The Chicago Bears won 12 games in 2018. So when they drafted David Montgomery in 2019, it was easy to dream of more good times ahead. Drafting Montgomery to replace Jordan Howard was an upgrade. And while, statistically, that proved to be true, the winning that Howard and the Bears experienced in 2018 was never replicated.
The Bears went 25-41 during Montgomery’s four-year stint in Chicago. There was just one playoff appearance and no winning seasons. But there were two years with 10+ losses. And not only did it take a toll on Montgomery, it turned out to be a contributing factor in why he left in free agency.
“That’s all I was used to,” Montgomery said of the losing in Chicago while on a Lions gaming stream. “It got to a point where it sucked the fun out of the game for me because I’m a competitor. I like to compete. That’s what football’s about. It’s so refreshing to be in a place where that’s appreciated.”
That sound you hear is the sizzle from a sick burn by Montgomery.
And what is it with ex-Chicago athletes and their heel turns after signing with division rivals?
In case you’ve been napping this entire offseason, Montgomery signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency. Monty’s move came after he and the Bears failed to come to an agreement on terms for a second contract. It’s not as if Montgomery wasn’t deserving of one. There was even “mutual interest” in a reunion. But there came a point in the offseason when it was sounding like Montgomery was seeking a larger contract than the Bears were willing to offer.
And even though GM Ryan Poles thought he was “really, really close” to re-signing Monty, he ultimately landed in Detroit on a multi-year deal. Meanwhile, the Bears changed lanes to pivot to fill their RB needs via free agency with D’Onta Foreman (who averaged more yards per carry than Montgomery in 2022) and the NFL Draft with Roschon Johnson (who seems destined to be a fan favorite).
It is absolutely wild to think about a player signing with the Lions because they want to compete. But Montgomery’s words have me thinking about how spicy the Bears-Lions rivalry could get moving forward. The Bears are going to get an unrivaled effort from Montgomery. It’ll be above and beyond because that is what tends to happen in rivalry games. Especially ones where you go against a team you feel might’ve slighted you on your way out the door. I don’t hold any ill will toward Monty. But I’d love to see Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, and every other Bears defender stop him for a loss every time he gets the ball next year. And maybe give him that losing feeling the Lions are all too familiar with.