Jahmyr Gibbs proved worthy of the excitement and playmaking hype in his first NFL game. The Lions first-round running back didn’t get a lot of opportunities, but he still wound up breaking more tackles than any other player in the entire league in Week 1.
On just nine touches (7 carries, 2 receptions), Gibbs managed to force six missed tackles, per PFF. That’s one more than a group of other players that includes 49ers star Christian McCaffrey and the Chargers’ versatile Austin Ekeler. It helped key the Lions’ 21-20 win in Kansas City.
Gibbs accomplished the feat by using his quick feet, excellent contact balance and his ability to bounce off contact. It’s why head coach Dan Campbell indicated Gibbs will get more opportunities to show what he can do in upcoming games.