For Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery, there won't be any additional emotions when he takes on his former team for the first time on Sunday at Ford Field.
After spending his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears, Montgomery signed with Detroit during free agency, and has been a big part of the Lions' potent offense.
He still keeps in touch with some of his former teammates, such as Darnell Mooney, Justin Fields and Khalil Herbert.
"A lot of guys over there that got love for me, and we talk on a regular basis. ... They're my guys, but they understand and I understand, too, what it means and what's getting ready to happen, too," Montgomery said.
Despite the connections, he doesn't expect to be overwhelmed with emotions leading up to the game.
"I think it'll be the same. I go to sleep at the same time the night before the game," Montgomery said. "I go to sleep at 10:15, fall asleep with a movie on, I'm good. So, it'll be the same this week. The usual."
Montgomery's perspective as a former opponent extends beyond an understanding of scheme. He remembers feeling what it was like to play Detroit and the shift within the organization once Campbell was hired.
After the Bears swept the Lions in 2021, in Montgomery's third NFL season, he observed a notable difference in the team's two meetings last season.
"My first two years, it was like stat games for me when I (saw) Detroit, just being honest. Me just circling the calendar, when I would play Detroit. Even my first, second and my third year," Montgomery explained. "And then last year, it was just a whole different story. I was like, maybe it's a fluke. And then they did it to us again the second time, and I'm like, maybe they're the real deal. Then I got over here, I'm like, oh yeah, it's the real deal. I'm just happy to be a part of it."
The Lions aren't overlooking any opponent in their pursuit of an NFC North division title in 2023.
Dan Campbell has instilled this culture within the walls of team headquarters. The Bears, which will travel to Ford Field in Week 11, may not blow away opponents with their 3-7 record.
"They have a really good scheme, a really good defense. I know their principles," said Montgomery. "Coach (Matt) Eberflus does a great job of making those guys understand effort. That is one of their core principles. And, they live by that. You can see it on film. Their record may not say it, but when you turn on the film and you watch how they play, this is not going to be an easy team that we play. It is going to be a dogfight. It's good to see where we will be at. We are ready for the challenge."
As Detroit's third-year head coach also pointed out Wednesday, there is much more than what meets the eye when it comes to the structure of the Bears' roster.
Armed with plenty of talent, the Bears will not wither from a battle against the current division leader.
"I told them today, 'Go watch the tape.' That's it. Put all your focus on this tape, and you tell me what the tape says. The tape validates everything I just opened up with," Campbell said. "This team plays hard, they finish and they've got some dudes on offense and defense. They've got some players now. This is not the same team we played last year, it's not. I keep it as simple as that and tell them exactly how it is. You don't know what it's gonna take. But, for us, we've got to play a clean game, we've gotta be steady and you don't know, it may take the fourth quarter to finally get this one. But, so be it, we've got to do what we've got to do to win this game. You just tell them exactly what it is, and it is simple as that. Go watch the tape, (because) the tape don't lie."
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