Notebook: Even on Fourth Down, Lions Will Run Whenever They Want

Ben Johnson explained decision to run on fourth down.

The Detroit Lions have proven they have the capability of rushing the football, even in situations many would not expect. 

On fourth-and-5, the Lions surprisingly dialed up a run call in the first quarter, and were able to secure the first down. David Montgomery kept his feet moving with defenders draped all over him.  

“That’s trusting our players to get the job done," said Ben Johnson, when asked about what factored into the team's decision-making on that down. "David Montgomery, he’s a little bit short of the sticks, but he kept churning his legs and you just saw the rest of the unit join the party, as well. We’re willing to run it whenever we want to. That’s how we feel.”

Jameson Williams' progress could accelerate

This week, Detroit's speedy wide receiver has gained positive praise from his teammates and the coaching staff for his selflessness and willingness to block for his teammates. 

While he has yet to light up the stat sheet, Williams' contributions have been appreciated as he continues his development and building chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff. 

"He's doing a phenomenal job," said Johnson. "Really, since he's come back, it's meetings, he's attentive, he asks good questions. Walkthroughs, he's on his stuff and then in practice, he's practicing really hard. We're still working to get on the same page in some ways in the passing game, but we see improvement each and every day, each and every week so far. I think the more reps he continues to get in games is only gonna accelerate the progress." 

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Lions have to keep winning 

Despite being five games over .500, the Lions understand their fortunes can quickly turn sideways if they do not keep winning football games. 

The Vikings have clawed their way back to having a winning record, which has caught the attention of the other teams in the NFC North. 

“I think it’s always good to have somebody. I mean, look, man, we’re all about competition, and I’ve said it before, we’ve got to assume they’re not going to lose out until we see them again," Dan Campbell expressed. "So, this is -- they’ve won three or four in a row, I don’t know what that is. They keep getting better, and we’ve got to keep winning. We just have to. We can’t worry about them until the time shows up. 

"I mean, let’s go. It reminds me a little bit of when I was at the Giants in 2000 and the Eagles were just coming into their own with Andy Reid and (Donovan) McNabb was in his second year. And man, we were winning. We went 12-4 that year. And, we’d win, they’d win, we’d win, they’d win, we’d win and they’d win, we’d win -- and I think they were 11-5, but I mean it was just back and forth," Campbell commented further. "We played them three times that year, played them in the playoffs, too, but man, it was just nonstop. It was back and forth. So, it's going to come down to playing those games. You’ve got to keep winning, and then when the time comes and you play that opponent, man, you’ve got to win those games.”

Lions' Aaron Glenn does not want to talk about team personnel 

Defensively, Detroit is without key contributors, as C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley are dealing with long-term injuries. 

Despite who is not available, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn reminded reporters the team had a last-place defense just a season ago. 

This season, Detroit's rush defense is among the best in the NFL, and the team still has had solid defensive efforts among the nine games played. 

"We play football, and it’s not like we’re gonna go out and get Deion Sanders right now. That’s just what it is," said Glenn. "The guys that we have have put us in the position where we’re a top-10 defense. So, I don’t even look into that, I think that’s one of the stupidest things you can think about. Listen, we have great guys who are gonna go out there and play hard. That’s what they’re gonna do.”

The value of having Jake McQuaide to replace the injured Scott Daly 

Detroit had been getting reliable and steady play from Scott Daly, who won the battle to earn a roster spot over Jake McQuaide during training camp. 

“I know I didn’t get asked about it last week, but (Scott) Daly, he had done a tremendous job for us. His game had really improved a lot. Was super happy with him and the direction he was going, so obviously losing him was devastating," said Dave Fipp. "But, to have McQuaide come in was great for us. I said it a couple times over the course of the week with coach before the game and then obviously, it ended up being big in the game. 

"It’s very comforting to know that we’ve got a veteran player who’s been in big games, played a lot of plays and you’re not teaching him how to protect, the protections and all that stuff and the snap. You’re just teaching him, ‘Hey, this is what we do.’ I thought that all those guys, the punt team guys, the field-goal guys, Fox on the hold and Riley on the kicks," Fipp said further. "I thought all those guys collectively did a great job, not just on game day, we all saw that. But, during the course of the week, working hard to get up to speed and get on the same page, and they all did just a great job of coming together during the week and obviously, it paid off for those guys in the game.”