By Moses Joshua 
As the 2025 NFL season winds down, Detroit’s head coach pinpoints the ground game and offensive line as critical areas for improvement.
As the 2025 NFL season nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions prepare for their Week 18 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. While Chicago secures a playoff berth under the leadership of former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Detroit reflects on a season that fell short of expectations, ending their reign atop the NFC North.
For head coach Dan Campbell, identifying the team’s shortcomings has been a priority, and he did not shy away from pinpointing what he believes was the largest factor behind Detroit’s struggles this year.
Struggles on the Ground: The Lions’ Offensive Hurdle
Campbell did not mince words when discussing Detroit’s rushing attack.
“It’s everything,” Campbell said regarding the ground game, highlighting a stark contrast from the team’s elite rushing performance in 2024 to one of the league’s weakest this season.
His offensive coordinator, John Morton, who saw his play-calling duties removed midway through the season, echoed the challenges faced by the offense.
“It’s always been a big emphasis every single week, the run game and trying to get it going,” Morton said. “And sometimes you get behind the 8-ball and you’ve got to throw it and sometimes you don’t get the right looks and sometimes we just ain’t executing. We all have our hand in all of this, so it’s just a little bit of everything.”
Campbell hinted that addressing the ground game will be central to offseason plans, noting that changes are likely as the organization evaluates the season.
“There’s a lot of things that go into it,” he said. “And do I have a couple of ideas? Maybe right now, but I need some time here. I need time to really sit down and think about all this. But what we do know is one way or another probably change is inevitable. Now, it may not be much, but there will be something that’ll change.”
Offensive Line Woes Compound the Problem
Detroit’s offensive struggles were compounded by injuries and roster turnover along the line. With the retirement of four-time Pro Bowler Frank Ragnow and multiple injuries throughout the season, the Lions’ offensive line struggled to provide consistency.
“I’d probably start with the O-line,” Campbell said. “Just want to see—and just a tick more, just a little bit better. See if we can polish some things up, work together, work our combinations just a little bit.”
The statistics underscore the concern: the Lions’ offensive line ranked 20th in run block win rate and 31st in pass block win rate, surrendering 36 sacks over 16 games. Addressing these weaknesses, according to Campbell, will be key as Detroit looks to rebound in 2026.
As the Lions close the season against the Bears, the organization faces a critical offseason filled with reflection, potential changes, and a focus on revitalizing the ground game and offensive line. For Campbell, the message is clear: the foundation must be strengthened before Detroit can reclaim its place at the top of the NFC North.