Detroit’s Offense Looks the Same. The Results Probably Won't.

  

 

Detroit Lions 2025 Overview

Schedule

 

Wins

 

Play Calling

 

Key Additions

• C Tate Ratledge
• QB Kyle Allen

 

Key Departures

• C Frank Ragnow

 

Notable Coaching Changes

• OC John Morton In
• OC Ben Johnson Out

 

Jared Goff

Bottom Line: Steady QB Option Limited by Lack of Rushing

Goff delivered a top six fantasy finish in 2024 by maximizing efficiency in a play-action-heavy, yards-after-catch focused system. While his lack of rushing limits his ceiling, he remains a high-floor QB2 option heading into 2025.

2024 Summary

Goff Delivered His Best Fantasy Season Yet

Goff finished QB6 in total fantasy points (385.1) and QB8 in points per game (22.7), backed by 4,629 passing yards (2nd) and 37 TDs (4th) with just 12 INTs. 

He added one rushing TD and minimal ground yardage. 

Goff recorded eight top-10 weekly finishes, with only two games outside the top 24, making him a steady and efficient weekly fantasy starter.

Goff Remained a Pure Pocket Passer, Thriving in Red Zone

Goff was a pure pocket passer, completing 390 of 539 attempts, and offering next to no rushing production (56 rush yards on 35 attempts). 

He finished 3rd in red-zone attempts, 3rd in inside-the-10 passes, and 13th in end-zone throws, capitalizing on Detroit’s red-zone opportunities despite the 25th-ranked red-zone pass rate.

Elite Accuracy and YAC Efficiency Drove Landmark Season

Goff ranked:

• first in on-target throw rate (80%+) for the second consecutive year
• fifth in adjusted completion rate (78.6%)
• second in actual passing yards vs. ninth in expected
• fourth in actual passing TDs vs. fifth in expected

He was the fourth-biggest fantasy overachiever at QB, however, buoyed by elite YAC efficiency (6.8 YAC/completion).

While he ranked just 27th in big-time throw rate (3.0%) and 29th in deep throw rate (7.4%), he consistently delivered within structure.

Detroit’s Scheme and Weapons Thrive on Efficiency

Detroit’s offense was elite in volume, ranking 1st in total plays. The Lions operated a run-first system (27th in overall pass rate, 53.4% neutral pass rate).

His environment was ideal for maximizing efficiency and sustaining long drives, aided by a top-10 supporting cast and former OC Ben Johnson’s design.

Fantasy Production Has Trended Upward

Goff’s 2024 marked a career-best fantasy output, continuing an upward trend from 2022 and 2023, when he averaged 0.56 fantasy points per pass attempt before spiking to 0.68 in 2024. 

He’s now finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in back-to-back seasons, showing growth in decision-making and red-zone execution.

Goff played all 17 games in 2024 and has been mostly durable since arriving in Detroit. He enters 2025 healthy with no major injury concerns.

2025 Expectations

Elite Supporting Cast Helps Prop Up Goff

Goff is locked in as Detroit’s starting QB with no competition. 

Third-year QB Hendon Hooker will compete with free agent signing Kyle Allen for the backup job behind Goff.

Goff benefits from one of the best supporting casts in the NFL.

WR Amon-Ra St. Brown has been a consistent presence for his four-year career as the only WR with a 90+ PFF receiving grade in each of the last three seasons.

WR Jameson Williams finally hit his stride in 2024 with the highest yards after catch per reception in the league at 8.9.

The Lions also drafted WR Isaac TeSlaa in the third round and return WRs Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond.

TE Sam LaPorta had the fourth highest yards after catch per reception among TEs with 5.7 and helped prop up Goff’s red zone efficiency.

The strong RB duo in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery doesn’t hurt with both having success as receiving weapons.. 

The YAC-friendly weapons enhance Goff’s efficiency.

Can the Scheme Thrive with Ben Johnson Gone?

Ben Johnson’s offense was built to play to Goff’s strengths (quick reads, play-action, intermediate accuracy) and avoid his weaknesses as a non-mobile, pressure-sensitive QB. 

The Lions were first in the NFL in points with a 52.2% pass rate and 53.4% neutral pass rate. Though they were 27th in pace, they had ranked in the top 13 the three years prior.

Unfortunately, Johnson has moved on to coach the Bears. 

New OC John Morton was a senior offensive assistant under Johnson in 2022. Over the last two years, he was the passing game assistant for the Broncos. 

