“It will go down in history:” Why these Detroit Lions are constructed differently, according to Scottie Montgomery

The Detroit Lions are a team that has often been synonymous with underachievement in the NFL. For decades, the franchise’s storied history has been punctuated by disappointment, losing seasons, and fleeting moments of promise. However, in 2024, something is different. The Lions have shifted from perennial underdog status to a team on the rise. Scottie Montgomery, the Lions’ assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, has been among those who see the uniqueness in this team. According to him, the current roster is constructed in a way that could mark a historic transformation for the franchise.

Montgomery’s remarks that “it will go down in history” encapsulate the feeling of this Lions team — one that is not merely rebuilding, but poised to carve out a new identity for itself. The key to this lies not only in the talent on the field but in the culture being built within the locker room and the front office. In this analysis, we will dive into what makes this Lions team different from its predecessors, exploring the ways in which Scottie Montgomery’s vision aligns with the team’s success.

The Key Elements of the Lions’ New Construction

1. The Coaching Staff: Leadership and Vision

One of the most significant changes in the Detroit Lions’ approach has been the establishment of a dynamic and cohesive coaching staff. Head coach Dan Campbell, hired in 2021, set the tone for a new era in Detroit with a blend of intensity, compassion, and tactical innovation. The addition of Scottie Montgomery to the coaching staff, first as the running backs coach and now as the offensive coordinator, has been key in developing an offense that plays with both power and finesse.

Montgomery’s work with the running back group is often cited as an example of his ability to maximize talent. With a dynamic backfield including stars like Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, Scottie Montgomery has brought a new level of accountability and creativity to the Lions’ offense. His emphasis on versatility, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of individual players, and building a system that maximizes those qualities has turned the Lions’ offensive game into a well-oiled machine. This ability to adapt to player skill sets, combined with Campbell’s larger vision, has resulted in a coaching synergy that distinguishes this team from others in the league.

Montgomery’s philosophy, as well as his commitment to developing players into more complete athletes, feeds directly into his belief that the Lions’ current team will be remembered for years to come. The collaborative efforts of the coaching staff have created a sharp tactical edge that is unique in Detroit’s history.

2. The Offensive Line: A Pillar of Strength

Historically, the Detroit Lions have struggled with consistency along the offensive line, often failing to establish a reliable running game or protect the quarterback adequately. This year, however, the Lions’ offensive line stands as one of the best in the league.

Led by veterans like Taylor Decker and the versatile Frank Ragnow, and supplemented by young talent such as Penei Sewell, the line has become a force to be reckoned with. This unit’s ability to protect quarterback Jared Goff and open up running lanes for the backs is a testament to the meticulous effort of Montgomery and the coaching staff. Their emphasis on physicality, depth, and cohesion has created a line that allows for a balanced, high-powered offense.

Scottie Montgomery’s background as a former running backs coach has likely influenced the team’s commitment to the running game. He recognizes that an offense is only as good as its foundation — the line — and his coaching reflects that. The offensive line’s dominance is helping to shift Detroit’s reputation, both in terms of protection and aggression, and it will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining feature of this squad.

3. Jared Goff: A Quarterback Finally in His Element

In many ways, Jared Goff represents the epitome of the team’s transformation. Once criticized for his inconsistent play with the Los Angeles Rams, Goff has emerged as a quarterback who is both confident and steady. Under the guidance of head coach Dan Campbell and Scottie Montgomery, Goff has flourished in a system that caters to his strengths. His ability to manage games, make timely throws, and avoid mistakes has allowed the Lions to thrive on offense.

Montgomery, in particular, has been instrumental in helping Goff develop a sense of comfort within the Lions’ scheme. The offensive play calling, the emphasis on play-action, and a commitment to ball control have allowed Goff to make the most of his abilities. Montgomery’s influence has allowed Goff to regain his confidence and maximize his potential. This renewed sense of stability at quarterback is another significant factor that sets this team apart from past iterations of the Lions.

4. The Culture Shift: Accountability and Toughness

Perhaps the most significant factor in why this Lions team is constructed differently is the shift in culture. Under Dan Campbell, the Lions have embraced a “toughness-first” mentality that permeates every aspect of their play. The culture change has been profound, with Campbell instilling in his players a sense of ownership over their success. From physicality in practice to mental fortitude on game day, the Lions have developed a mentality that mirrors the steeliness of the city of Detroit itself.

Scottie Montgomery’s role in this culture shift cannot be overstated. He is known for pushing his players to be mentally tough, resilient, and relentless in their pursuit of excellence. His work ethic and attention to detail create an atmosphere of accountability that extends beyond the football field. Players know they are expected to perform at a high level, and the consequences of failure are never far from their minds.

The culture shift is particularly evident in how the Lions’ defense has responded to the challenge of maintaining toughness. The defense has become more aggressive, less willing to back down, and more capable of producing big plays in critical moments. This newfound toughness, combined with improved team chemistry, has created a group that is motivated to rewrite the franchise’s narrative.

5. Talent Acquisition: A New Approach to Building the Roster

In terms of talent acquisition, the Lions have moved away from simply taking the best available player and instead have adopted a more holistic approach. General Manager Brad Holmes has been instrumental in building the team through a combination of high draft picks and smart, calculated free-agent signings.

The success of players like Aidan Hutchinson, a young and dynamic defensive force, exemplifies the success of this approach. Hutchinson’s leadership on the field, combined with his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, makes him one of the cornerstones of the Lions’ defense. The team’s scouting department, working closely with Holmes and Montgomery, has also done well to unearth hidden gems who fit the Lions’ evolving system.

Montgomery’s philosophy aligns with the team’s talent-building efforts, as he looks for players who are not only physically gifted but mentally sharp and versatile. This long-term strategy has helped the Lions assemble a roster that feels balanced, versatile, and prepared for sustained success.

6. A New Legacy in the Making

In all of these areas — leadership, line play, quarterback stability, culture shift, and talent acquisition — the 2024 Detroit Lions have begun to construct something different. Scottie Montgomery’s belief that “it will go down in history” reflects the optimism that surrounds the franchise. For the first time in years, the Lions are not just building a team for the moment; they are laying the groundwork for a lasting legacy.

Montgomery’s vision of building a team that combines grit, talent, and mental fortitude is starting to take shape. With a powerful offensive line, an evolving quarterback, a defense that can turn the tide, and a coaching staff that works cohesively, the Lions are on the brink of something monumental.

If they continue on this trajectory, the 2024 Detroit Lions may indeed go down in history not just as a team that finally succeeded but as a franchise that managed to reinvent itself in the most spectacular way. It is a new era in Detroit — one that will leave an indelible mark on the NFL for years to come.