Tag: David Montgomery

Six Lions score TDs, as Detroit rolls over Titans 52-14, improves record to 6-1

DETROIT — It didn’t matter that the Tennessee Titans had only managed one win, the Detroit Lions were primed for a battle on Sunday. When it was over — heck even at the half — there was no doubt the Lions were not overlooking the Titans (1-6). 

In the end, it was a solid 52-14 butt-kicking on Sunday at Ford Field. It’s the first time since 1956, the Lions have started a season 6-1.

“We did come out to fight and that’s what we expect. I felt that we were going to be ready and it’s like I told them, that’s what champions do,’’ coach Dan Campbell said. “You come out, you don’t care what time of day it is, what the records are, what the surface is, you come out and handle your business and we did that.’’

Six different players scored touchdowns. Jared Goff threw for just 85 yards and three touchdowns. “I’ll take it,’’ Goff said. 

Special teams was huge with a Kalif Raymond punt return for a touchdown and other solid returns. And the defense came up with huge plays.

“We did not play our cleanest ball, we really didn’t. However when you have four takeaways on defense and you’re 5-for-5 in the red zone and you have the returns that our special teams unit had – punt return and kick return – you can get a lot of production, things sway your way,’’ Campbell said.

The coach regularly talks about complementary football with all three units playing key roles. That’s exactly what happened against the Titans. 

Detroit was not looking to break franchise records, Campbell had them prepared to fight and win.

“It’s really just about the one that’s in front of us. I don’t feel like we’re going for the next record. We’re just playing ball, we’re trying to play as clean as we can, we’re trying to be as productive as we can,’’ Campbell said. “The players they’re urgent about it, accountable to it and they want more.’’

Five of the reasons the Lions won:

ONE: Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator, is the best in the business. The Titans had only won one game, but their defense had played well. Obviously Johnson just picked it apart. He didn’t need Jared Goff to be a superhero, he had plenty of options and used them. Backup QB Hendon Hooker got valuable playing experience in the fourth quarter. Six different players scored touchdowns. “Ben, he can draw up anything for anybody. He puts us in the best position every week. It’s so cool he’ll talk about something over and over in a week and coverages and what we’re expecting. You get to the game and it’s like this is exactly what he said it’s going to be,’’ WR/returner Kalif Raymond said. Detroit was without WR Jameson Williams, who was suspended by the NFL, but they have enough depth on offense to score 52 points without him.

TWO: Can’t imagine that many teams have had better field position all day. Kahil Dorsey had a 72-yard kickoff return and Kalif Raymond had 5 punt returns for 190 yards including a 90-yard touchdown return. Those short drives set up well for the Lions and they made the most of them, going 5-of-5 in the red zone. Give special teams coordinator Dave Fipp a game ball too. He had his group ready like he always does. 

THREE: Campbell pointed out early in the week that turnovers had been an issue for the Titans. The Lions took advantage of that weakness. QB Mason Rudolph was intercepted twice in the first half. And in the second half two Titans’ fumbles were recovered by the Lions. Detroit has had 10 takeaways in the last three games. Campbell said it’s something they emphasize by doing a takeaway circuit everyday in practice. “The interceptions will come and if the ball carrier is loose with it naturally those will, but the ones you have to work on are the punchouts —  the attention to it, find it, locate it,hit it, get it out, grabbing the front of the ball, pulling, stripping,’’ Campbell said, adding it’s contagious. Kerby Joseph and Trevor Nowaske intercepted quarterback Mason Rudolph while Amik Robertsn forced a fumble that was recovered by Carlton Davis in the third. Then in the fourth, Robertson again forced a fumble which was recovered by Isaiah Thomas.

FOUR: Running back Jahmyr Gibbs broke loose for a 70-yard touchdown scamper early in the game and he was just getting started. He and David Montgomery continued to work their rushing magic. They finished with a combined 160 rushing yards. As an added dimension, Montgomery threw a touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta late in the first half to give the Lions a 35-14 edge at the half. Goff said they’d been working on that play for a few years and it was the right time to use it. Montgomery also opened the scoring on a 7-yard rushing touchdown. 

FIVE: The Lions banged-up defense hung in there after they got off to a bit of a slow start. The game was tied 14-14 early in the second quarter and then they held the Titans scoreless the rest of the way. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez injured an ankle early and could not return. Like his linebacker teammates he’s a Swiss Army knife kind of guy and was missed. The defense came up with a huge goal-line stand late in the first half. They still miss Aidan Hutchinson and could definitely use some pass rush help before next Sunday. (Hutchinson was watching the game from a Ford Field suite and got the biggest applause of the day when he was shown on the jumbo-tron.)

UP NEXT: Detroit Lions (6-1) at Green Bay Packers (5-2), 4:25 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 3.

Five things to watch as Lions return to Ford Field, face Titans

Also injury updates from both teams, prediction

Lions coach Dan Campbell is not taking the Tennessee Titans lightly. Sure they’re 1-5, but he has a four-word replay: “Look at the tape.”

