David Montgomery 'salivating' at potential of Lions offense
The Detroit Lions may have lost record-setting running back Jamaal Williams to the New Orleans Saints in free agency, but the team added a tailback who’s just as good, if not better.
David Montgomery was part of the Chicago Bears No. 1-ranked rushing attack in 2022, but during his introductory news conference on Thursday, he told reporters he’s excited at the prospect of joining the NFL’s No. 4-ranked offense and the potential the unit has in 2023.
“You salivate a little bit,” Montgomery said regarding the Lions offense. “You get three Pro Bowlers in an offensive line (Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson, Penei Sewell), and them having high expectations for themselves and me having high expectations for myself, it’ll be really good. … Being able to play with (D’Andre) Swift will be nice. I came from a great running back room and I’m walking right back into one.”
The 25-year-old Montgomery had a solid four years in Chicago, rushing for 800 or more yards and five or more touchdowns every year, including a career-best 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns in 2020.
Although Williams set a franchise record with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022, his 1,066 rushing yards were only 265 more than Montgomery’s 801 despite having nearly 20 percent more of his team’s carries (54.5 percent to 36).
Montgomery also adds a dimension to the Lions offense that Williams didn’t — a receiving threat out of the backfield. The 25-year-old has more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage each of his four years, and he’s totaled 155 receptions, 1,240 yards and four touchdowns.
“Jamaal is a great player, highly decorated player; I’m not here to be him,” Montgomery said. “I’m here to be me. I know I can bring a lot to the table. I don’t want to be labeled as just, ‘He can do this for a team or for the offense.’ I want to be able to do everything, whatever coach (Dan) Campbell asks me to do.”
It’s expected Montgomery will form a 1-2 punch with Swift, who ran for 542 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games. Having Montgomery in the room could help reduce the wear and tear on Swift, who’s missed 10 games over his first three NFL seasons.
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