ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery shared insights on the Cleveland Browns’ defense, the team’s offensive play sequencing, and the influence of legendary players like Barry Sanders on the current roster.
When asked about the Browns’ defense, Montgomery highlighted their talent at every level.
“They got talent on every level at the defensive line position, at the linebacker position, at the safety and corner position,” said Montgomery.
Montgomery emphasized the need for the Lions to execute perfectly across all levels to succeed against such a formidable unit.
He praised the defensive line’s forceful play, comparing it to top teams like the San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans.
Montgomery also acknowledged Detroit’s strong performance in their Monday Night Football matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, noting the offensive line’s progress and the defense’s seven sacks.
“Watching JG (Jared Goff) and Saint (Amon-Ra St. Brown) in those critical situations, the creativity that came from the staff was just a great thing,” Montgomery said.
David Montgomery
On running back David Montgomery‘s recent career day, Scottie expressed excitement about his performance.
“That was his type of game. It’s his environment. Physical, but also being able to show his skill and speed,” Scottie said.
Scottie praised David’s vision and protection skills, calling his play “phenomenal.”
David accumulated 151 yards on the ground and two touchdowns vs. Baltimore, including a 72-yard run and a go-ahead score to put the game out of hand on just 12 carries.
Play sequencing
Regarding offensive play sequencing, Scottie explained how the Lions use formations and personnel packages to set up plays.
“We do a tremendous amount of research as a staff on the tendencies we’ve created,” Scottie said.
He noted that having players familiar with the system enables the team to implement new plays more quickly than before.
Barry Sanders
Scottie also reflected on the impact of legends like Sanders on the organization.
“It just creates a certain level of pride,” Scottie said.
Scottie shared how having former greats come around, including during his time as a coach in Pittsburgh, set a standard for physicality and toughness.
“Our guys are really blessed to have him around. It feels like family,” Scottie added.
Wide receivers blocking
When asked about the Lions’ receivers’ blocking, Scottie named Pittsburgh Steelers legend Hines Ward as his personal example of a great blocking receiver.
He praised the current group as the best he’s been around, highlighting their selfless play and toughness.
On the topic of Lions’ offensive coordinator John Morton and his handling of recent highs and lows, Scottie said, “He is working his butt off. I don’t think he’s riding the highs and lows. You have to keep your headspace clean.”
Scottie emphasized the importance of focus and grit in the position.
Finally, Scottie praised receiver Jameson Williams for his commitment to blocking even when not targeted with passes.
“That touchdown is a team stat. The yardage we gain is directly connected to the effort of people in our offensive front,” Scottie said.
Scottie expressed excitement about Williams’ growth and the team’s future games.
History
The upcoming challenge against Cleveland’s vaunted defense, backed by Myles Garrett, will be a tall task for the Lions’ offense.
Detroit leads the all-time series against the Browns, but the history between these two franchises includes four championship games, with the Lions’ last championship win coming in 1957.
The teams’ first significant matchups occurred in the 1950s, with both franchises frequently battling for league supremacy.
Detroit has won 19 of the 24 total games played between the two teams, although the Browns have won the most recent game, 13-10, inside Huntington Bank Field.
Here’s a fun fact: the Ravens were originally the Browns before they relocated from Cleveland to Baltimore in 1995, leading to a controversial decision where the city was able to retain the team name, while Charm City received the expansion team’s name.
With revenge on their minds, the Lions will host the Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, inside Ford Field at 1 p.m.