Morton vowed he would keep the offensive scheme intact stating: “I’m not changing much. I mean, why? I mean, it’s working, right?”

If the scheme stays the same, Goff should continue to benefit from a strong offensive attack.

Jahmyr Gibbs

Bottom Line: David Montgomery Caps His Upside

Gibbs broke out as one of the NFL’s most electric and productive backs in 2024, finishing as fantasy’s PPR RB1. He showed league-winning upside when David Montgomery was sidelined. But with Montgomery healthy, Gibbs’ upside may be more capped than his ADP indicates.

2024 Summary

Elite Production + Weekly Consistency = RB1

Gibbs finished with 1,412 total yards (5th), 16 rushing TDs (tied for 1st), 52 receptions (T-6th), and 517 receiving yards (3rd). 

His 362.9 PPR fantasy points led all RBs, and his 21.3 points per game ranked 2nd. 

He delivered nine top-10 weekly finishes and only had one game outside RB2 range, showing elite consistency.

Montgomery Injury Propelled Gibbs to Ceiling

In a timeshare with David Montgomery over the first 13 games, Gibbs averaged 13.7 carries (42.1% share) and 3.2 targets per game (10.7% share) with 12 inside-the-5 carries. 

Despite the split, he outperformed his opportunity, scoring 18.4 PPR points per game on 14.4 expected points per game.

When Montgomery was out (3 games), Gibbs exploded for 21.3 carries, 4.7 targets, and 32.6 PPR points per game, showing league-winning ceiling without Montgomery in the lineup.

Gibbs Excelled in Nearly Every Metric

Gibbs ranked among the league’s best in nearly every advanced rushing metric:

• 5.6 yards per carry (3rd)
• 90.2 PFF rushing grade (6th among RBs with 75+ carries)
• 0.91 rush yards over expected per attempt (7th)
• 40.7% Breakaway Run Rate (4th)

He also forced 0.23 missed tackles per attempt (6th) and ranked 12th in PFF Elusive Rating. 

As a receiver, he posted 1.65 yards per route (5th) and a PFF receiving grade of 69.7 (13th). 

His only weakness remains pass protection (23.7 PFF pass-blocking grade, 48th).

Detroit’s Run-First Scheme Made Gibbs a Fantasy Monster

Gibbs operated behind a top-12 run-blocking line, per ESPN’s blocking success statistics, in a run-first offense (27th in pass rate) that consistently created red-zone chances. 

Detroit was 9th in red-zone carries, and Gibbs handled 50% of inside-the-5 work, ensuring strong TD upside, especially when Montgomery was sidelined.

Gibbs Quieted Durability Concerns With Full Season

Gibbs played all 17 games in 2024, silencing early concerns about his size and durability.

He had missed two games in 2023 due to a hamstring issue and a game in 2022 due to a sprained ankle.

Durability is not a major concern for Gibbs.

2025 Expectations

Back to Sharing with Montgomery

Gibbs returns to a similar role in 2025, likely sharing the workload with Montgomery.

Even with Montgomery healthy, Gibbs averaged 19.5 PPR points per game, so he is locked in as a RB1. But his potential to be RB1 overall is capped by Montgomery.

Gibbs’ floor remains high with only one non-RB2 finish last season, so he should remain a reliable option even with Montgomery sharing the carries.

The Lions did not add to the backfield, with veteran Craig Reynolds and second-year RB Sione Vaki returning this season.

Lions Still Have Mouths to Feed

The Lions return one of the league’s most complete offensive units in the NFL.

QB Jared Goff returns with efficiency after one of his best seasons ever.

The OL returns four of five starters after finishing 16th in ESPN run blocking success (72%) and 12th in pass blocking success (64%) last year. OTs Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell lock down the edges while Christian Mahogany returns on the interior. The Lions will need to replace All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow, who recently retired. 

The Lions drafted OG Tate Ratledge in the second round. He’s expected to fill in at either Center or RG immediately. 

The Lions still have plenty of receiving weapons, as well, with WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams along with TE Sam LaPorta.

Ben Johnson’s Absence Looms

Ben Johnson’s offense ranked 1st in total plays and top-10 in run-blocking, while ranking 25th in red-zone pass rate, creating elite ground-game opportunity. 

Even in a backfield split, Johnson schemed enough high-value touches (red-zone and targets) to support two fantasy-relevant backs. 

