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In the 2023 NFL Draft, both Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs were scooped up in the first round — Robinson at No. 8 by the Atlanta Falcons and Gibbs at No. 12 by the Detroit Lions. While Robinson entered the league touted as a generational prospect, Gibbs generated less buzz, with many questioning Detroit's decision to pick him up, especially with D'Andre Swift already on their roster.
However, after Monday Night Football’s electrifying showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders, fans are beginning to think the Lions made the savvier choice.
Gibbs Ignites Social Media
As Gibbs lit up Ford Stadium with a standout performance that included a dramatic touchdown, the Lions faithful couldn't help but erupt both in the stands and online.
Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, was inundated with pro-Gibbs sentiments, many of which took aim at Robinson's less stellar output. But how do these two rookies stack up statistically? Post-MNF, Gibbs boasts an average of 5.3 yards per carry, two touchdowns, and a cumulative 399 yards.
On the other hand, Robinson, though leading in total yards at 466, lags behind with 5.1 yards per carry and just one rushing touchdown. When the two faced off earlier this season, Gibbs appeared to have the upper hand. He churned out 80 yards from 17 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt, whereas Robinson struggled to make an impact, managing only 33 yards from 10 carries.
Gibbs’ MNF outing marked his inaugural 100-yard game, as he amassed a staggering 152 yards on the ground. The Raiders, it should be noted, are far from the NFL's stingiest defense against the run, yet when Robinson faced them, he too managed to clear the 100-yard milestone, with 124 yards and an impressive 6.5 yards per carry.
Both rookies have exhibited brilliance against strong teams; for instance, Robinson displayed exceptional agility against the Jacksonville Jaguars, tallying 105 yards with a 7.5 yard-per-carry average. Thus, with both players in the infancy of their NFL journeys, drawing any definitive conclusions would be premature.
However, the chatter surrounding Gibbs and Robinson is not only good for the league but keeps fans and analysts on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this unfolding rivalry.