A new era for the Detroit Lions offense begins this Sunday as they’ll kick off the 2026 NFL season against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Sept. 13. After a short stint with John Morton, Drew Petzing will make his debut as the new offensive coordinator for the Lions as he looks to guide Detroit’s offense back to an explosive play style that made them the top seed in the NFC just two short seasons ago.
Expectations are high for Petzing as the Lions' offensive coordinator following three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. After a 2025 season in which the Lions finished 9-8 and fell short of the postseason, fans hope Detroit will reclaim its crown as NFC North champions and make a deep postseason run to the Super Bowl.
Expected to open the season with a victory over the Saints, here's how Petzing can have a strong debut as the Lions' offensive coordinator.
Offense puts up high points
The best way Petzing can set the tone as the new offensive coordinator is to put up big numbers in the season opener against the Saints on Sunday. Morton’s short-lived career as the Lions' offensive coordinator didn’t get off to the brightest start last season, as Detroit scored only 13 points on the road against the Green Bay Packers in the season opener at Lambeau Field on Sept. 7, 2025.
For Petzing, it’s crucial to get off to a strong start, especially with the Buffalo Bills looming on Sept. 17 in Week 2 and against a New Orleans team that the Lions offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, should have success against the Saints defense.
READ MORE: Jahmyr Gibbs seems to be front of mind for the Saints ahead of Week 1
A quality 30-point offensive performance for the Lions in a win over the Saints would be viewed as a strong start for Detroit under Petzing as their offensive coordinator. To beat the Bills in Week 2, however, at their brand new Highmark Stadium, a shootout similar to their Dec. 15, 2024 game at Ford Field may be required.
Creativity with explosive plays
In the first season without former offensive coordinator, now coach of the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson, one aspect of the Lions' offense that was missing last year, which fans were accustomed to seeing during the 2024 season, in which they finished 15-2, was explosive plays.
To be one of the top teams in the NFC and make a run at the Super Bowl, the Lions must return to being an explosive offense if they hope to reach Los Angeles on Feb. 14, 2027. In his debut, Petzing will look to get creative with explosive plays, which will definitely be something that the Lions can build on as the season continues and that fans will want to see.
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