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Tag: David Montgomery

  • Brad Holmes Addresses David Montgomery’s Future With Detroit Lions

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    David Montgomery’s future with the Detroit Lions remains one of the quieter but more intriguing storylines of the 2026 offseason.

    After a 2025 campaign that featured a noticeable reduction in touches, questions began to surface about where Montgomery fits moving forward, especially as Jahmyr Gibbs continued to emerge as one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive weapons. While Montgomery remained effective when called upon, Detroit’s offensive identity shifted, and that shift inevitably fueled speculation about a potential separation.

    On Tuesday at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Lions general manager Brad Holmes addressed the situation directly.

    Brad Holmes Confirms Ongoing Communication

    Holmes made it clear that lines of communication between the Lions and Montgomery’s camp are open and active.

    “I’ve been in touch with David’s agent and his representation, and, obviously we love David,” Holmes said. “He’s a great player and we’d love to have him.”

    That statement alone reinforces how highly Montgomery is still regarded inside the organization. His physical running style, professionalism, and leadership have been integral to Detroit’s rise over the past two seasons, even if his role shifted statistically in 2025.

    Why Montgomery’s Role Shifted in 2025

    Montgomery’s dip in touches wasn’t about decline, it was about evolution.

    With Gibbs demanding more usage and the Lions leaning heavily into a high-powered passing attack, Detroit prioritized efficiency over volume at running back. Montgomery still handled key short-yardage situations, pass protection duties, and physical late-game carries, but the offense no longer revolved around a traditional workhorse approach.

    That change, however, naturally raised questions about long-term fit.

    Alignment Will Determine What Happens Next

    Holmes acknowledged that both sides must want the same future for a return to make sense.

    “We kinda want to put last year in the rear view and move forward, but a player has to want to be at a certain place as well,” Holmes said. “So, those conversations are still fluid.”

    That comment is telling. Detroit appears open to resetting expectations and redefining Montgomery’s role, but the final decision may hinge on whether Montgomery is comfortable with that vision as he enters the next phase of his career.

    Lions Seeking Clarity—but Not Rushing a Decision

    With free agency approaching and multiple roster decisions looming, the Lions want clarity without forcing an outcome. Holmes’ comments suggested patience, respect, and realism, three traits that have defined Detroit’s front office under his leadership.

    For now, Montgomery’s future remains unresolved, but the door is clearly not closed. Whether that door stays open will depend on alignment, opportunity, and timing as the Lions continue shaping a roster built to contend in 2026 and beyond.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Drew Petzing Reveals What He Wants Detroit’s Offense to Be

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    If there was any doubt about whether Drew Petzing would fit in Detroit, his own words erased it quickly.

    In his exclusive interview with Pride of Detroit, the Lions’ new offensive coordinator described a philosophy that aligns seamlessly with Dan Campbell’s vision, an offense built on physicality, adaptability, and putting constant stress on opposing defenses. This won’t be a system-first operation. It will be a player-driven, punishment-based approach that evolves weekly.

    And yes, Petzing was very clear about what that means.

    Violence Isn’t a Buzzword — It’s the Standard

    What drew Petzing to Detroit wasn’t just the roster or the recent success. It was the way the Lions play the game.

    “One of the things that I firmly believe in football is that win or lose, it’s a violent game. And people on the other side of the ball need to feel it every time you step on the field. I think that identity in this building has been so prevalent throughout everything they’ve done. As an outsider looking in, you have a ton of respect for that, because that’s not always easy to do.”

    That belief is foundational. For Petzing, physicality isn’t situational — it’s constant. It’s the baseline expectation, and it informs how the offense is built from the ground up.

    An Offense Built Around Players, Not a Playbook

    Rather than forcing a rigid system, Petzing emphasized that his offense will always reflect the personnel available — and that philosophy must remain fluid throughout the season.

    “I think the key to any offense is it’s got to be built around the players you have, and you’ve got to highlight their ability and what they do best. Every roster I’ve been on, it’s going to be a little different. I wouldn’t say it’s, ‘Hey, it’s going to be this, it’s going to be that.’ It’s going to be what we feel like we’re best at and what makes us hard to defend. And I think that has to evolve each and every week you’re in this league.”

    That adaptability is a direct reflection of lessons Petzing learned in Arizona, where injuries forced weekly adjustments. It’s also a mindset that fits perfectly in Detroit, where versatility and toughness define the roster.

