O-Line Woes: Can the Lions Fix Their Pass Protection Issues?

The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 season with Super Bowl aspirations, fueled by a potent offense that led the league in scoring last year. However, after a disappointing 27-13 Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers, a glaring issue has emerged: pass protection. Can the Lions address their offensive line woes and protect quarterback Jared Goff effectively enough to keep their championship hopes alive?

The State of the Lions’ O-Line

The Detroit Lions’ offensive line, once considered the bedrock of their offensive success, is facing significant challenges in 2025. After boasting a franchise-best 15-win season in 2024, the team has been forced to navigate substantial changes up front. The retirement of four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow and the departure of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to the Tennessee Titans have created critical gaps.

PFF ranked the Lions’ offensive line 13th in the league, noting that “Perhaps no unit is expected to drop off more in 2025 than the Lions’ offensive line.” They cite the losses of Ragnow and Zeitler, and the reliance on young, unproven players to fill those voids.

Week 1 Performance: A Cause for Concern

In their opening game against the Green Bay Packers, the Lions’ offensive line struggled mightily. Jared Goff was under constant pressure, sacked four times, and hurried on numerous other occasions. The running game also suffered, averaging a meager 2.1 yards per carry.

Sack Breakdown: Tate Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, and Taylor Decker each allowed a sack, with Goff being responsible for the other.
Rushing Woes: The Lions rushed for just 46 yards on the ground, a far cry from their dominant rushing attack of 2024.

Key Players and New Combinations

With the departure of key veterans, the Lions are relying on a mix of seasoned players and fresh faces to solidify their offensive line.

Taylor Decker (LT): A veteran leader and a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line, Decker’s performance is crucial to the unit’s success.
Penei Sewell (RT): The All-Pro right tackle is a dominant force in both run blocking and pass protection. Sewell’s continued excellence is essential for the Lions’ offense to thrive.
Graham Glasgow (C): Shifting from guard to center to fill the void left by Frank Ragnow, Glasgow’s ability to anchor the line and make accurate calls will be vital.
Christian Mahogany (LG): A second-year guard, Mahogany is stepping into a starting role and will need to quickly adapt to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses.
Tate Ratledge (RG): The rookie second-round pick is tasked with replacing Kevin Zeitler, a significant challenge for a young player.

Coaching and Leadership

Offensive line coach and run game coordinator Hank Fraley faces arguably his toughest challenge yet. Fraley, who has been with the Lions since 2018, is tasked with molding the new-look offensive line into a cohesive and effective unit. His leadership and expertise will be critical in helping the young players develop and the veterans adjust to their new roles.

Goff Under Pressure

Quarterback Jared Goff’s performance is inextricably linked to the effectiveness of the offensive line. When Goff has a clean pocket, he excels. However, his performance drops significantly under pressure. The Lions must find ways to protect Goff and give him the time he needs to make plays.

Potential Solutions

Improved Communication: Decker and Goff both cited communication issues as a factor in the Week 1 struggles. Improving communication and ensuring everyone is on the same page is paramount.
Scheme Adjustments: Offensive coordinator John Morton may need to make scheme adjustments to provide Goff with quicker reads and easier throws. This could involve more play-action passes, screens, and shorter routes.
Utilizing the Running Backs: The Lions have two talented running backs in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Using them effectively in the passing game can provide Goff with additional options and help alleviate pressure.
Tight End Support: Tight ends can provide valuable assistance in pass protection, chipping edge rushers and helping to create a clean pocket for Goff.

The Road Ahead

The Lions face a tough road ahead, with a challenging schedule and a highly competitive division. To achieve their Super Bowl aspirations, they must address their offensive line woes and find ways to protect Jared Goff. With improved communication, scheme adjustments, and the continued development of their young players, the Lions can overcome these challenges and restore their offensive line to its former glory.