Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has never shied away from speaking honestly about his players, and when the topic of David Montgomery’s role in the offense comes up, his admiration is clear. Montgomery has become one of the most important pieces in Detroit’s offensive identity, not just because of what he produces on the stat sheet, but because of the tone he sets every time he touches the ball. Campbell’s comments highlight just how central Montgomery is to the Lions’ vision of physical, relentless football.
Campbell emphasized that Montgomery’s involvement goes far beyond being a traditional running back. In an offense that prides itself on balance, toughness, and versatility, Montgomery serves as a stabilizing force. When the Lions need to control the tempo of a game, especially in critical moments, he is often the first option. Campbell pointed out that Montgomery’s running style—decisive, violent, and fearless—perfectly matches the culture Detroit is trying to build. He runs as if every carry matters, and that mindset has a ripple effect across the entire offense.
One of the key points Campbell touched on was Montgomery’s reliability. In short-yardage and goal-line situations, the coaching staff trusts him implicitly. He consistently falls forward, breaks tackles, and turns negative plays into positive gains. Campbell noted that this dependability allows the Lions to stay on schedule offensively, keeping Jared Goff comfortable and opening up opportunities in the passing game. Defenses are forced to respect Montgomery’s presence, which in turn creates space for play-action concepts and explosive plays downfield.
Campbell also highlighted Montgomery’s unselfishness and team-first mentality. Despite sharing the backfield with another dynamic running back, Montgomery has embraced his role without hesitation. Campbell praised his willingness to do the dirty work—pass protection, blocking in space, and grinding out tough yards—often without the recognition that comes with flashier statistics. This selflessness, according to Campbell, is one of the reasons the offense functions as smoothly as it does when Montgomery is heavily involved.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Campbell spoke about Montgomery’s leadership. His physical running style sends a message to both teammates and opponents. For the Lions’ young offense, having a veteran who leads by example is invaluable. Campbell described how Montgomery’s approach in practice mirrors his game-day intensity, setting a standard that others are expected to meet. That consistency builds trust, not only among players but within the coaching staff as well.
Campbell also acknowledged that Montgomery’s impact shows up late in games. As defenses wear down, his physicality becomes even more effective. Those four- and five-yard runs in the first quarter turn into chain-moving carries in the fourth, allowing Detroit to close out games or mount comebacks. Campbell stressed that this is no accident—it’s the result of a deliberate commitment to involving Montgomery throughout the game, even when the run game isn’t producing explosive plays early.
Ultimately, Campbell’s comments make it clear that David Montgomery is a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive philosophy. His involvement isn’t just about touches; it’s about identity. For Detroit, Montgomery represents toughness, resilience, and accountability. As the season continues and the Lions fight through adversity, Campbell’s trust in Montgomery underscores a simple truth: when the offense needs stability, edge, and belief, David Montgomery is exactly who they want leading the charge. 🦁
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