    Running the Ball Is an Attitude

    When Petzing talks about the run game, it’s impossible not to hear echoes of Campbell’s voice.

    “At the end of the day, the game comes down to the fundamentals, right? You’ve got to be able to block, catch, throw, tackle, run. Running the ball is an attitude thing, and it’s about moving people off the line of scrimmage. It’s about putting the ball in the hands of your best player… as often as possible to affect the game.”

    That approach doesn’t require reinvention. Petzing made it clear he isn’t interested in scrapping what already works.

    “We’re not going to completely depart from anything that they’ve done really well. I’m hoping I can bring some wrinkles that make that even more effective and maybe unlock a couple things.”

    Two Backs, One Problem for Defenses

    Detroit’s backfield is one of its greatest strengths, and Petzing sees Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery as stress multipliers when used together.

    “You’re always going to try to find ways to get your best players on the field. Whether that’s 25 times a game or five times a game—that has to be something you’re considering. When you have two players of that dynamic ability, you want to find things they can do together… because it puts stress on a defense.”

    At the same time, Petzing understands durability matters.

    “I also know no one’s going to play 100% of the snaps… if they do, they’re not going to make it through 17 games. It’s a balance.”

    Why 13 Personnel Fits Detroit’s Identity

    Heavy personnel packages aren’t about old-school football — they’re about leverage and matchup control.

    “That final piece is really the key to it: the matchups. When you have guys that can do a lot of different things, you can start to dictate things based on what the defense wants to do. It allows you to dictate to the defense a little bit more… and it gives you the freedom to jump back and forth without being predictable.”

    In other words, Detroit can force defenses into uncomfortable decisions — and punish them regardless of how they respond.

    Exactly What the Lions Were Looking For

    Petzing’s comments reinforce why Detroit targeted him in the first place. He isn’t chasing trends. He isn’t attached to labels. He believes in fundamentals, accountability, and physical dominance.

    “One of the key points of being an offensive coordinator is you’ve got to be in charge of everything, and you have to hold people accountable.”

    Detroit didn’t hire Drew Petzing to change who they are. They hired him to sharpen it — to make the offense more adaptable, more punishing, and harder to defend week after week.

    If his words are any indication, opposing defenses already know what’s coming.

    And they’re going to feel it.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • 3 Detroit Lions Who Could Become Cap Casualties

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    The Detroit Lions enter the upcoming offseason at an interesting crossroads. After leaning heavily on roster continuity the past few years, the front office may finally need to make some uncomfortable financial decisions to reset key areas of the roster.

    Detroit wasn’t short on effort last season, but the results didn’t match expectations. One of the biggest issues was a noticeable step back from what had been one of the NFL’s most reliable offensive lines. That reality puts several veteran contracts firmly under the microscope.

    Here are three Lions who could become cap casualties as Detroit reshapes its roster.

    Graham Glasgow: A Familiar Face Facing an Uncertain Future

    Graham Glasgow has been a steady presence in Detroit across two stints, spending seven seasons with the franchise and doing whatever was asked of him along the interior line.

    His move to center after Frank Ragnow’s departure was vital, and the Lions deserve credit for trusting a veteran to stabilize the position during a transition year. However, the results weren’t what Detroit hoped for.

    Glasgow struggled relative to the rest of the league at center and is scheduled to carry an $8.4 million cap hit next season. Moving on via a pre–June 1 cut would free up roughly $5.6 million in cap space, a meaningful number for a team trying to retool the offensive line.

    At 33 years old, Glasgow’s leadership and versatility still have value, just not necessarily at his current price point.

    Taylor Decker: Retirement or a Costly Goodbye?

    Taylor Decker’s name is one Lions fans aren’t used to seeing in cap-cut conversations, but here we are.

    The veteran left tackle openly discussed retirement after the season, and while nothing is official, the wear and tear is becoming harder to ignore. Decker appeared in just 14 games and showed signs of decline at times, particularly in pass protection.

    Advanced tracking credited him with a career-high number of blown blocks, a troubling stat for a player protecting the blind side. Whether Decker retires or Detroit decides to move on, the financial implications are significant.

