RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesDetroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), left, talk to offensive coordinator Drew Petzing before practice during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
With Detroit Lions training camp officially opening up this week, it’s time to fit in some last-minute predictions for the 2026 team.
In a lot of ways, this team will likely sink or swim by their offense. When Detroit’s offense is humming, they’re one of the most dangerous teams in football. When it struggles… well, you saw what happened last year. Obviously, if this team plans on making a Super Bowl run, they’ll need help from both sides of the ball. However, most week’s their offense is likely going to carry them.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Where will the Lions’ offense rank in 2026?
My answer: Well, last year felt pretty close to a worst-case scenario, and here’s where Detroit ranked in many statistical categories:
6.0 yards per play — 3rd
28.3 points per game — 4th
7.4 yards per pass attempt — 4th
103.6 passer rating — 3rd
4.6 yards per carry — 9th
7th in DVOA
9th in EPA per play
12th in success rate
So by almost every measure, they were a top-10 offense. But when you get to some of the more revealing, advanced statistics, it was closer to 10th than fifth.
The question, to me, isn’t whether this will be a top-10 offense. It absolutely should be. The question is will it be a top-five offense? A top-two offense? The best offense?
Obviously, the Lions invested in the offensive line with the signing of Cade Mays and the drafting of Blake Miller. Will the completely reformed offensive line be a noticeable improvement out of the gate? That’s hard to say with so many moving parts, including a completely new offensive coordinator.
Speaking of which, that’s a reason to be hopeful with the Lions offense in 2026. While Drew Petzing certainly doesn’t have a spotless resume, he’s shown more in the OC role than last year’s coordinator John Morton.
But, again, all of these “improvements” are theoretical at this point. Not to mention the backfield is almost certainly worse with the trade of David Montgomery.
Still, the Lions have a top-10 quarterback, a top-five receiver, a top-five tight end, a top-two running back, and arguably the best offensive tackle in football. I am willing to say with confidence they’ll be a top-five offense, but I can’t commit to much more than that until I see the offensive line come together and Petzing find some comfort in this offense.
Where do you think the Lions will rank in offense in 2026? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comment section.
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