On Saturday night, news came that the Detroit Lions had agreed to a two-year, $18.25 million contract extension with running back David Montgomery. It was a little surprising, with a year-plus left on his original three-year deal, to say nothing of the fact he's a 27-year old running back. Most teams would not do what the Lions did, but the next time they do something everyone else would do because that's the excepted value narrative.
After Dallas opened Sunday's game with a field goal, Jared Goff connected with wide receiver Tim Patrick on a 42-yard pass to keep the Lions' first drive going on a third down. Montgomery got carries on the next two plays, scoring from 16 yards on the second.
It was a quintessential Montgomery run, with a mix of agility, burst and sheer power. Possibly worthy of another "Angry Runs" scepter when Kyle Brandt assesses things for Week 6.
David Montgomery sets 2 Lions franchise records with quintessential TD run (video)
Knuckles for 6⃣ 👊#DETvsDAL | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/4SPVFS5WX4
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 13, 2024
Entering Sunday's game, dating back to last season, Montgomery led all NFL players in games with a rushing touchdown (15) and he was tied for the lead in games with at least 50 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown (12). He now has 18 rushing touchdowns since the beginning of the 2023 season, which is top-five in the league over that span.
Montgomery also set two Lions' franchise record with that touchdown. He surpassed Billy Sims' record with a rushing touchdown in an eighth-straight game overall. He also became the first player in Lions' history to rush for a touchdown in each of the first five games of a season.
.@Lions RB @MontgomerDavid has rushed for a TD for the eighth-straight game.
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) October 13, 2024
This establishes a new franchise record.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/8M5JcMTxjb
.@Lions RB @MontgomerDavid is the first player in franchise history to rush for a TD in each of the first five games of a season.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/vCSmP7n1J6
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) October 13, 2024
Montgomery is a tone-setter for the Lions' offense, and he did it again early on Sunday after being rewarded with a new contract.