    Cutting or trading Decker would clear $11.6 million in cap space, giving the Lions flexibility to either reinvest in the offensive line or explore other needs across the roster. While his experience would still draw interest from other teams, Detroit must decide if sentimentality can outweigh performance and cost.

    David Montgomery: A Productive Player With a Shrinking Role

    David Montgomery has done exactly what the Lions asked of him since arriving in Detroit: run hard, protect the football, and complement Jahmyr Gibbs.

    The problem? Gibbs has quickly become the engine of the offense.

    Montgomery’s role continued to shrink last season, and despite playing all 17 games for the first time in his career, he finished with a career-low 158 rushing attempts. While he remained effective in limited touches, his usage suggests Detroit may be moving toward a more Gibbs-centric backfield.

    Cutting Montgomery would save $3.5 million, not a massive number, but potentially useful if the Lions decide to allocate resources elsewhere. This one feels less about performance and more about roster economics and offensive direction.

    The Bigger Picture

    None of these decisions will be easy. All three players have contributed meaningfully to Detroit’s recent success. But the NFL is a constant balancing act between loyalty and sustainability.

    If the Lions truly believe they are entering a new phase, especially along the offensive line, these cap casualty conversations will only intensify in the coming weeks.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • One Free Agent the Detroit Lions Could Sign to Replace David Montgomery

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    If you listened closely to Brad Holmes during his end-of-season press conference, it sounded very possible that David Montgomery has played his last down in Detroit.

    Whether it’s a trade, a release, or a cap-driven decision, the Lions appear to be preparing for life after their bruising, tone-setting running back. And if Montgomery is on the move, the next question becomes obvious:

    Who pairs with Jahmyr Gibbs?

    One free-agent name stands out immediately — Tyler Allgeier.

    Why the Lions May Need a Montgomery Replacement

    Montgomery has been the physical heartbeat of Detroit’s rushing attack, but the Lions may be ready to fully build around Gibbs as the offensive centerpiece. That doesn’t mean abandoning power football, it means finding a cheaper, younger version of the same role.

    They still need:

    • A downhill runner
    • A short-yardage finisher
    • A red-zone hammer
    • A clock-killing closer

    That profile leads straight to Allgeier.

    Why Tyler Allgeier Is the Best Free-Agent Fit

    Allgeier and Montgomery have been compared for years because their styles are nearly identical.

    Both are:

    • Physical through contact
    • Tough between the tackles
    • Reliable in short yardage and goal-line situations

    In 2025, Allgeier rushed for 514 yards and 8 touchdowns on limited carries, showing how effective he is in the red zone. And just a few seasons ago, he proved he could handle a full workload by eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards in a season.

    So while he’d be the complement to Gibbs in Detroit, he has the ability to carry the load if needed.

    How Allgeier and Gibbs Would Complement Each Other

    The pairing would mirror what Detroit had at its peak:

    • Gibbs = explosive, versatile, space-creating weapon
    • Allgeier = punishing, downhill, drive-finishing force

    It allows the Lions to keep their physical identity while shifting the offense toward Gibbs as the true focal point.

    Allgeier gives Detroit:

    • A trusted short-yardage option
    • A goal-line scorer
    • A fourth-quarter closer
    • A cost-effective Montgomery replacement

    The Closest Thing to Montgomery on the Market

    If the Lions move on from Montgomery, they won’t find a perfect clone. But Tyler Allgeier is as close as free agency gets.

    Same running style.
    Same toughness.
    Same ability to punish defenses late in games.

    And likely at a much more team-friendly price point.

    If Brad Holmes is serious about retooling the backfield around Jahmyr Gibbs while maintaining Detroit’s physical edge, Allgeier is an extremely logical target.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Detroit Lions Injury Report: Key Updates on Amon-Ra St. Brown, Montgomery, and Decker

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    The Detroit Lions released their updated injury report following Tuesday’s walkthrough as they continue preparations for their Week 17 matchup. Because Detroit held walkthroughs on both Monday and Tuesday, all participation levels are estimated, not based on a full-speed practice.

    The good news: several key players showed progress compared to Monday, including Amon-Ra St. Brown and Taylor Decker. The concern to monitor is David Montgomery, who was added to the report on Tuesday with an illness designation.

    Below is the full injury report as released.

