After Deep Dive, Detroit Lions Learned What Went Wrong With Offense

The Detroit Lions offense failed to meet expectations at certain points throughout the 2025 NFL season.

With center Frank Ragnow abruptly retiring, the team’s offensive line struggled to gel, resulting in the run game being inconsistent and quarterback Jared Goff being pressured far more often than he or the coaching staff would like.

Speaking with Fox 2 Detroit at the annual league meetings, head coach Dan Campbell shared what he learned following a deep dive of last year’s film.

“I think a lot of it, our efficiency was not good,” said Campbell. “We’ve heard that word a lot, that’s with the run game. In critical moments, what we’ve done a really good job of for four years prior to last year, was when we needed to run the ball, when we needed it in criticals, to set up the rest of the game, it was there for us, we found a way. We were not able to do that.”

With both tight ends suffering injuries, the ability to block effectively was clearly noticeable. Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright are a significant reason the Lions’ offense had success the past couple of seasons.

Removing them both from the offense had a detrimental impact on the ability to rush the football and to extend drives.

Far too often, Detroit’s third-down conversion percentages were not at the rate needed to keep drives extended. In the end, the struggles of the offense put the defense in disadvantageous positions as well.

“Look, there’s multiple reasons. It falls on my shoulders, some of it was the offensive line, some of it was losing Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright,” said Campbell. “That had a significant blow too, now. All of those things. That’s why we go through the cut-ups. You check yourself, but also, from a personnel standpoint, where can we get a little bit better and help our guys.” 

While Campbell did not mention the issues with John Morton, Detroit’s offense was not the same with the experienced coach at the helm.

Explosive plays were a struggle and Goff was forced to toss the football quite quickly. His average air yards per pass was down compared to 2024.

Detroit made the decision to part ways with Morton and hired Drew Petzing to lead the offense in 2026. Campbell indicated he has been impressed very early on with what the former Cardinals coordinator has brought to the table.

For more comprehensive Detroit Lions coverage and NFL insider analysis, follow us on X, @detroitpodcast, head on over to our Facebook page and give it a like, subscribe to the Detroit Lions On SI Lone Wolves YouTube Channel.