The Lions will try and give David Montgomery more carries, per Dan Campbell 🦁

 

When Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell speaks, the football world listens—especially when his message is about identity, toughness, and the heartbeat of his offense. This week, Campbell made it clear that the Lions intend to lean even harder on one of their most reliable weapons: running back David Montgomery. For a team built on physicality and ball control, the commitment to giving Montgomery more carries signals a sharpening of focus as Detroit looks to regain momentum and reinforce its punch-you-in-the-mouth philosophy.

 

Montgomery has long embodied the gritty, no-nonsense style Campbell preaches. His running style—downhill, punishing, and relentless—has made him a perfect fit for Detroit’s offensive scheme. Whether breaking through arm tackles, grinding out tough yards after contact, or setting a tone early in games, Montgomery gives the Lions something every playoff-caliber team needs: dependability.

 

Campbell’s decision to increase his workload isn’t just about giving a player more touches; it’s about re-establishing offensive rhythm. In recent weeks, Detroit’s offense has leaned heavily on big plays from the passing game and Jahmyr Gibbs’ explosive speed. While that dynamic has its advantages, Campbell seems intent on restoring balance by returning to the Lions’ foundational strength—controlling the line of scrimmage. And there are few better ways to do that than letting Montgomery wear down defenses snap after snap.

 

What makes this shift even more intriguing is how well Montgomery and Gibbs complement each other. Gibbs offers burst, agility, and open-field magic. Montgomery offers consistency, power, and the ability to turn second-and-eight into third-and-two. Together, they form one of the league’s most effective one-two punches. Increasing Montgomery’s carries doesn’t diminish Gibbs’ role; instead, it allows Gibbs to be deployed even more strategically, maximizing his impact while keeping him fresh.

 

For Detroit, the timing of this emphasis is crucial. As the season wears on, teams with strong running games typically find themselves better equipped for cold-weather football, physical playoff matchups, and late-game situations where the clock becomes an opponent. A strengthened run game can also help the Lions’ defense, allowing them more rest and better field position—two underrated factors in Detroit’s success this year.

 

Moreover, Campbell’s message resonates beyond the stat sheet. It signals trust in Montgomery, belief in the offensive line, and a desire to set the tone rather than react to opponents. It’s the kind of move that energizes a locker room and reinforces the identity Detroit has been building since Campbell arrived: tough, physical, and unapologetically aggressive.

 

Montgomery himself is built for this role. Since joining the Lions, he has consistently shown leadership, dependability, and the ability to carry a heavy workload when called upon. Whether it’s the first quarter or the final drive, he runs with the same determination—and his teammates feed off that energy.

 

As Detroit pushes deeper into the season, giving Montgomery more carries might be exactly what the Lions need to stay on track. It’s a move that fits their DNA, strengthens their offensive balance, and keeps their most important games in their own hands. Per Dan Campbell, the Lions are doubling down on what they do best—and David Montgomery is right at the center of it.