The Titans visit Ford Field on Sunday looking to snap a two-game losing streak.

“It’s a dangerous team, they’ve got a lot of weapons across the board, it’s an outstanding defense. Yards wise it’s the No. 1 defense in the league,’’ Campbell said. “Outstanding on third down.’’

The Lions (5-1) seek to extend their win streak to five games and to stand alone atop the NFC North after the Vikings (5-2) lost to the Rams on Thursday night. They know they can’t overlook the Titans. Those who were with the Lions in 2021 certainly understand the situation.

“They’re still a really good team. I think back to when we were 1-6 in 2022. I think they’re going to come out hungry and ready to go, we have to be ready for them,’’ linebacker Alex Anzalone said. “We’ve been there, we know what it’s like in their shoes and what they’re still fighting for. This is the NFL and every team is really good in my opinion. They have talent all over the field. It’s just about them putting it together.’’
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said the record don’t matter in the NFL.

“You can get your ass kicked at any given time and we understand that because we were in Tennessee’s shoes before. We were that team that we were out for blood every week, I know this team feels the same way,’’ Glenn said. “Listen, they have names, they have players, they have high draft picks that want to come out and establish dominance, but we have to do a really good job of just understanding what the task is at hand.’’

Five things to watch:

ONE: Jared Goff’s play in recent games has the Lions offense on fire. He’s put up amazing numbers with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions in the last three games. Still, he’s not cocky and certainly not overlooking the Titans. “I think this defense is as good as any defense we’ve played up to this point and we know that. I’m not just blowing smoke or anything,’’ Goff said. “I know their record doesn’t show that but it’s a good defense, they’re good at every level and we’ve got our work cut out for us for sure.”

TWO: The Titans offense led by quarterback Will Levis is dead last in the league in passing offense and 21st in rushing offense with Tony Pollard and Tylae Speers as the leading rushers. Levis has thrown at least one interception in every game. “I think they do a good job, their run game first and foremost. That’s the focus this week. They do a really good job of scheming up runs and we have to bring a certain mentality to this game to defend it that’s what sets everything else up for them,’’ Anzalone said. Worth noting that if Levis goes to the air it’s risky since Lions safety Brian Branch has three interceptions in the last two games.

THREE: Turnovers have been an issue for the Titans. The Titans have a dozen giveaways and just three takeaways. In comparison, the Lions have five giveaways and 11 takeaways. “You flip that just a little bit and they’re not sitting where they are,’’ Campbell said.

FOUR: Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery seemingly set new records each week. Gibbs had the hot hand in the win at the Vikings, it could be Montgomery this week.  Each produced at least 70 scrimmage yards for the sixth-straight game to start the season. This is the longest streak of games where each member of a running back duo has logged 70 scrimmage yards since Saints RBs Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara in 2017. It’s a two-headed monster that defenses haven’t found a way to stop with the Lions averaging 155.5 rushing yards per game. The Titans’ defense allows just 105.5 rushing yards per game so something has to give. Expect Gibbs and Montgomery to be ready.

FIVE: The Lions will be without WR Jameson Williams who has been suspended for two games by the NFL. While Williams had just one catch last week for minus-4 yards he’s a pivotal part of the offense. In his absence Kalif Raymond will fill in. “You know what you’re getting each and every day. He comes in with a great attitude and he’s willing to do whatever it takes. If you told him, ‘Hey, you’re going to have 10 snaps this week and they’re all run blocking,’ he’s going to attack that with a vigor, and he just loves playing football and being out on the field for his teammates,’’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said. “And so, when you combine that mentality along with – he’s got probably the best press releases on the team because of how small and shifty he is, guys can’t keep up with his quickness, he’s a threat in man-to-man, and then his run after catch is that of what you would expect from a punt returner. So, a very dynamic weapon, there were some games earlier in the year, didn’t feel like we were giving him enough opportunities, and so the last couple of weeks we’ve been able to get the ball in his hands and he’s taken it and ran with it.” Also look for WR Isaiah Williams to be brought up from the practice squad and possibly more reps for veteran WR Allen Robinson. 

LIONS INJURY UPDATE: DL Josh Paschal (illness) and G Christian Mahogany (illness) are out.

TITANS INJURY UPDATE: RB Tylae Spears (hamstring), LB Jerome Baker, T Jaelyn Duncan (hamstring), LB Cedric Gray (shoulder) and CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad) are out; CB Jarvis Brownlee (ankle) and QB Will Levis (right shoulder) are questionable. 

LIONS SATURDAY MOVES: OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad and TE Shane Zylstra elevated from practice squad.

PREDICTION: Lions 35, Titans 15

Five things to watch as Lions face Vikings in NFC North road game

Patience is key for Detroit; also injury updates, prediction

Composure and patience are two words Lions coach Dan Campbell is preaching heading into the Lions’ first divisional game of the season at Minnesota. The undefeated Vikings have a head start in the NFC North, with a 1-0 record after beating the Packers at Green Bay. 

