By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions are entering the 2025 NFL season with high expectations—and an even louder wave of doubt. After a 15-win campaign in 2024, which many considered miraculous given the wave of injuries they endured, the Lions are now facing the dreaded “overrated” label before training camp even begins.
Yes, Detroit finished 15-2 last season—tied for the league’s best record alongside Kansas City. But that kind of success brings intense scrutiny, and this offseason hasn’t been easy. They lost both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who each accepted head coaching jobs elsewhere. That’s a massive blow in both strategy and leadership.
We’ve seen this story before. Look no further than the Philadelphia Eagles after their 2022 Super Bowl run. They lost Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon to head coaching roles—and the following season, their performance declined, culminating in a disappointing finish.
Now, some are wondering if Detroit will suffer a similar fate.
NFL writer Mike Jones weighed in on the matter, stating:
“Detroit (and Kansas City) posted the best record in the league last season at 15-2, and oddsmakers gave the Lions strong early votes of confidence for Super Bowl contention. But the Lions could take a step back in 2025, and not just because they lost former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching jobs. The retirement of four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow and free agency departure of right guard Kevin Zeitler also left huge holes in the heart of an offensive line that last season paved the way for one of the top rushing attacks and enabled quarterback Jared Goff to post the second-best passer rating in the league.”
Jones raises fair points. While the departures of Johnson and Glenn are already major concerns, losing both Frank Ragnow—who retired unexpectedly—and Kevin Zeitler—who exited in free agency—deals a serious blow to the Lions’ offensive line. That line was instrumental in both the run game and Jared Goff’s standout performance.
Despite these losses, all is not bleak in Detroit. The Lions still have a lot going for them: a top-tier offensive tackle duo, an elite running back rotation, a proven top-7 receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown, and key players returning from injury. They’re still the favorites to win the NFC North.
But questions remain about whether they can go beyond the division and make a deep playoff run. Without their former coordinators, the Lions may have to rely more than ever on the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff. Fortunately, both have already proven they belong in the league’s upper echelon. Now, it’s about proving it again—under more pressure.
Personally, I don’t believe the Lions are overrated. They seem appropriately rated considering what they’ve accomplished. But unless they can overcome these major offseason losses, that label may prove to be more accurate than fans would like.