The Media Simply Will Not Tell the Truth on the Lions Offense: Detroit Lions Media Concerns Over Lions Offense an Overreaction
In the past few weeks, as the NFL preseason chatter heats up, a wave of doubt has emerged from several corners of the media landscape regarding the Detroit Lions offense. Pundits and commentators, both national and local, have raised “concerns” over what they claim to be signs of regression, instability, or predictability in Detroit’s attack heading into the 2025 season. But here’s the truth the media refuses to acknowledge — those concerns are not only overblown, they’re misguided, misinformed, and rooted in outdated narratives. The Detroit Lions offense is not in crisis. It is not falling apart. In fact, it is evolving — and stronger than ever.
This media overreaction is not new to Lions fans. Detroit has long been a punching bag in NFL media circles, the subject of mockery, false narratives, and general disrespect. Even as the team rose to prominence under head coach Dan Campbell, culminating in a near Super Bowl appearance just months ago, the skepticism never fully went away. Now, with the new season on the horizon, the doubters are back — but this time, their arguments hold even less water.
Let’s break it down and examine exactly why the “concern” over the Lions offense is not just overstated — it’s laughably disconnected from the reality on the ground in Allen Park.
First and foremost, the core of this offense remains intact. Quarterback Jared Goff, after leading Detroit to one of its most successful seasons in franchise history, returns with full command of Ben Johnson’s system. Goff threw for over 4,500 yards last season with 30 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions, proving himself to be a steady, accurate, and intelligent leader of the offense. His chemistry with his top targets — Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams — only continues to improve.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league. That’s not speculation — it’s statistical fact. He’s coming off back-to-back 1000+ yard seasons and has become Goff’s most trusted target in critical moments. Critics who say the Lions lack elite playmakers are clearly not watching closely. St. Brown is a technician, a yards-after-catch machine, and a matchup nightmare in the slot.
Then there’s Sam LaPorta — the rookie tight end phenom who shattered expectations in his first season and quickly emerged as one of the most dangerous pass-catching tight ends in the league. His route running, toughness, and hands have given Detroit a vertical middle-of-the-field threat that keeps defenses honest.
And let’s not forget the explosive potential of Jameson Williams. While injuries and suspensions slowed his early development, the back half of last season showed what he’s capable of. His deep speed and ability to stretch the field are critical pieces of this offense’s evolution in 2025. The coaching staff has spent all offseason building specific packages to leverage his talent. If Williams takes the expected leap, he transforms this passing game into a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
But the Lions’ offense isn’t built solely around the pass — it’s grounded in one of the most dynamic backfields in the NFL. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery form a 1-2 punch that most teams envy. Gibbs’ electric speed, open-field agility, and pass-catching ability provide game-breaking potential on every snap, while Montgomery brings the bruising, between-the-tackles grit that sets the tone physically.
Last season, the duo combined for over 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 22 total touchdowns. And yet, certain media voices claim Detroit’s run game may “take a step back” this year? Based on what? Certainly not the film. Not the stats. Not the coaching.
The offensive line — the very foundation of any great offense — remains one of the top units in the NFL. Anchored by Frank Ragnow, Penei Sewell, and Taylor Decker, the Lions’ front five has both the muscle to dominate in the run game and the technique to give Goff time in the pocket. With continuity and depth returning across the line, there is no credible reason to believe they’ll falter.
So, where are the concerns coming from?
Some pundits argue that the Lions were “figured out” in the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers. While it’s true that Detroit blew a lead in that game, pinning it on the offense is flat-out lazy analysis. The offense put up 31 points on one of the best defenses in the league — on the road — and moved the ball with authority for three quarters. The defense, special teams mistakes, and coaching decisions down the stretch played a bigger role in the collapse than any offensive shortcomings.
Others claim that Ben Johnson’s return for another season as offensive coordinator may not be as impactful because “defenses have caught up to his playbook.” Again, this critique lacks real substance. Johnson is not static — he’s constantly evolving his scheme. Over the past two seasons, he’s proven capable of adjusting mid-game, utilizing motion, deception, and formation diversity to create mismatches. He’s one of the brightest minds in football, and his return is a massive win for the Lions.
Some media figures also point to the Lions’ lack of a true “WR2” as a problem. But that, too, misses the forest for the trees. Detroit doesn’t need a traditional WR2 when they have a tight end like LaPorta, a running back like Gibbs who can split out wide, and a deep-threat like Williams. The offense is built on balance, not on a rigid positional hierarchy.
The reality is this: media narratives are often shaped by habit and drama, not by accuracy. The Lions are no longer the punchline they once were, but some outlets haven’t updated their mental playbook. They still view Detroit as a cute underdog story, not as the powerhouse they are steadily becoming.
What’s more likely is that the offense may look different in 2025 — not worse. Ben Johnson has hinted at expanding the playbook, getting more creative in red zone packages, and pushing the tempo at times. The Lions know teams are studying them. They’re not staying still — they’re preparing counters, wrinkles, and fresh looks to stay one step ahead. That’s what good teams do.
Let’s also be honest — no offense scores 40 points every week. There will be games where Detroit leans on its defense, where game flow dictates a slower pace or ball control. That’s not regression — that’s balance. That’s smart football. But when this offense needs to score? It has the weapons, the line, the quarterback, and the scheme to hang points on anyone.
Critics forget that this offense carried the Lions through long stretches last season while the defense developed. They forget how efficient Goff was, how many third-and-longs were converted, how the team was third in the league in red zone scoring. The Lions offense is not a question mark — it’s an answer.
So why does the media keep ignoring that?
Maybe it’s because the Lions are disrupting the old power order. Maybe it’s because Detroit doesn’t have a national media darling at quarterback. Maybe it’s because the brand of football they play — tough, physical, unselfish — isn’t flashy enough to satisfy clicks and hot takes. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: the narrative is false.
Lions fans know what they have. They’ve watched this offense blossom from a laughingstock to a top-five unit. They’ve seen Ben Johnson turn overlooked players into stars. They’ve seen Jared Goff evolve into a leader. They’ve seen a front office build with precision and vision.
The Lions offense isn’t a concern. It’s a strength — one of the most dangerous in the league.
And anyone who’s actually watching football — not just reading off a script — should be able to see it.
