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Free Press columnist Carlos Monarrez addresses the tough questions following the Detroit Lions' 42-29 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night at Ford Field.

How good was David Montgomery?

Through four games, he's my clubhouse leader for team MVP, narrowly edging out Aidan Hutchinson. The running back is the face of the team, and his tenacious, never-give-up style is exciting to watch and certainly an inspiration to his teammates. After the offense opened the game with a three-pointer, the Lions hit Montgomery on the next drive with a 12-play, 93-yard touchdown drive. But Montgomery's bulldozing style didn't emerge until midway through the third quarter, and of all things on receptions.

RING OF HONOR: The Detroit Lions sign Calvin Johnson at halftime on Monday Night Football

On the opening play of the drive from the Lions' 30, Jared Goff threw a short play-action pass to Montgomery at the 31. Montgomery lowered his head and used the baton to attack Devon Witherspoon. He then broke Riq Woolen's leg tackle. He then fended off a tackle from behind as he crossed the field and provided a little high-step touch before stiff-arming Rayshawn Jenkins on the way out for a 40-yard reception that ” Philly Special” touchdown throw prepared by Jared Goff, which gave the Lions a 28-14 lead. It was the most rousing reception I can remember from a Lions running back since Jahvid Best's 75-yard screen pass touchdown against Philadelphia in 2010.

DOUBLE DUTY: Check out Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff's TD CATCH in the middle of a perfect passing streak

What happened to the dominant defense?

After three strong games in which opposing teams were held to 20 points or fewer, the defense struggled, even if it had the advantage of playing at home Monday night in front of a packed crowd made all the more in by the black uniforms What caused a stir was Calvin Johnson's inclusion on the team's Pride of the Lions honor roll. Seattle QB Geno Smith was good at sliding around in the pocket, DK Metcalf gave Carlton Davis III a headache all night in a constant one-on-one duel, and the tackling was inconsistent overall. Seattle fell behind former Michigan State University stud Kenneth Walker III in the running game, and Smith appeared to throw to every eligible receiver on the roster while the Lions largely stuck to base defense. The Seahawks lost 3-1, but looked like a playoff-worthy team on the road in their first test against a better playoff-capable team. There's no doubt the Lions missed out on safety Brian Branch, who was sidelined with illness. This time the Lions needed an offensive explosion to save them, but they will need the defense to get back into shape as they face four of their next five road games.

How was the Calvin Johnson ceremony?

It was short and sweet. The best part of it was the closure the team and Johnson finally got, after an ugly dispute that began when the Lions foolishly asked him to pay back some of his contract bonus when he retired. The most obvious example of this closure was when team owner Sheila Hamp was introduced before opening the ceremony with a few comments. The fans at Ford Field cheered her loudly, three years after they booed her just as loudly at a ceremony celebrating Johnson's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It must have felt like a relief and a small redemption for Hamp, who gave this franchise back pride and victory. I can tell you this about the Ford family: They struggled to hire the right people and make different decisions, but the popular perception that they are billionaires who don't care about the team is wrong. They care about the team, the city and winning, even if it wasn't always obvious.

Contact Carlos Monarrez: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez.

On By John Fenwick

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