's continued to develop."
Jackson rehabbing meniscus injury
An unfortunate development for the Lions in Sunday's win was the loss of left guard Jonah Jackson, who suffered a meniscus tear and is likely out for the NFC Championship Game.
His presence will be likely filled by Kayode Awosika, who subbed in when Jackson left the game Sunday. It has been a frustrating year for the veteran guard, who has missed several games due to multiple injuries throughout the regular season.
However, Ragnow credited his teammate for his resolve and willingness to continue rehabbing. There are hopes that if the Lions are to advance, Jackson could return for the Super Bowl.
"Yeah, it sucks. This season, for him, I mean, he's tough now. He's battled through some things," Ragnow explained. "Sometimes, it just happens. I'm a prime example of that, I feel like. You start to look at yourself, start to question yourself like, 'Why do I just keep getting injured?' He's battled this season, and for him to battle back, and then he was rolling and for this to happen, is frustrating and I feel for him. I just saw him in there rehabbing, and he's got a great attitude. I've got confidence that he'll be alright."
