The Detroit Lions have an ongoing saga concerning the usage of running back David Montgomery. It seems that anytime the back touches the ball, great things happen, and yet the veteran is very inconsistently being offered carries within the offense. Still, Montgomery has 635 rushing yards this season to go along with 8 touchdowns and an impressive 4.7 yards per carry average. All of this paints a picture of a back who should be more involved, leading to head coach Dan Campbell making the following comment, via M Live's Kory Woods.
""David is a pro. He goes about his business. I know that's not easy. He's a damn good back. Every good player wants their chance to help the team win. It's something I think about a lot.""Dan Campbell
This was furthered by ESPN's Eric Woodyard, who noted Campbell's speculation as to how to get Montgomery more involved. This is where it is important to point out that it is the head coach now calling the plays and creating the problem he is speculating on. A problem that appears to be pushing the veteran very close to a potential exit.
Montgomery has two years remaining on his deal, but would be well within his rights to push for an offseason trade. The back is offering elite production that would be compelling for a contending team in need of a starting back. The Kansas City Chiefs are one example that jumps to mind of a contender that could become a potential landing spot. However, there would be no shortage of suitors based on the numbers Montgomery has put up this season.
Campbell Continues Commenting on Problem He's Creating in Detroit's Offense
It isn't difficult to hand Montgomery the ball more often when the back is punishing would-be tacklers and giving Jared Goff and the offensive line a needed boost. Campbell is a great coach and has proven his ability to breathe life into an offense that was completely lost. However, this doesn't lessen the fact that Campbell's comments are puzzling, as this isn't a difficult problem to solve, and one that has been commented on throughout the season.
This leads to obvious speculation that the Lions are content moving away from the veteran despite the production. It would explain the inconsistent usage and leave Montgomery with a clean conscience, asking for a trade and finding a starting role once again.
As difficult as it might be for Detroit fans to consider, this is the reality of a back that is now being rewarded with more carries based on his performance. Consider Week 15's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys when Montgomery had 60 rushing yards on only six carries and finished the game as an offensive afterthought.
Campbell's comments aren't changing this, with the head coach being the only one truly capable of altering what appears to be an impending divorce between the two sides, after a season of inconsistent usage.