It’s clear that Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson stand out as two of the best running backs in the league today. With both of them being first-round picks from the 2023 NFL Draft, even three years later, they are compared to each other.

Robinson got selected 8th overall, while the Lions traded back from No.6 to select Gibbs 12th overall. Both of them are Pro-Bowlers, but debates over who is better have started again after an X post started a debate on the same.

“If you think Jahmyr Gibbs is better than Bijan Robinson, I seriously question if you even know what a football is,” wrote Walterpicks App content creator, Bryce DeGroat, on his X account on May 17.

While many analysts questioned the Lions for picking Gibbs, he has proved them all wrong. Gibbs is currently one of the focal points of the Lions’ offense and has elite production as a runner and receiver. 

Last season, Gibbs had 243 carries with an average of 5 yards per carry. He ended the season with 1,223 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. He also has 616 receiving yards from 77 receptions with an average of 8 yards per catch and 5 receiving touchdowns. 

Meanwhile, Robinson had 287 carries with an average of 5.15 yards per carry, 1,478 rushing yards, and seven rushing touchdowns. As for receiving, he had 820 receiving yards from 79 receptions at an average of 10.4 yards per catch and four receiving touchdowns.

Both are exceptional players with similar statistics. They both are on the way to becoming Hall of Famers. However, fans are arguing cases for both players.

Fans Debate On Who Is Better Between Gibbs And Robinson

While both players are neck and neck when it comes to their statistics, fans have differing views. While some believe that Gibbs is better, some strongly believe that Robinson is better.

A fan favors Robinson purely based on his talent. “In a vacuum Bijan is the most talented back we’ve seen since prime CMC,” The speaker believes Bijan is the most naturally skilled all-around running back to emerge since San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was at his peak level.

One fan mentioned how the constant turnover in coaching and quarterbacks is similar to Saquon Barkley’s situation with the Giants. “Bijan is in the h*** saquon was in with the Giants currently Bijan is on his 3rd OC and potentially his 4th different starting QB.” Even playing in an unstable environment, he ranked 12th among running backs according to PFF.

To another fan, Gibbs is better since his statistics are not as high as they could have been due to him sharing duties with David Montgomery.

“It’s easy when you’re the only person on the team that’s remotely talented. Gibbs has been sharing the rock his whole career and still has 14 more tuddys then him,” referencing the fact that Gibbs has 14 career touchdowns more than Robinson, despite not getting all the offensive opportunities to himself.

One fan responded, “Is that why he hold the record for most touchdowns under 24 years of age with 49 splitting touches with Montgomery?? Plus has 130 less touches than Bijan. But go off lol.”

Some fans have argued that Bijan is slightly better but that Gibbs’ explosiveness is unparalleled.

“I actually think it’s pretty close, real world or fantasy . Bijan is slightly better all around, recieving, running inside, outside and he can handle a huge volume. But Gibbs is maybe the most explosive player in the league, kind of like a Reggie Bush.  Bijan wins, but it’s close,” said one fan.

They are both incredible running backs who have performed well above expectations.

Who would you pick between the two? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar