Frozen in Lambeau: Why the Lions’ Offense Stalled Against the Packers
The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 season with Super Bowl aspirations, but their offensive machine sputtered in a Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers, 27-13. After two years of NFC North dominance, the Lions’ quest to prove themselves as true contenders faced an immediate, icy setback at Lambeau Field. The Packers, fueled by the acquisition of star pass rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys, showcased a defensive performance that left Detroit searching for answers. Why did the Lions’ offense, which led the NFL in scoring last season, suddenly freeze up in Green Bay?
A Change in the Air: Life After Ben Johnson
The most apparent change for the Lions is the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who became the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Johnson’s innovative play-calling was instrumental in Detroit’s offensive explosion over the past few seasons. Now, with John Morton taking the reins, the Lions’ offense looked disjointed and predictable.
“We never really got into a rhythm,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said after the game. The numbers back that up. Detroit averaged just 3.8 yards per play, a far cry from their league-leading output in 2024. They didn’t find the end zone until the final minute, a 13-yard pass from Jared Goff to rookie Isaac TeSlaa.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted the absence of creativity and explosiveness that Johnson once provided. Dan Orlovsky went even further, stating the Lions are “not even close” to the same offense this year.
Goff’s struggles
Jared Goff’s performance was a key factor in the offensive struggles. While his final stat line of 31 completions on 39 attempts for 225 yards with one touchdown and one interception doesn’t seem terrible, a deeper look reveals troubling signs.
According to Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna, 26 of Goff’s 31 completions were for six yards or fewer. This indicates a reluctance to push the ball downfield. Goff’s average depth of target was a mere 4.2 yards, significantly lower than his 7.2-yard average in 2024. This lack of downfield passing contributed to Goff’s low 5.8 yards per attempt, compared to 8.6 last season.
“Not even close to good enough, not even remotely close,” Goff said of his performance. “It was frustrating.”
One glaring stat highlighted Goff’s struggles in the red zone, where he went 1-of-4 for 5 yards with an interception. Last season, Goff had 23 touchdowns and zero interceptions in the red zone.
Film analysis reveals that Goff missed opportunities to make throws, particularly on third down. There were instances where he didn’t take the necessary chances, opting for safer, shorter passes. Some analysts believe Goff needs to be more of a “gunslinger” and take more risks, even if it leads to additional interceptions.
The Ground Game Grinds to a Halt
The Lions’ usually reliable rushing attack was also a major disappointment. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who combined for over 2,000 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns last season, were held to a combined 44 yards on 20 carries.
Campbell emphasized the importance of establishing the run, stating, “We got to be able to master bread and butter before you get to all the other stuff. The other stuff won’t matter if we can’t find a way to run the football for more than 2.1 per carry. That’s where everything starts for us.”
The Packers’ defense deserves credit for stifling the Lions’ ground game. They consistently clogged running lanes and tackled effectively in space. Linebackers Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker were dominant, limiting Gibbs to just 19 rushing yards on nine carries.
Offensive Line Woes
The struggles in the running game can be partly attributed to issues on the offensive line. The retirement of center Frank Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowler, has left a void in the interior. Veteran Graham Glasgow, Ragnow’s replacement, struggled at times against the Packers’ defensive front.
“How is the interior of that offensive line gonna play without Frank Ragnow? Well yesterday is any indicator, they’re in trouble,” Rex Ryan said.
The offensive line’s inability to create running lanes and protect Goff contributed significantly to the Lions’ offensive woes. Goff was sacked four times, and the Packers consistently pressured him, leading to errant throws and stalled drives.
Parsons’ Impact
The Packers’ acquisition of Micah Parsons proved to be a game-changer. Parsons made his presence felt immediately, sacking Goff and disrupting the Lions’ offensive rhythm.
“Micah Parsons’ arrival in Green Bay helped the Green Bay Packers put their recent NFC North struggles behind them,” the Associated Press reported.
Parsons’ ability to pressure Goff forced the quarterback into quick, short throws, negating the Lions’ downfield passing game. He also contributed to Goff’s interception, showcasing his impact as a pass rusher.
A Defensive Holding Call That Changed the Game
Detroit trailed 17-6 in the third quarter when Brian Branch made a diving interception and returned it for an apparent touchdown. However, a defensive holding penalty on Rock Ya-Sin nullified the play, swinging the momentum back in Green Bay’s favor.
Campbell acknowledged the impact of the penalty, stating, “We made some critical errors at the worst times possible. You take those out of the equation, and it looks different.”
Looking Ahead
The Lions’ offensive struggles against the Packers exposed several areas that need improvement. The team must find a way to replace Ben Johnson’s play-calling creativity, establish a consistent running game, and improve the offensive line’s performance. Goff needs to be more aggressive and take more chances downfield.
Despite the disappointing loss, the Lions have the talent and coaching to turn things around. They will face a tough test in Week 2 against Johnson and the Chicago Bears, providing an opportunity to prove that their offensive struggles in Lambeau were an aberration.