    Detroit Lions Injury Report — Tuesday, Dec. 23

    Player Position Injury Monday* Tuesday* Wednesday Game Status
    Avonte Maddox DB Back / illness NP NP — —
    David Montgomery RB Illness Not listed NP — —
    Trystan Colon OL Wrist LP LP — —
    Marcus Davenport EDGE Shoulder LP LP — —
    Taylor Decker T Shoulder NP LP — —
    Tom Kennedy WR Abdomen LP LP — —
    Christian Mahogany G Fibula LP LP — —
    Giovanni Manu T Knee LP LP — —
    Alim McNeill DL Abdomen LP LP — —
    Al-Quadin Muhammad EDGE Knee LP LP — —
    Amik Robertson DB Hand LP LP — —
    Amon-Ra St. Brown WR Knee NP LP — —
    Graham Glasgow C Knee LP FP — —

    *The Lions conducted walkthroughs Monday and Tuesday. Practice participation designations for those days are based on estimations.

    What to Watch Going Forward

    • Amon-Ra St. Brown moving from NP to LP is an encouraging sign heading into Wednesday.
    • Graham Glasgow was a full participant Tuesday, putting him in a strong position for Week 17.
    • David Montgomery’s illness will be worth monitoring closely, especially given his recent workload and availability discussions.

    Detroit’s final injury designations will be released Wednesday, which should provide much clearer answers on availability.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • David Montgomery Thanks Bengals Following Lions’ Big Win

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    On Sunday, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery returned to his hometown of Cincinnati, and it turned into one of the most emotional and meaningful games of his NFL career.

    A Homecoming Years in the Making

    For the first time since entering the NFL in 2019, Montgomery finally got the chance to play in front of his hometown crowd. And he made it count. The Lions’ veteran back carried the ball 18 times for 65 yards and a touchdown, while also showing off his versatility by throwing a touchdown pass in the first half of Detroit’s 37-24 win over the Bengals.

    But this game wasn’t just about football. It was about family, faith, and gratitude.

    Montgomery’s Emotional Tribute to His Sister

    This game marked a deeply personal milestone for Montgomery. His sister, who was paralyzed from the neck down following a car accident last year, was able to see him play in person for the first time since her injury.

    After the game, Montgomery took a moment to express his heartfelt appreciation for the Bengals organization, who helped make the experience possible.

    “To be able to get her here, I really appreciate the Cincinnati Bengals for making sure she got on the field,” Montgomery said as quoted by 97.1 The Ticket. “That was really special.”

    That act of kindness clearly meant the world to Montgomery, who’s spoken often about the strength and resilience of his family.

    Dan Campbell Made Sure This One Mattered

    Lions head coach Dan Campbell has a reputation for understanding the emotional side of the game, and this was no exception. It wouldn’t be surprising if Campbell intentionally gave Montgomery the start and the bulk of the action, knowing how much this moment meant to him and his family.

    Montgomery rewarded that trust in a big way, leading the Lions’ offense early and setting the tone for the team’s dominant win.

    A Game to Remember for the Montgomery Family

    This wasn’t just another Week 5 matchup; it was a full-circle moment. The hometown kid shone in front of his family, thanked his former hometown team, and delivered one of the most heartfelt postgame comments of the NFL weekend.

    As the Lions continue their impressive start to the season, Sunday’s game will stand out as more than a stat line, it was a victory built on love, perseverance, and perspective.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Jared Goff Still Stunned by Bears’ Decision to Let David Montgomery Go

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    The Detroit Lions knew they were getting something special when David Montgomery came to town in 2023. But if you ask quarterback Jared Goff, he’s still scratching his head about how the Chicago Bears ever let him leave in the first place.

    “I saw D-Mo from across the field for years in Chicago and I was shocked when they let him walk. When we landed him, I was like, ‘Holy smokes, we just got one of the best backs in the league,’” Goff said as quoted by NBC Sports.

    Montgomery + Gibbs = A Dangerous Duo

    Goff’s comments underline what’s become obvious for Lions fans: the combination of Montgomery and Gibbs gives Detroit one of the most balanced backfields in the NFL. Montgomery brings the toughness and downhill power while Gibbs brings speed, explosiveness, and versatility.

    “You draft Gibbs and it’s like, ‘Wow, we have two of the best backs in the league,’” Goff said. “They feed off each other, they’re both incredibly hard-working and good players. The energy they feed off each other, one of them runs well and the other one wants to run well too. They’re as good as it gets.”

