What New RB David Montgomery Brings to Detroit Lions

Gene Chamberlain covers the Chicago Bears for Bear Digest. He answered five questions regarding what the Detroit Lions are getting in new running back David Montgomery.

1.) What are the Lions getting in new running back David Montgomery?

Gene Chamberlain: Detroit is getting a 110% effort guy with a positive team attitude, a high-character player who comes from a humble background. He comes from tough Cincinnati neighborhoods and never forgets it. His own brother was imprisoned for murder involving what police said was a drug deal gone bad. Somehow, David survived this situation and is a model citizen.

2.) How would you describe his tenure with the Chicago Bears?

Chamberlain: It was solid, but he was plagued every now and then by some minor injuries. Nothing severe. Montgomery has a lot of pride and wants to be the guy carrying the ball like one of the classic backs of the past, before this era when backs all are sharing carries. He likes the idea of putting the team on his back, but isn't too selfish about it.

3.) What are his biggest strengths and weaknesses?

Chamberlain: Montgomery is not a breakaway back. Pro Football Focus put out a stat that he had 21 runs of 15 yards or more, which was 39th among backs from 2019-22. He gets tough yardage. He's not slow, but is quick-footed in short areas and tight space and carries tacklers. I think part of the reason the Bears didn't try hard to bring him back -- let's be real $18 million over three years isn't very much when your team has the cap space the Bears had -- was that he didn't fit the wide-zone blocking scheme all that well.

He runs better in an inside zone and split-zone scheme, because he doesn't have longer range speed to get outside and then turn it upfield. He's not a fumbler, and it really seemed like when he did fumble, it was through his extra effort. Jamaal Williams is a lot like Montgomery, but not quite as powerful. Montgomery has very good hands, and always contributed as a receiver. For some reason, PFF has Montgomery as only an average blocker. From my perspective, he's been a better pass-blocker than any back the Bears have had since Neal Anderson, plus even better than Matt Forte.

4.) With the Lions having a solid offensive line, do you see him rushing for 1,000 yards in 2023?

Chamberlain: It's very possible, but I would think the Lions will go with a shared responsibility, so it might not happen. Plus, their passing attack has been so potent I would think they won't run it enough for him to be much over 1,000 yards, if he ever does reach it.

5.) What is something about Montgomery fans of the Lions may not know?

Chamberlain: He's one heck of a bowler, using the two-handed style. He used to regularly drub his buddy Darnell Mooney.