Montgomery was the receivers coach in Pittsburgh from 2010-12 when arguably the best blocking receiver in the history of the game, Hines Ward, was a Steeler.
Ward combined both physicality and ‘want to’ as a blocker in the run game that has really been unmatched until now. Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown has become the standard in the NFL currently for a receiver showing physicality as a run blocker.
While St. Brown is the standard, it’s a mindset the entire Lions receiver room has adopted and it’s manifesting itself in their play on the field. Monday’s game is a great example. Jameson Williams had a key block to spring David Montgomery’s 31-yard touchdown late. Kalif Raymond had a couple key blocks in the run game, as did St. Brown.
“That’s what all those receivers do in that room, they set the tone,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said. “They’re very much a part of that run game, and they own it. They take pride in it.”
Montgomery didn’t think he’d come across another unit that took as much pride in run blocking as those Steelers did led by Ward. This current Lions group has changed his mind.
“Collectively, I would say this group is by far from top to bottom the best I’ve been around,” Montgomery said.
The Lions signed tight end Ross Dwelley to the active roster from the practice squad on Monday and signed defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson to the practice squad.
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