    It’s no coincidence that Detroit’s rushing attack is near the top of the league this year. Offensive coordinator John Morton has leaned heavily on both runners, and it has given Jared Goff plenty of support in play-action situations.

    Why the Bears’ Loss Was the Lions’ Gain

    When Montgomery hit free agency after four seasons with Chicago, it raised some eyebrows that the Bears didn’t bring him back. For Detroit, though, it was a gift. Montgomery has fit perfectly into Dan Campbell’s smashmouth identity while still showing he can rip off explosive plays.

    The running back’s leadership has also drawn praise from inside the building, where teammates describe him as one of the hardest workers on the roster. For Goff, having a veteran like Montgomery alongside a young star like Gibbs has made life much easier.

    And judging by his tone, the quarterback still can’t believe his NFC North rival let it happen.

    Bottom Line

    The Bears’ decision to let David Montgomery walk may go down as one of the Lions’ biggest wins in free agency. And if Detroit continues to dominate on the ground, Goff’s “shock” will feel more like gratitude.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Lions sack Lamar Jackson 7 times while rushing for 225 yards in win over Ravens

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    The Detroit Lions went into Baltimore on Monday night and came away with a high-scoring victory, 38-30, over the Ravens. 

    The Lions moved to 2-1, while the Ravens are now 1-2 after faltering late in this game. 

    Being that these are two of the most explosive offenses in the NFL to start the new year, it was expected to be a shootout at M&T Bank Stadium, and that’s exactly what football fans got from the Ravens and Lions. 

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    Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on Sept. 22, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

    It was Detroit getting on the board first with its opening drive, going 11 plays and 67 yards with Jahmyr Gibbs finding the end zone for the first time on the night with a one-yard run. But the Ravens’ opening-drive script was even better thanks to their Pro Bowl running back. 

    Derrick Henry, who had just 23 yards rushing in the win over the Cleveland Browns last week, broke that mark with a 28-yard touchdown run to even the score after the extra point. 

    After punts by both teams on their next drives, the Lions found themselves on their own two-yard line late in the first quarter. Baltimore was hoping to make it a quick punt given the circumstances, but Detroit was simply better at the line of scrimmage as they stayed true to the run game and managed to go 98 yards in 18 plays for a touchdown. 

    BROWNS STUN PACKERS WITH DRAMATIC WALK-OFF FIELD GOAL IN MASSIVE UPSET AT HOME

    It was David Montgomery, Gibbs’ counterpart in the backfield, punching it in to cap a drive that took just under 11 minutes of first-half clock off the board to make it 14-7. 

    It appeared momentum would totally be on the Lions’ sideline, especially after being able to stop the Ravens near the goal line on four tries to get a turnover on downs. However, Lamar Jackson and company were able to tie things at 14 apiece with 24 seconds left in the second quarter after Rashod Bateman was found wide open in the front of the end zone. 

    As the second half began, Baltimore got right to work, going 11 plays and 73 yards where Jackson threw a seed to tight end Mark Andrews for the touchdown lead. But just like in the first half, Detroit had the answer with a touchdown of their own, as Goff placed the ball perfectly to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was streaking down the right sideline into the end zone. 

    David Montgomery runs with football

    David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on Sept. 22, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

    At 21 apiece entering the fourth quarter, and both offenses clearly clicking, this game felt like it was going to come down to the wire. The Lions got their lead back after a gadget play on fourth-and-1 from the Baltimore four-yard line, as St. Brown flipped it back to Gibbs for the score. 

    The Ravens were able to get a field goal and a timely punt, as they had 8:31 left in the fourth quarter and a four-point deficit to overcome. But Henry fumbled on the first play, as Aidan Hutchinson punched the ball out from behind. 

    Luckily, a facemask penalty by a Lions offensive lineman stalled a potential game-sealing drive, with Detroit forced to have Jake Bates nail a field goal to get their seven-point lead back. 

    Jackson and the Ravens needed another answering score, but the Lions’ defense was relentless and forced a three-and-out as the defensive front just kept getting Jackson down to the turf – something we’re certainly not used to seeing. 

    The Lions were able to sack Jackson seven times, with Al-Quadin Muhammad getting 2.5, while Hutchinson, Derrick Barnes, Trevor Nowaske and Jack Campbell each tallied one. 

