The Detroit Lions aren’t trying to fix something that isn’t broken. After boasting the NFL’s top offense last season, new offensive coordinator John Morton is stepping in without shaking up the formula. But make no mistake — this is now Morton’s offense, and the upcoming preseason is his chance to get comfortable calling the shots again.
Morton hasn’t called plays since 2017 with the New York Jets, but that was a very different team led by Josh McCown — not Jared Goff and a high-powered Detroit attack. This time around, he inherits a well-oiled machine and a head coach in Dan Campbell who’s not afraid to be aggressive.
Campbell is looking forward to how this four-game preseason — which kicks off with the Hall of Fame Game on July 31 — gives Morton the reps he needs in live situations. “We’re going to do a ton of calling periods, a ton of moving the ball, a ton of change-the-situation where you have to think on your feet immediately,” Campbell said.
That’s the kind of pressure Morton is learning to love again. He’s an aggressive teacher and play designer, but he knows mastering situational football under Campbell’s style is key. “Once we reach a certain place on the field, my mindset has to change,” Morton admitted. “I have to learn to do that — because that’s different.”
While he’s not overhauling the playbook, Morton is fine-tuning how he communicates and teaches concepts, especially to Goff. “I’m teaching everybody how you teach the quarterback, because I think that’s important,” he explained. “I’m not changing much. I mean, why? It’s working, right?”
Goff’s already seeing the benefits. “The biggest challenge is just getting on the same page with what you like,” he said after OTAs. “Johnny’s done a hell of a job at this point.”
Between now and Week 1, this extended preseason is more than just tune-up games. It’s Morton’s chance to put his stamp on an already elite offense — without slowing it down.
Why the Lions’ 4-Game Preseason Is Perfect for John Morton’s Offensive Game Plan