Unfortunately, Johnson has moved on to coach the Bears. 

New OC John Morton was a senior offensive assistant under Johnson in 2022. Over the last two years, he was the passing game assistant for the Denver Broncos. 

Morton vowed he would keep the offensive scheme intact, stating: “I’m not changing much. I mean, why? I mean, it’s working, right?”

David Montgomery

Bottom Line: Reliable Red-Zone Runner with Volume Question

Montgomery remained one of the league’s most reliable red-zone backs in 2024, delivering steady RB2 production despite splitting work with Jahmyr Gibbs. Injuries derailed part of his season, but his role in Detroit’s run-heavy scheme remains secure heading into 2025, though his ceiling depends on continued TD efficiency.

2024 Summary

Another Ho-Hum RB2 Season to Montgomery

Montgomery played 14 games and finished as RB18 in total PPR fantasy points (221.7) and RB16 in points per game (15.8). 

He totaled 775 rushing yards (27th) and 12 rushing TDs (8th), adding 36 catches for 341 yards (16th) on 38 targets. 

He produced five top-10 weekly finishes, with only two non-RB2 weeks, making him a steady weekly play.

Split Work With Gibbs, But More Goal-Line Run

Montgomery split work nearly evenly with Jahmyr Gibbs over the first 13 games, averaging:

• 13.8 carries per game (42.6% share)
• 2.6 targets per game (8.7% share)
• 17 inside-the-5 carries (vs. 12 for Gibbs)

He led all RBs with 11.3 expected rushing TDs through Week 14, operating as Detroit’s go-to goal-line back, though Gibbs was mixed in at times.

Montgomery Surprised with Elite Receiving Efficiency 

Montgomery delivered strong but not elite rushing efficiency:

• 4.2 yards per carry (28th)
• 3.12 yards after contact per attempt (19th)
• 0.18 missed tackles forced per attempt (21st)
• -0.02 rush yards over expected per attempt (30th) 

As a receiver, he was surprisingly elite:

• 91.0 PFF receiving grade (1st among RBs)
• 2.24 yards per route (tied for 1st)

Gibbs’ PFF Receiving grade was only a 74.4, while his yards per route was 1.67.

Montgomery could get more receiving work based on these metrics.

Run-Heavy Scheme and Strong O-line Boosted His Number

Detroit’s offense ranked first in total plays and remained one of the most run-heavy in the league (27th in pass rate, 24th in red-zone pass rate). 

Behind a solid offensive line (16th in ESPN run blocking success), Montgomery handled 50% of the team’s inside-the-five carries, making him a central figure in one of the NFL’s most productive red-zone offenses.

Five Seasons of Injuries for Montgomery

Montgomery sustained a shoulder injury in Week 12, causing him to leave that game early.

He also sprained his MCL in Week 15, which cost him the rest of the season.

He has missed at least one game in each of the past five seasons.

2025 Expectations

Montgomery’s Role Should Remain Stable 

Montgomery returns as Detroit’s co-starter. 

Gibbs will continue to siphon high-value touches and explosive plays, but Montgomery should maintain 12-15 carries per game, red-zone usage, and some receiving work. 

He has posted double-digit rushing TDs in both seasons with the Lions and is a good bet to do so again in 2025.

The Lions did not add anyone else to the backfield. They return veteran Craig Reynolds and second-year RB Sione Vaki.

Detroit’s Loaded Offense Keeps TD Opportunities Alive

The Lions return one of the league’s most complete offensive units.

QB Jared Goff returns after one of his best seasons ever.

The OL returns four of five starters after finishing 16th in ESPN run blocking success (72%) and 12th in pass blocking success (64%) last year. OTs Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell lock down the edges while Christian Mahogany returns on the interior. The Lions will need to replace All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow, who recently retired. 

The Lions drafted OG Tate Ratledge in the second round. He’s expected to fill in at either Center or RG immediately. 

The Lions still have plenty of receiving weapons, as well, with WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams along with TE Sam LaPorta.

New OC but Role Shouldn’t Change

Ben Johnson’s offense ranked first in total plays and top-10 in run-blocking, while ranking 25th in red-zone pass rate, creating elite ground-game opportunity. 

Even in a backfield split, Johnson schemed enough high-value touches (red-zone and targets) to support two fantasy-relevant backs. 

Unfortunately, Johnson has moved on to coach the Bears. 

