'You could tell he was feeling it' - Jahmyr Gibbs fuels Lions on MNF - ESPN

DETROIT — After exploding for 189 yards from scrimmage in his «Monday Night Football» debut, Lions rookie Jahmyr Gibbs delivered a message for fantasy managers who have been questioning his production all season.

«I'm tired of hearing it,» Gibbs said with a smile from his locker room stall following Detroit's 26-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. «My fault. My bad.»

With veteran running back David Montgomery ruled inactive for a second straight game, the No. 12 overall draft pick shouldn't hear much criticism this week, as Gibbs put up 29.9 fantasy points after rushing for 152 yards with a touchdown while carrying a heavier load.

Pro Bowl offensive lineman Penei Sewell said the Lions «finally saw the real Jahmyr.»

«He was really comfortable out there, he looked like he had a clear mind and knows the game plan well, so to see him out there doing what he does best, it was honestly crazy,» Sewell said. «I didn't know he was that fast, and he just makes it look effortless out there — and it makes us look better.»

The Lions' coaching staff made a conscious effort to get Gibbs going early with 11 touches in the first quarter off eight rushes and three receptions, which were the most touches in an opening quarter in the league since Christian McCaffrey's outing in Week 15 of last season.

Gibbs would finish with 31 total touches, as he recorded five receptions for an additional 37 receiving yards. In contrast, the Raiders' offense totaled just 157 yards on the night.

«It was fun, and it's good knowing that your coach and teammates got that much trust in you,» Gibbs said.

Over the previous two weeks, the Lions' run game struggled, with just 124 total rushing yards combined. Against the Raiders (3-5), Detroit rushed for 222 yards