Following the expiration of his contract with the Chicago Bears at the end of the last season, running back David Montgomery was all set for a fresh start. He spent four years in the windy city but always seemed to be on the losing side, a factor which significantly contributed to his decision to ink a three-year, $18 million contract with the Bears' long-standing rivals, the Detroit Lions.
Montgomery, 25, voiced his feelings during a recent gaming livestream with fellow player C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
During Montgomery's stint with the Bears (2019-22), the team's record stood at a disappointing 25-41. In his last season with the Bears, they suffered a staggering 14 losses, preceded by 11 losses in the year prior. Their single playoff appearance ended in a crushing 21-9 loss against the New Orleans Saints in 2020.
Now, in the Lions' den, Montgomery is a part of a powerful offense and a revitalized defense. Many are touting Detroit as a strong contender for the playoffs. Media pundits are excitedly predicting that the Lions might not only clinch a division title but possibly make a substantial push in the postseason of 2023. This is in stark contrast to the Bears' dismal performance last season, posting the worst NFL record of 3-14 and ending the year on a discouraging 10-game losing streak. The Lions, on the other hand, managed a 9-8 record, their first winning season since 2017, and ended the year with a rare victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Montgomery's impressive stats from his time in Chicago include 3,609 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns, 155 catches for 1,240 yards, and four touchdowns. In Detroit, he joins the fourth-best offense from the previous season, and will partner up with Jahmyr Gibbs, the 12th overall pick, to form a formidable backfield duo.
