David Montgomery’s Secret Weapon: Advanced Stat Shows His…
Almost on a weekly basis, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery has a run that is worthy of inclusion in the weekly “Angry Runs” segment from “Good Morning Football’s” Kyle Brandt. And he has won that coveted scepter three times this season.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell recently went all-in to compare Montgomery‘s running style to two of the most physical runners the NFL has ever seen-Walter Payton and Earl Campbell.
“Man, to me, he’s a throwback,” Campbell said. “There are throwback principles about him, and I mean that with all due respect. His running style is – it’s rare.””When I watch him, it just reminds me of some of the great ones, man, back in the heyday”, Campbell continued. “I mean, they just – they don’t go down. So, freaking Earl Campbell, man, Earl Campbell ran like crazy, Walter Payton ran like crazy and would not go down.”
Montgomery has also been a capable pass catcher this season. He has already surpassed his catch and yardage totals from last season (27 catches for 277 yards; 16 for 117 yards last year).
PFF stat fully reveals underrated aspect of David Montgomery’s game
During his four seasons with the Chicago Bears, you could make a strong argument Montgomery was not used enough in the passing game. The idea of the Bears not using talent properly isn’t fresh, then the Lions barely used him as a pass catcher in his first season with them.
After the imbalance of last year, Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs have nearly the same amount of catches and yards through 12 games this season (28 catches for 282 yards for Gibbs) and both are averaging over 10 yards a catch.
Gibbs’ speed and elusiveness make him a tough cover and hard to bring down, while Montgomery has power and more subtle elusiveness with the ball in his hands.
Some context is missing in terms of it includes his Week 13 game since he has already played entering Sunday, and it’s presumed among running backs, but according to Pro Football Focus Montgomery is tied for second in missed tackles forced on receptions this season (17).
Montgomery gets worthy acknowledgement for his running style and production on the ground. But with more usage as a pass catcher in his second season as a Lion he has delivered there too (zero drops), with a notable advanced data point to reinforce it.
