Detroit Lions Face Serious Question Mark With Jared Goff as Season Approaches

The Detroit Lions were one of the NFL’s most efficient passing teams last year — but only when quarterback Jared Goff had time to throw. When defenders collapsed the pocket, Detroit’s offense became one of the least effective units in the league.

That reality looms large entering the 2025 campaign, as the Lions are reshuffling their offensive line. With multiple new starters expected to step in, the biggest storyline is whether Goff’s protection holds up. Some insiders believe that will determine if Detroit can defend its NFC North crown.


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Adjusting to Life Without Ragnow and Zeitler

ESPN’s Eric Woodyard spotlighted the offensive line as Detroit’s main concern this fall. The team is moving forward after the retirement of four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow and the offseason departure of guard Kevin Zeitler, who joined the Tennessee Titans.

The Lions have responded by sliding Graham Glasgow from guard to center and inserting rookie Tate Ratledge at right guard, though the changes come with uncertainty.

“After winning 15 games last year, Detroit is working through two massive holes on the offensive line,” Woodyard explained. “The question is whether the offense can keep producing at a high level with so much transition.”

For Goff, the stakes are high. While he’s among the league’s best passers in a clean pocket, the numbers plummet under duress. In fact, his efficiency dropped more sharply under pressure than nearly any other quarterback in 2024.


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Ratledge’s Long-Term Future Still at Center

During camp, the Lions experimented with Ratledge at center before moving him back to guard. General manager Brad Holmes said the rookie is still viewed as a possible long-term option in the middle but that keeping him at guard for now made the most sense.

“I think he could’ve managed the center spot,” Holmes said via Pride of Detroit. “But when we looked at the bigger picture with him and Graham, right guard gave us the clearest path. We already know he can handle that position, and that helps stabilize the line.”

Holmes remains optimistic despite the changes, stressing that the mix of youth and experience will ultimately strengthen the unit.

“There will be growing pains, but this group is built to learn from those moments,” Holmes said. “They’ve got the right mentality, and that’s what’s going to carry them forward.”