The Detroit Lions’ playoff hopes may come down to fixing one major issue: their declining performance in the trenches. After dominating the line of scrimmage last season, the Lions now face two critical problems that could determine whether they make a deep postseason run—or exit early.
Lions’ Offensive and Defensive Lines Have Taken a Step Back
In 2024, Detroit built a 15-2 record largely because of elite play from both the offensive and defensive lines. Even with injuries across the roster, the Lions kept the offense rolling thanks to strong protection for Jared Goff and effective run blocking that helped Jahmyr Gibbs thrive.
On defense, the Lions managed to stay productive even with Aidan Hutchinson sidelined. Za’Darius Smith and the supporting cast did enough to keep Detroit competitive.
But in 2025, the trenches have become the team’s biggest weakness—and it’s putting their entire season at risk.
Offensive Line Struggles Are Holding the Offense Back
A stat shared by MLive’s Kory Woods highlights Detroit’s drop-off up front. Goff isn’t getting the same clean pockets, and the run game has become inconsistent. Issues with the new guard-center-guard lineup have been exposed repeatedly.
The Lions have particularly struggled against teams with strong defensive fronts. Week 1 against Rashan Gary and Micah Parsons was the first warning sign—but not the last. The Vikings and Eagles exploited Detroit’s interior issues as well.
The good news: Frank Ragnow’s return from retirement provides a major boost. Goff remains confident in the group, recently saying he trusts the linemen to keep working and improving.
Defensive Line Is Generating Pressure Too Slowly
On the defensive side, Detroit ranks last in the NFL in time-to-sack, averaging 5.2 seconds to reach the quarterback. Without quicker pressure, opposing offenses have been able to sustain drives and attack downfield.
Hutchinson has played at a high level, but with constant double-teams, he can’t do it alone. The Lions haven’t gotten consistent help from the rest of the edge rushers.
One potential spark is the return of Marcus Davenport, who is expected back in Week 12 against the Packers. If healthy, he could finally provide the pass-rush depth the team has been missing.
The Lions Need the Trenches to Stabilize Before the Playoffs
The final stretch of Detroit’s schedule will reveal whether these units can get things right. The Lions face the Cowboys, Rams, Steelers, and Vikings—four teams with dangerous pass-rushers or dominant defensive lines.
If the offensive and defensive fronts don’t improve, Detroit risks being one-and-done in the postseason. But if Ragnow’s return helps solidify protection, and Davenport adds needed pass-rush support, the Lions could rebuild last year’s formula for success.
The trenches will ultimately determine whether Detroit finishes strong—or falters when it matters most.