New OC John Morton was a senior offensive assistant under Johnson in 2022. Over the last two years, he was the passing game assistant for the Denver Broncos. 

Morton vowed he would keep the offensive scheme intact, stating: “I’m not changing much. I mean, why? I mean, it’s working, right?”

If the scheme stays the same, Montgomery should continue to benefit from a strong offensive attack.

Amon-Ra St. Brown

Bottom Line: Stay Away in First Round

St. Brown continued his ascent as one of the league’s premier slot receivers in 2024, finishing top-5 in nearly every major receiving category. However, potential regression in TDs and catch rate makes him overdrafted as a first-round selection. 

2024 Summary

Elite Volume and TDs Delivered Top Three Finish

St. Brown racked up 313.9 fantasy points (WR3) and averaged 18.5 points per game (WR7) over a full 17-game slate. 

He posted 115 receptions (2nd) on 142 targets (8th) for 1,263 yards (5th) and 12 TDs (3rd). 

He recorded seven top-12 fantasy finishes, though he also had seven games outside the WR2 tier.

St. Brown Remained the Engine of Detroit’s Passing Game

St. Brown operated as Detroit’s go-to target, commanding a 25.6% target share and a 31.6% first-read rate (15th among WRs). 

He split time between the slot (51.4%) and wide (47.5%), remaining the engine of Detroit’s passing game, especially in key situations. 

Over the final nine games (including playoffs), he led the team with a 24.6% target share.

He Wins with Separation & Reliability

Despite a shallow 8.2-yard average target depth (66th among WRs with 50+ targets) and modest 3.6 yards after catch per reception (48th), St. Brown remained elite by other metrics as well:

• 2.29 yards per route (12th)
• 82.1% catch rate (second)
• 0.9% drop rate (fourth best)
• 89.7 PFF receiving grade (fifth)

He also posted a +0.5 YAC over expectation and created 3.1 yards of average separation, consistently winning underneath and on timing routes.

Detroit’s High-Volume Offense Boosted St. Brown

Detroit’s offense was elite in volume, ranking first in total plays.

The Lions operated a run-first system (27th in overall pass rate, 53.4% neutral pass rate) but leaned on the pass in scoring range.

This environment was ideal for maximizing efficiency and sustaining long drives, aided by a top-10 supporting cast and former OC Ben Johnson’s design.

St. Brown was a key part to the efficient passing game and will remain the top target in 2025.

Three-Year Run of Steady Volume

St. Brown has now posted three straight seasons with a 90+ PFF receiving grade, the only WR to do so. 

His target share and efficiency have remained remarkably stable, with only a slight dip in yards per route in 2024. 

His actual PPR points per game (18.5) once again outpaced expectation (15.5), a testament to his reliability and success after the catch.

St. Brown played all 17 games in 2024 and continues to build a track record of durability, missing only two games in his first four NFL seasons.

2025 Expectations

St. Brown Should Maintain His Volume 

St. Brown enters 2025 as Jared Goff’s undisputed No. 1 target and the clear focal point of Detroit’s passing game. 

While Jameson Williams may earn more downfield looks, St. Brown’s volume, versatility, and trust from the coaching staff ensure a locked-in WR1 workload.

The Lions did add rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa in the third round, but he will compete for outside snaps.

Veteran WRs Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond also return.

TE Sam LaPorta will continue to be a major part of the offense and get red zone targets.

RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will also contribute receiving work.

The Lions Run It Back On Offense

The Lions return one of the league’s most complete offensive units in the NFL.

QB Jared Goff is back after one of his best seasons ever, ranking top five in completion rate, passing yards, and passing TDs.

The OL returns four of five starters after finishing 16th in ESPN run blocking success (72%) and 12th in pass blocking success (64%) last year. OTs Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell lock down the edges while Christian Mahogany returns on the interior. The Lions will need to replace All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow, who recently retired. 

The Lions drafted OG Tate Ratledge in the second round. He’s expected to fill in at either Center or RG immediately. 

New OC Should Keep Offense Consistent

Ben Johnson’s offense was built to play to the strengths of the passing game with quick reads, play-action, intermediate accuracy. 

The Lions were first in the NFL in points with a 52.2% pass rate and 53.4% neutral pass rate. Though they were 27th in pace, they had ranked in the top 13 the three years prior.

Unfortunately, Johnson has moved on to coach the Bears. New OC John Morton was a senior offensive assistant under Johnson in 2022. Over the last two years, he was the passing game assistant for the Denver Broncos. 

