The Detroit Lions are facing adversity with poise and optimism despite recent setbacks, including a humbling loss where they surrendered 48 points and dealt with multiple injuries to key players. With the roster already dealing with a number of injuries, including Carlton Davis, David Montgomery, Alim McNeill, and Khalil Dorsey, the Lions’ resolve is being tested. Head coach Dan Campbell, however, remains focused on the bigger picture, stressing that the team’s goals are still very much within reach. The Lions’ chances for securing the No. 1 seed are still alive, especially with upcoming matchups against struggling teams like the Chicago Bears (4-10) and the San Francisco 49ers (6-8). The Lions also have a crucial game against Minnesota in Week 18. Even though the Lions are battered and bruised, they remain confident in their ability to finish strong and secure a potential bye week in the playoffs.
Campbell’s optimism, however, isn’t unfounded. The Lions have been hit hard by injuries, with a long list of players on injured reserve. Yet, despite the losses, the team’s core remains strong. The Lions’ roster and coaching staff, led by Campbell, are working to keep the team competitive despite the talent drain. For Scottie Montgomery, the Lions’ assistant head coach and running backs coach, the key to the team’s resilience lies in the culture that has been established. As a close ally of David Montgomery, he believes the Lions’ system has prepared them to weather such a storm, and he’s optimistic that key players like David Montgomery will return this season to contribute.
Montgomery believes that the team’s approach to adversity is rooted in the belief that they were built for moments like this. While losing key contributors is tough, the Lions are embracing the opportunity for younger players to step up and prove themselves. He is quick to point out that the coaching staff has put in the work to ensure that every player, regardless of experience, is prepared for their moment when it comes. The team has cultivated a deep pool of talent, with coaches working with both starters and backups as though they are all part of the main roster. Montgomery adds that the mental fortitude of the players has been crucial in staying competitive, and that there is no doubt that the team will continue to fight, even in the face of adversity.
A major factor in the Lions’ ability to absorb these challenges is the culture built within the organization. Only three players from the 2021 team remain on the roster, but the culture they have built is what holds everything together. Montgomery stresses that the team’s commitment to physicality and competition has been ingrained from day one. Unlike many other teams, the Lions have maintained a physical approach throughout the season, regularly practicing in full pads to ensure that they stay sharp and ready for combat. This relentless focus on competition and preparation is evident in everything they do. Whether it’s the starters competing against each other in 1-on-1 drills or the second-string players proving themselves during practice, the emphasis on competition remains at the forefront. Montgomery believes that this culture of constant, unwavering effort is what separates the Lions from other teams in the league.
For the Lions, physicality is a key part of their identity. They take pride in the fact that they don’t just “talk the talk” when it comes to being tough and competitive — they “walk the walk.” The team wears pads during practice, ensuring they stay physically prepared. Montgomery explains that the coaching staff ensures the players maintain their physicality without overburdening them, with careful attention to rest and recovery. This balance between pushing the players to their limits and allowing them to recover is crucial for the Lions’ continued success.
Montgomery also emphasizes that this tough mentality comes directly from Campbell, who instills this philosophy into the players. According to Montgomery, Campbell is able to push his players in ways that get results because of his authenticity and belief in his methods. Campbell isn’t just a coach who talks about hard work and discipline; he lives it, and that authenticity resonates deeply with the players. As Montgomery puts it, the team trusts Campbell implicitly because they know that he truly believes in everything he says. This trust is vital in ensuring that players remain committed and motivated, especially in difficult moments like the one the team is facing now.
Campbell’s leadership and the trust he’s built with the team are evident in his ability to motivate the players through challenging moments. Montgomery points to a recent analogy Campbell used about the difference between filet mignon and molded bread. Campbell’s message was clear: the team needs to remember the importance of the “molded bread,” symbolizing the hard, gritty moments that shape their character. While this may not be the glamorous part of the season, it’s essential for the team’s growth and resilience. For Montgomery, this message resonates deeply, serving as a reminder of where the team came from and the hard work it took to get here. He sees this analogy as a grounding force, bringing the team back to its roots and ensuring they don’t lose sight of the effort and grit that got them to this point.
Montgomery’s reflections on the team’s culture and leadership underscore the importance of unity and shared purpose in the Lions’ success. Despite the numerous injuries and challenges, the Lions are a team built to withstand adversity. The key to their resilience lies not just in the talent they have, but in the culture they’ve created and the leadership they follow. With Campbell at the helm, the Lions are ready to face whatever challenges come their way, knowing that the core values of competition, physicality, and mental toughness will guide them through. As the season progresses, the Lions will continue to draw on these principles to keep pushing forward, determined to make the most of the opportunities ahead. The molded bread, as Campbell put it, is where the real strength lies, and the Lions are ready to savor it as they push toward their ultimate goals.