“They’re playing really well, so are we. We’re on the road, they’ve already got a division win on the road at Green Bay, this is big, this is a real big game,’’ Campbell said. “That’s the way you have to approach it.”

Campbell found a common denominator between all five teams that they beat.

“They lose their composure and communication is not there and things start going sour and it snowballs and it gets worse. Nobody has taken them down to the wire really, I know the Jets game there was an opportunity there,’’ Campbell said. “But that’s what we have to do we have to take this thing to the fourth quarter and make it a game. If we don’t do that it’s going to be hard, you’re going to be running uphill. That’s the focus here – keep your composure, communicate and then you’ve got to battle.

While the Lions beat the Vikings twice last year, traditionally road games in Minneapolis have spelled trouble for Detroit.

“It’s a loud environment, as you know they play pretty good at home as most teams do, it just goes back to everything else,’’ Campbell said. “We’ve got a pretty veteran team particularly offensively. That’s where you’re put under fire. Our defense isn’t getting all of that. I feel like we’ll be able to keep our composure, keep our head about us and then it’s about being patient, we’ve got to be patient on offense, it’s hard to say but that’s what you’ve got to do.’’

Five things to watch: 

ONE: The Vikings’ blitzing defense has improved in the second year under coordinator Brian Flores. The Lions can’t count on their success from last year over the Vikings. 

“They don’t make it easy and that’s part of this defense. They’re trying to stress you out, they’re trying to strain you, the clock’s running, this game we’ll be on the road, and they’ve – it’s worked. They’ve gotten on some people,’’ Campbell said. “They’ve gotten on all these offenses and they’ve been able to play their game. Offense, defense, and really because of the defense because they’ve gotten up. These multiple score games, they’re up two scores, they’re up three scores early, and you are out of your offense so fast that you can’t – now you’re totally playing into their hands.”

TWO: Campbell said the Vikings’ 13 takeaways are fueling the team right now. It isn’t lost on the Lions who had five takeaways (3 interceptions, 2 fumble recovered) in the 47-9 win at Dallas. Jared Goff is keenly aware. “That’s typically going to be the difference in a game and those guys have been thriving off of it. So yeah, we’ve got to do a good job taking care of it and, like I said, they are extremely ball-aware, they’re trying to take it away, you can tell, and we’ve got to be even more aware this week,’’ Goff said. The Lions have a 4/10 ratio of giveaway/takeaways.

THREE: No one player can step in and fill the shoes of edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson who broke his leg on Sunday. Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator, said he puts together a plan each week that is about the players not just the scheme. “I say this every week, we do everything we can to put the players in the best position that we can to where it shows their strengths, and it limits their weaknesses. So, that’s what we plan to do and that’s my job. Even when we had Aidan. We moved Aidan around to put him in position so he can be successful too,’’ Glenn said.

“So, that’s my job and that’s the fun part about being a coordinator is being able to do that week in and week out. It’s also a tough job because you also have guys on the other side of the ball that you have to make sure you take care of. But I’m excited about the guys that we have. Those guys are going to go out there and play well,’’ Glenn added. The Lions added Isaiah Thomas from the Bengals’ practice squad this week but won’t make a big trade unless it’s the perfect deal for them.

FOUR: Ben Johnson’s trick-play bag is not empty even though he went to it often against the Cowboys. The offensive coordinator won’t be afraid to go there against the Vikings. “We’re not just calling plays to call plays because we think they look cool. It’s really by design and intent and then our guys carry it the rest of the way,’’ Johnson said. Along with the skill on the offense, Johnson’s creativity is another reason they are so successful at scoring.  “This game’s been around for a long time and our challenge as a coaching staff, and I say it to the offensive staff quite a bit, is we can run a million different types of plays and because of that, I don’t like to run the same one twice. I don’t like to do it within a game, I don’t like to do it within a season,’’ Johnson said. “We certainly do have some staples that I will repeat at times, but we’re charged with let’s have a little creativity.’’

FIVE: Running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs now want to be known as Sonic & Knuckles (like the video game). Hey, call them what they want. Between them they’ve scored 10 touchdowns in the first five games. Six rushing for Montgomery and three rushing and one passing for Gibbs. Montgomery’s eight consecutive games with a rushing TD is a Lions franchise record and he’s tied for most consecutive games with rushing TD active NFL streaks with Rams’ Kyren Williams. Only Baltimore’s Derrick Henry has more rushing TDs this season with 8. With 13 touchdowns in 20 career games, Gibbs ranks third in franchise history behind Barry Sanders and Sims who each had 18.

LIONS INJURY UPDATE: G Christian Mahogany (illness) is out; CB Carlton Davis III (quad) and G Kevin Zeitler (groin) are questionable.

VIKINGS INJURY UPDATE:  TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) LB Blake Cashman (toe) and CB Akayleb Evans (hip) are out; OLB Pat Jones II (shoulder), RB Aaron Jones (hamstring), G Dalton Risner (back) and DL Harrison Phillips (shoulder) are questionable. 

PREDICTION:  Lions 31, Vikings 28