The Detroit Lions knew this season would bring growing pains after a major coaching change. Replacing Ben Johnson, the mastermind behind three consecutive top-five offensive finishes, was never going to be simple.
Johnson’s exit dominated headlines during the offseason, and the Lions’ Week 1 performance under new coordinator John Morton highlighted exactly why.
Last year’s explosive, adaptable offense looked unrecognizable. Instead of the usual creativity and on-the-fly adjustments, fans were left watching a flat, predictable scheme. The conservative approach has many questioning if the Lions have regressed without Johnson at the helm.
A Rough Debut for Morton’s Offense
Detroit didn’t find the end zone until the final minute of the fourth quarter, long after the game was out of hand. Jared Goff was sharp, connecting on 31 of 39 passes, yet the unit averaged just 3.8 yards per play and totaled 246 yards. The ground attack was even worse, as David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for only 44 rushing yards on 20 attempts—Green Bay’s defensive line shut them down with ease.
What stood out most was how uncharacteristic the offense felt. Morton’s play-calling leaned heavily on predictable sequences, setting the team up for failure on third downs. Even when the run game clearly wasn’t working, he continued to force it, leaving Detroit in long-yardage situations.
The Lions have built their identity on aggression and creativity, but Morton’s cautious approach translated into field goals instead of touchdowns. That style doesn’t match Dan Campbell’s mentality or what this roster is built to do. Until Morton adapts, the offense risks falling short of its potential.
Looking Ahead
Yes, it was only Week 1 against a tough and motivated Packers squad, but the lack of innovation was alarming. The Lions won’t have time to ease into things either, with divisional rival Chicago and AFC powerhouse Baltimore looming on the schedule.
If the offense doesn’t make quick adjustments, Detroit could find itself battling uphill in the NFC North race.