Morton vowed he would keep the offensive scheme intact, stating: “I’m not changing much. I mean, why? I mean, it’s working, right?”

If the scheme stays the same, St. Brown should continue to benefit from a strong offensive attack.

Jameson Williams

Bottom Line: Volatile WR3 with Spike Week Upside 

Williams made a long-awaited leap in 2024, flashing explosive after-catch ability and finishing with 1,000+ yards despite modest volume. His volatility and potential TD regression do make him a risk week-to-week, but he settles as a WR3 with exciting spike-week upside.

2024 Summary

Williams Posted WR2-Level Production Despite Inconsistent Weekly Output

Williams played 15 games, totaling 212.2 fantasy points (WR22) and 14.1 PPR points per game (WR26). 

He caught 58 passes for 1,001 yards (21st) and 7 TDs, while also adding 61 rushing yards and a TD on 11 carries. 

He posted four top-12 weekly finishes, though inconsistency remained with seven non-WR2 weeks.

Versatility Apparent with Increasing Target Share

Williams operated as a versatile big-play threat, lining up 64.4% wide and 35.6% in the slot.

In the final nine games (including playoffs), he earned 17.3% of the team’s targets, second to Amon-Ra St. Brown (24.6%).

Williams was one of the NFL’s most efficient WRs, particularly after the catch:

• 8.9 yards after catch per reception (first among WRs with 50+ targets)
• +1.6 yards after catch over expectation (11th)
• 2.17 yards per route (18th)
• 3.4-yard average separation (12th)

His drop rate (3.7%) and catch rate (64.4%) both improved as the season progressed. 

He ran hot, ranking WR42 in expected PPR points per game but WR25 in actual points per game.

Notably, his average target depth dropped from 13.8 yards (Weeks 1-7) to 10.6 yards (Weeks 10-18), indicating a shift toward more schemed touches and intermediate usage.

High-Volume Offense Benefited Williams

Detroit’s offense was elite in volume, ranking first in total plays.

The Lions operated a run-first system (27th in overall pass rate, 53.4% neutral pass rate) but leaned on the pass in scoring range.

This environment was ideal for maximizing efficiency and sustaining long drives, aided by a top-10 supporting cast and former OC Ben Johnson’s design.

Williams’ big-play ability after the catch made him valuable for the Lions offense, but also led to inconsistency in fantasy scoring.

Back Half of 2024 Marked Williams’ Breakout

After a quiet start to his NFL career, 2024 marked Williams' true breakout. 

From Week 10 on, he ranked WR22 in PPR points per game and saw increased involvement in all facets. 

The shift toward a lower aDOT and higher efficiency shows growth and trust in his evolving role.

Williams played 15 games in 2024, only missing games due to a suspension.

He missed one game in 2023 due to an ankle injury.

His ACL tear in college was Williams’ most significant injury, but he has stayed relatively healthy since then.

2025 Expectations

Little Threat to Williams’ Role

Williams should open 2025 as Detroit’s locked-in No. 2 WR behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. 

The Lions did add rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa in the third round, but he’s unlikely to be a significant 2025 contributor on offense.

TE Sam LaPorta will continue to be a major part of the offense and get red-zone targets.

RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will also contribute receiving work.

Lions Loaded Offense Returns

The Lions return one of the league’s most complete offensive units.

QB Jared Goff is back after one of his best seasons ever, ranking top five in completion rate, passing yards, and passing TDs.

The OL returns four of five starters after finishing 16th in ESPN run blocking success (72%) and 12th in pass blocking success (64%) last year. OTs Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell lock down the edges while Christian Mahogany returns on the interior. The Lions will need to replace All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow, who recently retired. 

The Lions drafted OG Tate Ratledge in the second round. He’s expected to fill in at either Center or RG immediately. 

Scheme Should Stay Consistent with New OC

Ben Johnson’s offense was built to play to the strengths of the passing game with quick reads, play-action, intermediate accuracy. 

The Lions were first in the NFL in points with a 52.2% pass rate and 53.4% neutral pass rate. Though they were 27th in pace, they had ranked in the top 13 the three years prior.

Unfortunately, Johnson has moved on to coach the Bears. New OC John Morton was a senior offensive assistant under Johnson in 2022. Over the last two years, he was the passing game assistant for the Denver Broncos. 

