The Detroit Lions didn't have the season anyone expected in 2025, and a big reason that was the case was the struggles of an inconsistent offense.
While the Lions had injuries and other problems, one of the biggest issues was a disconnect within their offense. Coordinator John Morton struggled to get into a proper flow, and those issues started early in the season. It came to a head when Dan Campbell replaced him midseason as a play caller.
This offseason, the Lions moved on with Drew Petzing, formally of the Arizona Cardinals. On the surface, it seemed as if Petzing was a better fit for the Lions given his mindset and track record in the league. With Detroit back on the field for OTA work, some early reviews are coming in, and they are extremely positive.
Quarterback Jared Goff was asked about working with Petzing so far, and told the media in no uncertain terms what makes his new coach so great. Specifically, he used the buzzword "listening" multiple different times when summing up his early impressions of Petzing.
"He's been awesome. He really has. He's been great to work with. He's got a lot of his own ideas and he's also very open to listening to everything that we want to do and it's been a fun synergy between him and our whole offensive staff. It's been great. He's done a great job. He's a great listener and he really puts the players first and it's awesome."
Last season, it seemed the Lions never gelled with Morton, and the reason could be simple. He may not have gotten along with the team's top players, because he refused to listen to them and connect on a personal basis. That could be even more true for Goff, who runs the show. Give Petzing credit for coming in and mending this key portion of the relationship immediately.
Getting the Lions back on track offensively could be as simple as having a different personality that rubs people in a much better way and listens.
Goff praises Petzing's energy and ability to connect with his players
Morton's biggest mistake seems to have been an abrasive approach with his Detroit stars. The Lions had offensive success for the better part of four years, and last year, Morton might not have made it comfortable enough for his key players.
Now though, Goff sees Petzing coming in and having an energetic spirit. When combined with his ability to collaborate and share good ideas, it makes for a very fun work environment for a quarterback to exist in.
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"(I like) his energy, his excitement about everything, his ability to listen to us, but all at the same time, have ideas that he really likes and stands on. And it's fun. He's doing a great job, and I'm excited to continue to work with him."
As the Lions search for the inches they lost in 2026, having a figure like Petzing come in and provide a rejuvenating spirit for Goff and the offense could prove to be huge. Already, it seems as if Detroit is on a better track than they were last season thanks only to this fact.
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