Jahmyr Gibbs: Lions are far ahead of where we were last year

In an offseason when some expected Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to stay away until he receives a new contract, Gibbs has been participating in voluntary practices. And he’s optimistic and enthusiastic about where his team is going.

Gibbs said that after last year’s disappointing season in Detroit, this year’s Lions look like a better team.

“The whole team is doing great. Like, we’re so far [ahead] of where we were last year at this time. Everybody’s playing fast,” Gibbs told ESPN. “Everybody knows what to do. It feels like we’re almost in season form.”

Gibbs said new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is going to put together a big-play offense.

“He’s smart. He’s demanding of us, but he knows we can do it,” Gibbs told ESPN. “He puts a lot on our plate, but like I said, he knows we can do it.”

Gibbs is the betting favorite to win the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award this season, which is a reflection of how high the expectations are for him in Petzing’s offense. Gibbs’ expectations are high for himself, and for the whole team.