Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has completed a comprehensive review of the 2025 season, identifying a systemic collapse in offensive efficiency that derailed the team’s momentum. Following a “deep dive” into the year’s film, Campbell attributed the struggles to a volatile combination of abrupt personnel losses, critical injuries, and a failure to execute in high-leverage situations.
The decline of the Detroit Lions offense struggles 2025 were most evident in the run game, a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity over the previous four years. Campbell noted that the team lost its ability to “find a way” during critical moments, failing to establish the rushing attack necessary to set up the rest of the offensive game plan.
Central to these struggles was the sudden retirement of center Frank Ragnow. As the anchor of the offensive line, Ragnow’s departure created a void in communication and stability that resonated throughout the unit. The lack of cohesion in the trenches led to an inconsistent rushing attack and left quarterback Jared Goff vulnerable, facing significantly higher pressure rates than in previous campaigns.
The ripple effect of personnel losses
While the offensive line struggled to gel, the Lions were simultaneously crippled by injuries at the tight end position. The absence of Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright proved catastrophic for the team’s versatility. Both players had been instrumental in the Lions’ success over the preceding seasons, providing a dual threat as elite receivers and dependable blockers.
The loss of these two key targets stripped the offense of its ability to block effectively at the point of attack. This deficiency directly impacted the team’s ability to rush the football and, more critically, their capacity to extend drives. The inability to maintain possession set an undue burden on the Detroit defense, forcing them into disadvantageous positions and frequent, long stretches on the field.
Campbell took full responsibility for the downturn, citing a variety of factors that contributed to the slump. “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,” Campbell said. “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.”
A breakdown in situational football
A primary metric of the 2025 struggle was the team’s failure on third down. The conversion percentages dropped below the threshold required to sustain scoring drives, turning potential touchdowns into punts. This inefficiency was not merely a result of poor play-calling but a failure of execution in “criticals”—the high-stakes downs that define the outcome of NFL games.
The statistical decline extended to Jared Goff’s passing profile. With a struggling offensive line and a diminished supporting cast of blockers, Goff was frequently forced to release the ball prematurely. This resulted in a noticeable dip in his average air yards per pass compared to the 2024 season, as the offense struggled to generate explosive plays downfield.
The following table outlines the primary factors identified by the coaching staff as contributors to the 2025 offensive decline:
| Impact Area | Primary Cause | Direct Result |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Line | Frank Ragnow Retirement | Increased pressure on QB; run game inconsistency |
| Blocking/Receiving | LaPorta & Wright Injuries | Reduced drive extension; poor edge blocking |
| Passing Game | Lack of Explosive Plays | Decrease in average air yards per pass |
| Situational Play | Low Third-Down Conversion | Increased defensive fatigue and disadvantage |
Coaching changes and the path to 2026
The Lions’ struggles eventually led to a change in leadership within the offensive room. While Campbell did not explicitly detail the internal frictions, the team parted ways with experienced coach John Morton. The offense under Morton lacked the dynamism and explosive play-making ability that had characterized the Lions’ rise in the NFC.
In a move to modernize the attack, Detroit hired Drew Petzing to lead the offense for the 2026 season. Petzing, the former coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, brings a reputation for aggressive play-calling and innovative scheme design. Campbell has already expressed early optimism regarding Petzing’s integration into the system and the fresh perspective he brings to the table.
The transition to Petzing is seen as a strategic pivot to reclaim the efficiency the Lions enjoyed prior to 2025. By focusing on personnel optimization and a renewed commitment to the run-pass balance, the organization aims to return to a top-tier offensive ranking.
The Lions are now focusing on the Detroit Lions roster construction and offseason programming to ensure the offensive line is solidified before the 2026 campaign begins. The emphasis remains on finding a permanent solution at center and ensuring the health of the tight end corps to prevent a repeat of last year’s volatility.
The next major checkpoint for the organization will be the upcoming NFL Draft and the subsequent start of organized team activities (OTAs), where the novel offensive scheme under Drew Petzing will be implemented with the full roster.
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