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The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 season with high expectations despite a disappointing 9-8 finish a year ago. Detroit made significant changes to both its roster and coaching staff this offseason in an effort to rebound and reclaim the NFC North title.
General manager Brad Holmes addressed several needs during free agency and the draft, while new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing takes over an offense that remains one of the league’s most talented on paper. However, even contenders have areas of concern, and the Lions are no exception.
Here are the three biggest red flags Detroit will have going into the season.
1. Finding a reliable pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson
One of Detroit’s biggest uncertainties is replacing the production opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Although Al-Quadin Muhammad finished last season with 11 sacks, that total was somewhat misleading. He recorded 7.5 sacks over three separate games before becoming far less impactful for much of the remainder of the season. Replacing his production will not simply be about sack totals but also about creating consistent pressure.
The competition appears to be between veteran DJ Wonnum and rookie Derrick Moore, with Payton Turner also in the mix. Turner, a former first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2021, has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. If he can finally remain on the field, his athleticism could make him an intriguing addition to Detroit’s defensive front.
Wonnum brings experience entering his seventh NFL season and has proven he can be a dependable rotational pass rusher. Meanwhile, Moore is the highest-drafted edge defender selected by Brad Holmes since drafting Hutchinson. While Moore has considerable upside, relying on a rookie to immediately fill a starting role always carries risk.
2. Questions remain in the cornerback room
Detroit’s secondary took an unexpected hit when the team moved on from former first-round pick Terrion Arnold. While Arnold was far from a proven star, his departure leaves even more uncertainty at one of the roster’s thinnest positions.
DJ Reed is expected to lead the group as the Lions’ top cornerback. Before suffering a hamstring injury last season, Reed had established himself as one of the league’s more reliable corners. However, after returning from injury, his play noticeably declined. Detroit is counting on him to return to his previous form, but there is no guarantee that will happen.
The competition for the No. 2 cornerback job should be one of the most intriguing battles during training camp. Veteran Rock Ya-Sin enters camp as the favorite, but third-year defensive back Ennis Rakestraw will have every opportunity to earn significant playing time. If neither player separates himself, the Lions could find themselves searching for answers during the season.
3. Another new offensive coordinator
For the second consecutive season, Jared Goff and the Lions offense will be adjusting to a new offensive coordinator.
Detroit hired former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to replace John Morton. Petzing has built a reputation as an innovative run-game designer and should have more offensive talent in Detroit than he did in Arizona. Still, there will inevitably be an adjustment period.
The Cardinals posted a 15-36 record during Petzing’s tenure, but that record does not tell the full story. Arizona was in the midst of a rebuild while competing in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions against the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.
Even so, installing a new offensive system always presents challenges. If Petzing can maximize the Lions’ talented roster and quickly establish chemistry with Goff, Detroit’s offense should remain among the NFL’s best. If not, another slow start could make reclaiming the NFC North much more difficult.
Continue reading...
General manager Brad Holmes addressed several needs during free agency and the draft, while new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing takes over an offense that remains one of the league’s most talented on paper. However, even contenders have areas of concern, and the Lions are no exception.
Here are the three biggest red flags Detroit will have going into the season.
1. Finding a reliable pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson
One of Detroit’s biggest uncertainties is replacing the production opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Although Al-Quadin Muhammad finished last season with 11 sacks, that total was somewhat misleading. He recorded 7.5 sacks over three separate games before becoming far less impactful for much of the remainder of the season. Replacing his production will not simply be about sack totals but also about creating consistent pressure.
The competition appears to be between veteran DJ Wonnum and rookie Derrick Moore, with Payton Turner also in the mix. Turner, a former first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2021, has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. If he can finally remain on the field, his athleticism could make him an intriguing addition to Detroit’s defensive front.
Wonnum brings experience entering his seventh NFL season and has proven he can be a dependable rotational pass rusher. Meanwhile, Moore is the highest-drafted edge defender selected by Brad Holmes since drafting Hutchinson. While Moore has considerable upside, relying on a rookie to immediately fill a starting role always carries risk.
2. Questions remain in the cornerback room
Detroit’s secondary took an unexpected hit when the team moved on from former first-round pick Terrion Arnold. While Arnold was far from a proven star, his departure leaves even more uncertainty at one of the roster’s thinnest positions.
DJ Reed is expected to lead the group as the Lions’ top cornerback. Before suffering a hamstring injury last season, Reed had established himself as one of the league’s more reliable corners. However, after returning from injury, his play noticeably declined. Detroit is counting on him to return to his previous form, but there is no guarantee that will happen.
The competition for the No. 2 cornerback job should be one of the most intriguing battles during training camp. Veteran Rock Ya-Sin enters camp as the favorite, but third-year defensive back Ennis Rakestraw will have every opportunity to earn significant playing time. If neither player separates himself, the Lions could find themselves searching for answers during the season.
3. Another new offensive coordinator
For the second consecutive season, Jared Goff and the Lions offense will be adjusting to a new offensive coordinator.
Detroit hired former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to replace John Morton. Petzing has built a reputation as an innovative run-game designer and should have more offensive talent in Detroit than he did in Arizona. Still, there will inevitably be an adjustment period.
The Cardinals posted a 15-36 record during Petzing’s tenure, but that record does not tell the full story. Arizona was in the midst of a rebuild while competing in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions against the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.
Even so, installing a new offensive system always presents challenges. If Petzing can maximize the Lions’ talented roster and quickly establish chemistry with Goff, Detroit’s offense should remain among the NFL’s best. If not, another slow start could make reclaiming the NFC North much more difficult.
Continue reading...