    Detroit had the opportunity to seal their victory after forcing the punt, and they didn’t just get necessary first downs. Montgomery, who led the game with 151 yards rushing on 12 carries went 31 yards to the house to make it a 38-24 game. 

    The Lions also went for it on fourth down the play prior to the score, with Goff placing another great pass for St. Brown to not only keep the drive going, but not give Jackson the ball at midfield. Goff finished the game 20-of-28 for 202 yards with St. Brown leading the Lions with 77 yards on seven catches. 

    Detroit also had 225 rushing yards, with Gibbs going for 67 on 22 carries while also catching five passes for 32 yards. 

    Jared Goff points on field

    Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Sept. 22, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

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    For the Ravens, they had a touchdown drive with just seconds left on the clock, but it was too little too late in the end. 

    Jackson finished 21-of-27 for 288 yards with three touchdown passes, two of which going to Andrews who led the game with 91 receiving yards on six catches. Henry was held to just 50 yards on 12 carries as well. 

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

    Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

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  • 3 Options for the Detroit Lions Emergency Quarterback in 2025

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    The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 season with only two quarterbacks on the roster: Jared Goff and Kyle Allen. Normally, that’s all you need. But what if both went down in the same game? NFL rules allow teams to designate an emergency QB from another position, and in Detroit’s case, the Lions have a few intriguing options.

    Detroit Lions practice squad 2025 Detroit Lions 53-man roster Detroit Lions Emergency Quarterback

    David Montgomery: The Safe Pick

    If the Lions were ever forced into this situation, the most realistic choice would be David Montgomery.

    • Montgomery already has experience in wildcat formations, taking direct snaps and powering forward.
    • Detroit likely wouldn’t try to throw much without a true quarterback, instead relying on safe handoffs, simple option looks, and Montgomery’s tough running style to grind out possessions.
    • His vision and ability to pick up tough yards make him the “steady hands” option in what would be a chaotic scenario.

    In other words, if you’re protecting the football and trying to survive until the final whistle, Montgomery is the guy you trust.

    Amon-Ra St. Brown: The Trick-Play Option

    That said, Amon-Ra St. Brown could still get a look.

    • He’s already been used in trick plays and has shown some ability to throw.
    • With his football IQ and leadership, he’d be capable of managing a simplified passing game if Detroit wanted to take a shot or two downfield.

    Still, given the stakes of an emergency situation, St. Brown’s role would probably be limited to one or two surprise throws rather than running the full offense.

    Kalif Raymond: The Wildcard

    If the Lions wanted to inject speed and creativity, Kalif Raymond is another candidate.

    • Known for his gadget-play usage, Raymond has the quickness to make things interesting.
    • He could run wildcat-style packages, relying on jet sweeps, misdirection, and quick-hitting plays to keep defenses on their toes.
    • While not a passer, his athleticism could give Detroit a spark in short bursts.
    David Montgomery David Montgomery Detroit Lions 2025

    The Bottom Line

    In reality, the Lions would do everything possible to avoid reaching this point. But if both Jared Goff and Kyle Allen were sidelined, expect David Montgomery to be the most-likely emergency quarterback.

    St. Brown and Raymond could sprinkle in gadget plays, but Montgomery’s ability to run the football, protect possessions, and manage the game makes him the safest bet.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Fired Up Dan Campbell Celebrates In Locker Room After Destroying Packers [Video]

    Fired Up Dan Campbell Celebrates In Locker Room After Destroying Packers [Video]

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    Following an exhilarating 24-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell was fired up in the locker room, emphasizing the team’s resilience and ability to thrive in any conditions. The game, marked by windy and rainy weather, showcased the Lions’ grit as they proved their mettle against a formidable division rival.

    In his post-game celebration, Campbell made sure his players felt the weight of their accomplishment. He made it clear to his players that they are built to play in any conditions, reinforcing the team’s identity and commitment to winning, no matter the circumstances. His energy resonated throughout the locker room, highlighting the unity and determination of the Lions as they continue to push for success this season.

    One of the standout moments of the game came from safety Kerby Joseph, who was awarded a game ball for his impressive performance, which included a pivotal pick-six that shifted the momentum in favor of the Lions. Additionally, running back David Montgomery received recognition for his significant contributions, finishing the game with 17 carries for 73 yards and three catches for 23 yards, including a crucial first down run to help seal the victory.

