DETROIT LIONS
2024 Record - 15-2-0
Head Coach - Dan Campbell
2024 Offensive Rank - (2nd overall) - 409 YPG; Passing - 263 YPG (2nd), Rushing - 146 YPG (6th); SCORING - 33.2 PPG (1st)
2024 Defensive Rank - (20th overall) - 342 YPG; Passing - 244 YPG (30th), Rushing - 98.4 YPG (5th); SCORING - 20.1 PPG (7th)
Key Additions for 2025 - D.J. Reed, Jr. (DB), Roy Lopez (DL), Grant Stuard (LB), Rock Ya-Sin (DB)
Key Losses for 2025 - Kevin Zeitler (OL), Carlton Davis III (DB), Za'Darius Smith (DL), Kindle Vildor (DB)
OFFENSE - Quarterback Jared Goff passed for 4,629 yards with 37 touchdowns and had 12 interceptions a year ago. His main targets in the Lions passing game are wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown (115 receptions, 1,263 yards, 12 TD), Jameson Williams (58, 1,001, seven TD) and tight end Sam LaPorta, who had 60 receptions for 726 yards and seven touchdowns. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 1,412 yards (5.6 YPC) and scored 16 touchdowns while also adding four more (receiving) scores along with 52 receptions for 517 yards. David Montgomery had 775 rushing yards (4.2 YPC) and scored twelve touchdowns.
DEFENSE - Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was limited to five games because of a broken leg, but he still had a team leading 7 1/2 quarterback sacks last season. Nose tackle Alim McNeill is coming off a knee injury and he had 3 1/2 sacks. Marcus Davenport and Tyleik Williams round out the front four. Linebackers include Jack Campbell (125 tackles) along with outside backers Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone. The defensive backfield features safeties Kerby Joseph (NFL leading nine interceptions) and Brian Branch, who picked off four passes last year. The corners are Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed, Jr. while Khalil Dorsey, Morice Norris and Amik Robertson add depth in the secondary. In 2024, the Lions intercepted 16 passes and amassed 37 sacks.
OUTLOOK - With both team coordinators gone, Head Coach Dan Campbell will look for the offensive machine to continue to roll (Detroit led the NFL in scoring last year) while the defense looks to remain steady. The Lions had a solid run defense in 2024, but the pass defense was lacking in giving up big plays even while frequently intercepting opposing quarterbacks. Having Aidan Hutchinson back in the fold will help big time in putting pressure on opponents. Improved defense will be the key for the Lions this season, especially if they make the playoffs again.
On offense, quarterback Jared Goff has so many weapons it is almost ridiculous. The running game as well as the passing attack are top ten qualities for the team, so as long as the Lions can avoid injuries, they should continue to mix it up and light up the scoreboard. The problem in the Motor City the last two years has been the post-season as they blew a big lead to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC title game two years ago and last year in the divisional round were ambushed by the Washington Commanders and rookie QB Jayden Daniels while playing on their home turf. The Lions have the potential to reach the Super Bowl, but they have to make it happen once the playoffs arrive. It's up to them to make it happen, the time is now and the hype machine must follow up this time around.
2025 SCHEDULE
Week One - at Green Bay
Week Two - vs. Chicago
Week Three - at Baltimore
Week Four - vs. Cleveland
Week Five - at Cincinnati
Week Six - at Kansas City
Week Seven - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Eight - BYE
Week Nine - vs. Minnesota
Week Ten - at Washington
Week Eleven - at Philadelphia
Week Twelve - vs. N.Y. Giants
Week Three - vs. Green Bay
Week Fourteen - vs. Dallas
Week Fifteen - at L.A. Rams
Week Sixteen - vs. Pittsburgh
Week Seventeen - at Minnesota
Week Eighteen - at Chicago
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