The Detroit Lions are an organization that does not mind bucking NFL trends.
While other teams are devaluing the running back position in favor of pass-heavy offensive schemes, the Lions are hoping the combination of David Montgomery and Jahmry Gibbs can fit the vision of Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
“I like D-Mo a lot, he fits us," Campbell said before practice. "He’s just, he’s very versatile, he’s smart and he’s just wired the right way, man. He’s got a workman mentality, and he’s a lunch pail guy. But he’s got some shiftiness to him. He’s low to the ground, he’s got power and he can go all day long. He wants to. I think we haven’t even seen the best of him yet, because we don’t really go live and he’s not in games yet. I think that’s when he’s really gonna show up. I’m glad we got him. He’s gonna be really important for us.”
The new duo behind quarterback Jared Goff both have the potential of being explosive weapons. The possibility is even there for the coaching staff to use both on the field at the same time.
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“I think we’ll be dangerous together. (Gibbs) is explosive, and I feel like I’m explosive in my own ways as well," Montgomery told reporters. "I’m just excited to play with him and see what we can be.”
Montgomery, 26, comes to Detroit after starting his career with the Chicago Bears.
Campbell has often voiced that when the Lions would scout the Bears for their two contests per year, the elusive back often caught his attention, even to the point he would express concerns to defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
“Coach Campbell’s definitely a player’s coach. It’s definitely super cool to be with somebody who played the game and played at a high level," Montgomery expressed. "He knows exactly how we are and he understands. He’s big on communication, communicating with him. He also understands the game too. So, it’s good to play for someone who’s passionate for the game and how he carries himself. He’s definitely who we want to follow.”
Learning Detroit's offense has not been easy, but Montgomery feels the staff and his teammates have aided his progression each and every week.
“It’s definitely been a challenge, but the guys around me and the guys we’ve got in this building make it a whole lot easier for me to catch up and catch along with this offense," said Montgomery. "It’s a tough offense, but it’s a great one too.”
Ahead of the start of the season, new running backs coach Scottie Montgomery is pushing Montgomery to be a better back and to also become more of a leader, a trait that does not common natural to the bruising running back.
“He’s definitely pushing me to another level, just being able to be the best version of myself that I can be," said Montgomery. "Being sure that I step up and be the leader that I know I’m capable of being. I’m not a highly talkative guy, but that’s one of the uncomfortable things that I’m stepping into and I’m ready for the challenge.”
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