The Detroit Lions roared into their 2024 season opener with a gritty and heart-pounding 26-20 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams. And at the heart of this nail-biting triumph was none other than the relentless David Montgomery.
After a lackluster preseason, the Lions showed some initial rust, evident in their disjointed performance across all quarters. Head Coach Dan Campbell had remarked, "The team that makes the most mistakes is the one who usually loses these early games. And we made one less mistake." (Sports Illustrated) Despite the rocky road, Campbell's squad persevered and found their rhythm right when it mattered most.
Montgomery's impact was undeniable from the onset. Even as Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson diverted the focus to other playmakers like Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery's early game dominance could not be overlooked. The Lions Wire's Zack Moran observed, "Montgomery consistently runs with a full head of steam, often requiring multiple defenders to bring him down." (USA Today) Yet, it was his overtime heroics that truly cemented his status as the MVP of the game.
When the game extended into overtime territory, Campbell saw a spark in Montgomery and decided to lean into it. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, Campbell remarked, "I saw David Montgomery run one play and knew we had to ride the hot hand in overtime." (Detroit Free Press) This decision proved pivotal as Montgomery bulldozed through the Rams' defense, executing a series of power runs that culminated in the game-winning touchdown.
The atmosphere in the Lions' locker room was electrifying post-game. Dan Campbell, known for his impassioned speeches, celebrated the team’s resilience and singled out key players like Montgomery and linebacker Alex Anzalone for their standout performances. He emphasized the team's unbreakable spirit in his postgame address, stating, "It’s hard to break us. As a matter of fact, you ain’t gonna do it." (Pride of Detroit)
Montgomery's path to glory wasn't a solo journey. He had assistance from a defense that delivered when it mattered. Alex Anzalone was a defensive dynamo, leading the Lions with 13 tackles and delivering crucial stops that stemmed the Rams' offensive tide. Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire noted, "Anzalone has become the heart and soul of this defense, consistently delivering standout performances week after week." (Lions Wire)
As the Lions continue their season, they’ll look to build on this hard-fought victory. The Week 1 win was a testament to the team's resilience, strategic coaching, and the raw power of David Montgomery. Fans are undoubtedly excited to see how this team will grow and compete, with Montgomery positioned to be a central figure in their pursuit of success.
What other sites are saying about this topic
The morning after: 5 Lions takeaways from a rewatch of the Week 1 win from Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire
Dan Campbell: We Made One Less Mistake from Sports Illustrated
How Dan Campbell decided to lean on David Montgomery in Detroit Lions Week 1 win vs. Rams from Detroit Free Press
VIDEO: Lions post-game celebration vs. Rams: ‘It’s hard to break us’ from Jeremy Reisman, Pride Of Detroit
Studs and Duds from the Lions victory over the Rams from Zack Moran, USA Today