The Detroit Lions head into this Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears with plenty to prove. After a disappointing 27-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers in their season opener, the Lions are still adjusting to life without former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson, who guided Detroit to back-to-back NFC North titles and an NFL-best 33.2 points per game last season, departed in the offseason to become the head coach of the division-rival Bears.
In their first game of the post-Johnson era, Detroit’s offense looked disjointed. The Lions didn’t score a touchdown until the final minute of regulation. Head coach Dan Campbell admitted the team never found its rhythm. That lack of flow has quickly placed a spotlight on new coordinator John Morton, who joined from Denver after serving as the Broncos’ passing game coordinator.
Quarterback Jared Goff acknowledged the offense’s struggles but emphasized urgency and leadership. “We should be great right now,” Goff said. “Yes, there are hurdles, but we have to improve immediately, and I intend to lead that improvement.”
Part of the challenge stems from changes across the offensive line. With long-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow retiring, Detroit now has three new starters in front of Goff. Despite those changes, the Lions still returned most of their offensive playmakers. Yet their production fell well below expectations in Week 1. Running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who combined for over 2,100 rushing yards last season, were held to just 44 yards on 20 carries. Star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown caught only four passes for 45 yards, while Goff threw for 225 yards with one touchdown and one interception, rarely testing defenses deep. Tight end Sam LaPorta’s 32-yard grab was the team’s lone explosive play of the day.
“It wasn’t even close to good enough,” Goff admitted. St. Brown added that the offense’s struggles were the result of “a combination of a lot of stuff,” from missed opportunities to costly mistakes.
Despite moving the ball at times, Detroit consistently failed to capitalize in the red zone. They managed only six points from three drives inside the Packers’ 20-yard line. A long 16-play drive in the first half ended with a field goal, and another promising possession was cut short when Goff threw an interception under pressure. Early in the third quarter, the Lions reached first-and-goal at the 10, but negative plays forced them to settle for another field goal.
Veteran tackle Taylor Decker said the loss was a mixture of Green Bay’s execution and Detroit’s miscues. “We didn’t execute our game plan at the level we needed to,” he admitted.
Still, the Lions remain confident in their talent and coaching staff. “We’ve got good players, we’ve got good coaches,” Goff said. “We’ll be fine. But we need urgency in our improvement.”
That sense of urgency will be tested right away. With Johnson now leading the Bears, Detroit has a chance not only to get back on track but also to send a statement to a bitter rival. A win this Sunday in Chicago would help steady the Lions and reaffirm their place as a contender in the NFC North.