As the Detroit Lions prepare for another critical game against a familiar foe, the San Francisco 49ers, the team has adopted a unique and forward-focused mindset. Rather than dwelling on past failures or the painful memories of last season’s playoff defeat, assistant head coach and running backs coach Scottie Montgomery revealed that the team has embraced what he calls the “windshield” mentality.
Focusing Forward, Not Looking Back
In an interview earlier this week, Montgomery explained the team's approach heading into a pivotal game with the 49ers. The concept of the “windshield mentality” emphasizes the importance of looking ahead rather than reflecting on the past.
“For us, it’s really been, and it’s difficult at times, but it’s been the windshield mentality versus the rearview mirror,” Montgomery explained. “We’re really trying to focus on what we have going forward. This is a different team, and they’re a different team. And that’s kind of where we are right now. We’re focused on this year, 2024, and just trying to play as well as we possibly can play against this team.”
Montgomery's statement encapsulates a key aspect of the Lions’ mindset heading into Week 17. The painful memory of the 2023 NFC Championship game loss against the 49ers could easily have been a source of lingering frustration, but instead, the Lions are committed to moving forward with renewed determination.
The Power of Moving Forward
The “windshield mentality” is a metaphor that conveys a powerful lesson in sports psychology: focusing on the road ahead, not on what’s behind. For the Lions, this approach has meant leaving the past where it belongs—behind them. They are not allowing the weight of last season’s disappointments to hinder their progress or affect their mindset as they aim for a Super Bowl victory in 2024.
This forward-thinking attitude is especially crucial as the Lions look to build on their progress and improve from the previous season. With a deep roster and strong leadership, the team has a clear understanding of the importance of focusing on what lies ahead rather than rehashing old mistakes.
The players and coaching staff have consistently spoken about the collective growth and maturity they have experienced. Montgomery’s words reflect that sentiment, as the Lions have learned from the past without allowing it to define them. Instead of rehashing what went wrong in last year’s NFC Championship, the team is setting its sights on achieving new goals and making the most of its opportunities this year.
