After a heartbreaking postseason exit, the Detroit Lions and their fans are left wondering exactly what went wrong against the Washington Commanders, and what the future holds. Despite a strong 15-2 regular season, the Lions fell short once again, leaving some to question if the team is really on the right track. In a recent interview with DJ Siddiqi of Forbes, Lions running back David Montgomery shared his thoughts on the team’s struggles and their path forward.
Montgomery’s Take on the Lionsā Playoff Struggles
Montgomery emphasized that the Lions didnāt underestimate their opponent, but the team simply wasnāt executing their brand of football when it mattered most. āI think ultimately ā I donāt think we underestimated our opponent ā but I think we werenāt playing our brand of football, and it showed,ā Montgomery said. āI think if we found a better way to execute, weāll get over that hump.ā
While the Lions had a rare second opportunity to compete in the playoffs after their NFC Championship loss in 2022, things didnāt work out this time. With some coaching changes and new challenges, Montgomery still believes the Lions are close to becoming a championship contender.

Optimism for the Future
Despite the disappointment, Montgomery remains hopeful about the team’s future. āA few more pieces here and there to tie everything together, but I think weāre right in the midst of being exactly where we want to be, it just hasnāt happened for us yet,ā he stated.
While some fans have begun to doubt the Lions’ chances, Montgomery has confidence that the team is on the right path and that their window for a Super Bowl run is still open.
David Montgomery: By the Numbers
- Carries (CAR): 185
- Yards (YDS): 775
- Touchdowns (TD): 12
- Average Yards per Carry (AVG): 4.2
Bottom Line
Montgomeryās 2024 season was solid, contributing to the Lions’ offensive success with his consistent rushing yards and touchdowns. As the team looks to improve in the offseason, Montgomeryās performance will be a key part of their continued growth.