What are the Detroit Lions getting from Anthony Lynn?

A new era has begun for the Detroit Lions, with pending changes at quarterback and other positions, expect a different look. Newly acquired offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn could provide an offense that Lions’ fans are unfamiliar with.

It’s no secret that Lynn wants a run-heavy offense. However, over the years, he’s adapted his passing schemes to accommodate for his quarterback. In quarterback Philip Rivers’ days, Lynn and former offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt used a west coast offense that played to Rivers’ strength.

When quarterback Tyrod Taylor came to town, Lynn implemented more concepts from a spread offense. After Tyrod’s lung puncture fiasco, quarterback Justin Herbert became their starter, where the offense adapted concepts from a vertical passing scheme.

Sports Illustrated Charger Report provided their offensive philosophy more clearly from offensive coordinator Shane Steichen’s explanation.

"“You want to build some things around what your quarterbacks do. What your quarterbacks do, let’s work to their strengths and build off that. And that’s the same with all positions. You want to put your guys in a position to be successful.”"

That philosophy is parallel to how head coach Dan Campbell wants to run his team. The biggest disservice the Lions have done to quarterback Matthew Stafford was hiring head coaches that forced him to be a quarterback he’s not.

Lynn’s scheme in Detroit will presumably be based on who their next quarterback will be. What does he excel at? What type of players does he work best with? That’s a general idea.

Outside of the passing scheme, put your money on Lynn using a dominant zone-running scheme. Lynn is known to love outside and inside zone concepts, which should benefit running back D’Andre Swift immensely. Perhaps even running back Kerryon Johnson as well.

In terms of the offensive packages he uses, a few interesting things to note. Only five teams used standard 11-personnel (three wide receivers-one tight end) more than the Los Angeles Chargers this past season. And three teams who’ve used the 12 personnel (two wide receivers-two tight ends) less.

Another eye-catching statistic, Lynn used two running back packages at the second-highest rate last season. So, expect more tight end T.J Hockenson and less Jesse James. As well as Detroit bringing in a few running backs this offseason.