Morton vowed he would keep the offensive scheme intact, stating: “I’m not changing much. I mean, why? I mean, it’s working, right?”

If the scheme stays the same, Williams should continue to benefit from a strong offensive attack.

Sam LaPorta

Bottom Line: Comes in Cheaper With a High-Floor TE1 

LaPorta followed up his breakout rookie year with another top-10 fantasy finish in 2024, although it felt disappointing relative to the top-five TE expectations. He’ll be cheaper in 2025 fantasy drafts and remains locked in as a high-floor TE1.

2024 Summary

LaPorta Reliable Even When Volume Dipped

In 16 games, LaPorta posted 174.6 fantasy points (TE7) and 10.9 points per game (TE9). 

He caught 60 passes (11th) on 83 targets (13th) for 726 yards (6th) and 7 TDs (T-4th). 

He finished as a top-12 TE in 10 games, delivering weekly reliability even as target volume dipped slightly from his rookie campaign.

LaPorta ran a route on 77.8% of dropbacks and played 50.7% in-line with 26.5% of his snaps in the slot, showcasing versatile deployment. 

His 15.3% target share (15th among TEs) and 15.7% first-read rate reflect a steady involvement in Detroit’s offense, especially on key downs and in the red zone.

Elite YAC and Catch Rates = Efficiency

LaPorta remained one of the league's most efficient TEs:

• 1.57 yards per route (13th among TEs with 30+ targets)
• 6.1 yards after catch per reception (6th)
• 1.4 yards after catch over expectation (4th)
• 77.8 PFF receiving grade (7th)

He consistently created separation and had a strong catch rate of 75.9% with a minimal 1.9% drop rate. His 8.1-yard average target depth shows he’s used deeper than most TEs, giving him chunk-play upside.

Detroit’s Scheme and Volume Maximized LaPorta

Detroit’s offense was elite in volume, ranking first in total plays. 

The Lions operated a run-first system (27th in overall pass rate, 53.4% neutral pass rate) but leaned on the pass in scoring range.

This environment was ideal for maximizing efficiency and sustaining long drives, aided by a top-10 supporting cast and former OC Ben Johnson’s design.

Still, LaPorta thrived in the TE-friendly scheme, which uses motion, play-action, and layered concepts to create space for YAC-heavy routes.

After finishing as TE1 overall in 2023, LaPorta slightly regressed in usage (targets per route dropped from 0.24 to 0.18) but remained efficient and reliable. 

His PPR points per game dipped from 13.8 to 10.9, but he continued to outperform his expected PPG (9.7), highlighting red-zone trust and after-catch value.

Early Durability Profile Stays Strong

LaPorta missed one game in 2024 after suffering an A/C joint sprain in his shoulder in Week 10.

This minor injury was the only missed game of his NFL career.

2025 Expectations

LaPorta’s Role Locked In

LaPorta returns as a full-time player and top-three target in Detroit’s passing game alongside WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. 

The TE room has stayed consistent with Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra backing up LaPorta. Neither is a threat to LaPorta’s role.

Talented Offense Means More Red-Zone Opportunities

The Lions return one of the league’s most complete offensive units.

QB Jared Goff is back after one of his best seasons ever, ranking top five in completion rate, passing yards, and passing TDs.

The OL returns four of five starters after finishing 16th in ESPN run blocking success (72%) and 12th in pass blocking success (64%) last year. OTs Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell lock down the edges while Christian Mahogany returns on the interior. The Lions will need to replace All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow, who recently retired. 

The Lions drafted OG Tate Ratledge in the second round. He’s expected to fill in at either Center or RG immediately. 

TE-Friendly Scheme Should Continue

Ben Johnson’s offense was built to play to the strengths of the passing game with quick reads, play-action, intermediate accuracy. 

The Lions were first in the NFL in points with a 52.2% pass rate and 53.4% neutral pass rate. Though they were 27th in pace, they had ranked in the top 13 the three years prior.

Unfortunately, Johnson has moved on to coach the Bears. New OC John Morton was a senior offensive assistant under Johnson in 2022. Over the last two years, he was the passing game assistant for the Denver Broncos. 

Morton vowed he would keep the offensive scheme intact, stating: “I’m not changing much. I mean, why? I mean, it’s working, right?”

If the scheme stays the same, LaPorta should thrive in the TE-friendly environment.

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The video below finds Jared and Matt discussing Amon-Ra St. Brown's potential regression...