Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
Watching the Detroit Lions play the Chicago Bears in their last game of the season brings thoughts of what could have been. What if running back Jahmyr Gibbs was utilized more, made the focal point of the offense?
Might the Lions have won against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, when Gibbs had only nine carries? Might they have beaten the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11, when Gibbs had only 12 carries? Or, maybe the Lions could have won against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16, when Gibbs had only seven carries? Might Detroit be a playoff team?
Head Coach Dan Campbell taking control of play calling duties did not improve the Lions’ offensive philosophy. In total, the Lions failed to get Gibbs more than 15 carries in 11 games this season. This amounts to criminal negligence and, if Campbell returns as head coach, he should be forced to delegate play calling to an offensive coordinator who has a plan to feature Gibbs 25 or more times per game. In the two games Detroit gave Gibbs 25 or more touches, the team scored an average of 36 points and won both games.
But that’s what could have been and what was in this failed season. Watching Isaac TeSlaa makes one dream of what could be next season. He just caught a pass over the middle for a first down.
In an offense that features Gibbs next season, TeSlaa can be the big, chain-moving and red zone threat that empowers the Lions to retake the division championship and finally bring the Lombardi Trophy to Detroit. He can also fiercely block for Gibbs with his 6’4” and 214 lb. frame. Through 16 games, TeSlaa proved to be a human highlight reel, making spectacular catches and scoring six touchdowns on only 15 receptions (26 targets). Count me among the Detroit fans who have seen enough to make TeSlaa the third option on offense… Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and then TeSlaa.
Yes. This makes the talented Jameson Williams a valuable trade asset. After back to back 1,000-yard seasons, Williams has proven he is worth the contract Detroit gave him. He is signed through 2029. He will be coveted by a lot of teams, and Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes can trade Williams for multiple picks on day one and day two of the 2026 NFL Draft. He can likely pick up a proven offensive lineman in a possible trade, too.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins are two possible trade partners with early first round picks that need upgrades at wide receiver. Williams could be the missing piece to unlock the Chiefs’ offense. They have yet to replace Tyreek Hill. Speaking of Hill, he is a likely cap casualty in the offseason for the Dolphins. The Dolphins may also trade wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to improve their cap situation. Brad Holmes should work his magic and deal Jameson Williams for one of these teams’ picks.
As I close this article, Jahmyr Gibbs just scored a touchdown on a catch from quarterback Jared Goff. In the first half, Gibbs has 11 touches. Detroit leads the Chicago Bears 13-0.
What could have been?
Give Gibbs the ball in 2026. He’s the most dangerous weapon in the league.
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Go Lions!
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