    With this win, the Lions now sit atop the NFC with an impressive 7-1 record, solidifying their status as serious contenders. Campbell’s celebration and the recognition of key players like Joseph and Montgomery reflect the growing confidence within the organization as they aim for a deep playoff run.

    As the Lions look to build on this momentum, the excitement in the locker room is palpable. Campbell’s fiery spirit and the players’ determination suggest that this team is not just ready to compete—they are ready to dominate in the NFL.

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    W.G. Brady

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  • Cousins, Vikings snap to life with late TD, beat Bears 29-22

    Cousins, Vikings snap to life with late TD, beat Bears 29-22

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    MINNEAPOLIS — Kirk Cousins scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 2:26 remaining on Minnesota’s fifth third-down conversion of its go-ahead drive, and the Vikings snapped out of their mid-game slump just in time to beat the Chicago Bears 29-22 on Sunday.

    Cameron Dantzler sealed the victory that put the Vikings (4-1) alone in first place in the NFC North by ripping the ball away from former teammate Ihmir Smith-Marsette near the one-minute mark after a pass from Justin Fields to the Minnesota 39.

    Fields went 15 for 21 for a season-high 208 yards and his first touchdown pass in 15 quarters and rushed eight times for 47 yards, but the Bears (2-3) didn’t have enough defense to pull it out.

    Justin Jefferson finished with a career-high 12 catches for 154 yards and caught a 2-point conversion pass from Cousins to push the lead to seven, and Dalvin Cook rushed for 94 yards and two scores.

    Cousins set a franchise record with 17 consecutive completions to start the game, and coach Kevin O’Connell put on a play-calling clinic as the Vikings reached the end zone on their first three possessions for a 21-3 lead midway through the second quarter. Three times last week against New Orleans, they had to settle for field goals after crossing the 20.

    After a punt, two missed field goals and an interception threatened to ruin Minnesota’s stellar start, the Vikings had one more commanding drive.

    David Montgomery scored Chicago’s’ first touchdown on a 9-yard run. Fields hit Velus Jones Jr. from 9 yards out on the first possession of the third quarter get the Bears back into it.

    Early in the fourth, Kindle Vildor picked off Cousins as he rolled right on first down and tried to connect with Adam Thielen at the 30, and the return gave the Bears the ball near midfield. Two plays later, Fields got loose for what would’ve been a 52-yard touchdown run, but Smith-Marsette was called for an illegal block above the waist to wipe that out.

    Cairo Santos instead made his third field goal of the game to give the Bears for a 22-21 lead with 9:31 to go. The Vikings responded with a 17-play, 80-yard march that drained an even 7 minutes off the clock. That drive included a 5-yard run with less than three minutes left by the pocket-preferring Cousins on third-and-5 from the Chicago 20.

    PREGAME

    With division rival Green Bay playing early in London, much of the broadcast was shown on the videoboards as fans filed in and sunlight streamed through the west-facing windows.

    When the Giants took the lead for good in the 29-22 victory over the Packers, the Vikings’ game operations crew sounded the celebratory Gjallarhorn. The crowd roared as Green Bay fell to 3-2 and put Minnesota ahead in the division standings.

    STILL SPECIAL?

    The Vikings under new special teams coordinator Matt Daniels had been stellar in nearly every facet of the kicking game over the first four games, but there were some hiccups Sunday.

    Greg Joseph, who was the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after going 5 for 5 on field goals to beat the Saints, had a 53-yard try go wide right at the halftime gun and a 51-yard attempt blocked by Dominique Robinson on Minnesota’s only possession of the third quarter.

    Jalen Reagor, who had his first Vikings touchdown on a jet-motion shovel pass from Cousins, fumbled a punt return that he recovered around midfield in the second quarter.

    INJURY REPORT

    Chicago: CB Jaylon Johnson (quadriceps) sat out for the second straight game. … LB Matthew Adams (calf) was hurt in the third quarter.

    Minnesota: Rookie RB Ty Chandler left the game with a hand injury on special teams. … Rookie CB Akayleb Evans was being evaluated for a concussion in the fourth quarter.

    UP NEXT

    Chicago: Hosts Washington on Thursday night.

    Minnesota: At Miami next Sunday.

    ———

    More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP—NFL

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