Your eyes were not deceiving you: despite missing out on the playoffs in 2025, the Detroit Lions' offense was actually pretty decent.
While they couldn't stop a nosebleed on defense, Detroit's offense continued to hum. Their offensive line wasn't nearly as good as previous iterations, nor was their rushing game as potent, but Jared Goff still led the team to having 373.2 yards per game (5th), 4,303 passing yards (3rd), 28.3 points per game (5th), and an 0.07 EPA/play (6th).
Goff was also not the only factor contributing to that success, although he deserves his flowers for keeping composed behind a shaky line. Per PFF's Daire Callagher, Goff had one of the best supporting casts in the NFL, which should inspire a ton of hope for 2026 considering the team has only improved on paper between the end of 2025 and this offseason.
Lions' offense should inspire hope for 2026
Callagher wrote of the Lions' supporting cast, which received a 82.2 grade from PFF for 2025 (3rd):
"As for offenses who made the list for a second consecutive season, it’s no surprise to see theDetroit Lions near the top of the list once again. A below-average defense was the limiting factor for Detroit in 2025. Despite losing offensive play-caller Ben Johnson, quarterback Jared Goffspent yet another year in an outstanding structure, highlighted by stars such as Jahmyr Gibbsand Penei Sewell."
Even with Sewell's impending swap to the left side of the line, Detroit should be a lot more set for success. Cade Mays, the teams' new starting center, is coming off a solid year with the Carolina Panthers in 2025. Additionally, the team is expecting a leap from both Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany, as well as a great competition at right tackle between Blake Miller and Larry Borom.
READ MORE: Lions’ defensive concerns are hard to ignore heading into the summer
As noted, though, it wasn't their offense that we need to worry about. The defense remains a concern, with their formerly dominant and now limping safety room looking far from complete, and with a lot resting on the shoulders of Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed following a bad year from the cornerback room.
That might be Goff's most important supporting cast, despite him never sharing the field with that unit. If the defense can get anywhere close to their 2023 and 2024 heights with their additions at the edge and their secondary getting healthier, then we shouldn't expect anything less than an NFC North title for 2026. Or, at the very least...just make the postseason.
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