As the 2025 NFL season wraps up, the Detroit Lions are facing a pivotal matchup against their rivals, the Chicago Bears, in Week 18 at Soldier Field. The Bears, under the direction of former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, have secured a spot in the NFL postseason, marking a stark contrast to the Lions’ disappointing season. Despite entering the year with high hopes, the Lions saw their reign at the top of the NFC North slip away.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has expressed concern over his team’s performance, particularly highlighting the struggles of the ground game as they prepare for their final contest. Campbell candidly stated that the running game has been a significant area of need throughout the season. “It’s everything,” he remarked, signaling the urgency to address this weakness as they head into the offseason.
Acknowledging the challenges faced this season, Campbell hinted at potential changes within the organization, although he emphasized the need for reflection before making any definitive moves. “Change is inevitable. Now, it may not be much, but there will be something that’ll change,” he noted, suggesting that adjustments may be necessary to improve the team’s performance moving forward.
John Morton, the offensive coordinator who succeeded Johnson, supports Campbell’s assessment, indicating that the run game has been a consistent focus. However, he recognized the struggle to execute effectively, stating, “We all have our hand in all of this, so it’s just a little bit of everything.” The Lions, who showcased one of the league’s best rushing offenses in 2024, have seen their performance plummet to one of the weakest this season.
Another significant concern pointed out by Campbell is the state of the offensive line, which has been plagued by injuries and the retirement of four-time Pro Bowler Frank Ragnow. With the line currently ranked 20th in run block win rate and 31st in pass block win rate, the Lions have allowed a concerning total of 36 sacks throughout the season. Campbell expressed a desire to enhance this critical unit, stating, “I’d probably start with the O-line… just want to see… if we can polish some things up.”
With one game remaining, the Lions are looking to finish the season on a positive note while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a more successful campaign in 2026. As they assess their shortcomings and potential changes, there remains hope that the adjustments made will set the stage for a rejuvenation of the franchise’s fortunes in the coming years.