KEY QUESTIONS: What is the most recent news on Montgomery’s rib injury?
Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media on Monday, a day after Detroit defeated Tampa Bay 20-6 on the road to improve to 5-1 on the season and make it four straight wins for the Lions.
Here are the top questions from Campbell’s Monday press conference:
What is the latest on the rib injury suffered by running back David Montgomery on Sunday?
Montgomery was tackled on a 19-yard gain on a screen play in the second quarter and did not return. Campbell stated on Monday Montgomery is suffering from rib cartilage damage. Anyone who has been injured understands how terrible it can be.
“He’s got a little something in there with cartilage and he’s probably going to be down for a little bit here,” Campbell told reporters. “I’m not sure how long. It’s not an easy thing to deal with in his situation, so we’ll just take it as it comes, but I think there’s a potential we won’t have him for long.”
Campbell said he didn’t know if Montgomery would be placed on indefinite leave and miss at least the next month.
Is rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs expected to play this week?
The one bright spot for the running back room is that it appears Gibbs will play Sunday in Baltimore after missing the previous two games due to a hamstring issue.
“Feeling a lot better about Gibbs this week,” Campbell added. “He ran really well on Saturday before we left (for Tampa Bay) and had another really good workout today.”
Campbell stated that Gibbs, defensive back Brian Branch (ankle), and tight end James Mitchell (hamstring) all appeared to be in good shape while working out on Monday. That is encouraging news for the Lions.
Who stood out on the video from Sunday’s victory?
Punter Jack Fox, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, linebacker Alex Anzalone, defensive lineman Benito Jones, defensive lineman Alim McNeill, defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs, quarterback Jared Goff, and wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, and Jameson Williams were all on Campbell’s list.
Campbell said the defense was outstanding throughout the game, and the offense’s ability to convert on four third-and-longs was crucial. Detroit’s touchdowns came on third-and-long situations.
What factors influenced the decision to start Kayode Awosika at guard against the Buccaneers?
Awosika began at left guard, Graham Glasgow at right guard, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai on the bench. Vaitai is currently working his way back to full strength after missing a handful of games early in the season due to a knee ailment.
Awosika was solid, according to Campbell, and there was good and bad on video, but he competed, and Campbell believed it was a positive first start.
“Big V is just steadily coming back from this,” Campbell explained. “He’s been kind of on reserve. He was better this week than previous, but we just want to make sure he’s 100 percent ready to go before we travel.”
What has been the driving force behind Detroit’s success on the road this season?
A win in Tampa Bay on Sunday improves the Lions’ road record to 3-0 on the season, with all three victories coming against clubs in first place when they played – Kansas City, Green Bay, and Tampa Bay.
With the presence of Lions fans in visiting stadiums, Campbell remarked that it doesn’t feel like they’ve played on the road yet this season. For the third time this season, there was a sea of blue in the stands, and they made their presence known late in the game and after Detroit’s victory.
Campbell said every good team he’s been a part of as a player and a coach that’s had any kind of success has been able to win on the road. It stems from a confidence level and anticipation about going on the road and handling your business in an us vs. them environment.
“You look forward to it and that’s kind of where we’re at,” he said. “Going on the road it’s just you against them the crowd we kind of thrive off that. I think that’s a mindset.”
The Lions have played good defense on the road, taken care of the football pretty well and have been efficient on first and second down, all things Campbell attributes to playing well and being in games on the road.
“I just think there’s a mentality about it,” he said. “I think our guys believe on the road that we should win but they know they have to earn it. We’re not making these mistakes and the other teams are right now.”
What effect will Jameson Williams’ spectacular touchdown catch late in the third quarter have on his confidence moving forward?
Williams had a crucial 45-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter, where he made a fantastic adjustment to an under-thrown ball by Goff, which helped secure the Lions’ victory on Sunday. Williams made the biggest play of the season in only his second game back from suspension.
After watching the tape, Campbell said Williams was improved in every area of the game, even without the touchdown catch, and that’s a good indicator for the future.
“You don’t know what play might come that really just boosts your confidence,” he remarked. “And I can tell you, (his touchdown Sunday) isn’t going to hurt it in the least.” That was a huge move for us, and it really opened up the game.”
Campbell expressed his admiration for Williams and expressed his desire for him to continue his upward trajectory.
