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Tag: Drew Petzing

  • NFLPA Grades Reveal How Players Really Feel About the Detroit Lions

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    So much for keeping it quiet.

    The Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFLPA report card has officially made its way into the public eye, despite the league originally intending for the results of the annual player survey to remain private. While the NFL won a ruling allowing the grades to stay confidential, many around the league figured it was only a matter of time before the information surfaced.

    Sure enough, here we are, and from a Lions perspective, there’s plenty to like.

    Detroit finished 9th overall in the league, landing firmly in the upper tier when it comes to how players view their workplace. The grades paint a picture of a franchise that has come a long way in facilities, leadership, and overall player support.

    A Snapshot of How Players Feel About the Lions

    The NFLPA survey is completed anonymously by players and covers everything from locker rooms and weight facilities to coaching, ownership, and travel. It’s one of the few true looks at how players feel when they walk into the building every day.

    For Detroit, the results reinforce what fans have seen during the Dan Campbell era: a team that prioritizes culture, accountability, and investment in its people.

    Below is the complete and accurate breakdown of the Lions’ grades from the 2025 report card.

    Detroit Lions 2025 NFLPA Report Card Grades

    Category Grade
    Treatment of Families B+
    Home Game Field B-
    Food / Dining Area B
    Nutritionist / Dietician A-
    Locker Room A
    Training Room A-
    Training Staff B+
    Weight Room A
    Strength Coaches A
    Position Coaches A-
    Offensive Coordinator C-
    Defensive Coordinator B
    Special Teams Coordinator A
    Team Travel B
    Head Coach A
    General Manager A-
    Team Ownership A

    What Stands Out Most

    A few things jump off the page right away.

    First, Dan Campbell’s A grade as head coach feels spot-on. His connection with players has been well-documented, and the locker room buy-in is real. Brad Holmes also continues to earn strong marks, with an A- from players, reinforcing Detroit’s trust in the front office.

    Facilities-wise, Detroit shines. The locker room, weight room, strength staff, and nutrition program all earned A-level grades, showing clear organizational investment in player health and performance.

    The lowest mark? The C- grade for offensive coordinator. That’s easily the lowest mark on the report and stands out sharply compared to the rest of the coaching staff. This is not surprising, as OC John Morton really struggled before having the play-calling duties taken from him.

    The Big Picture

    Overall, this report card confirms what many around the league already believe: Detroit is no longer a bottom-tier destination. Ranking ninth overall is a significant achievement and places the Lions among franchises that players genuinely enjoy playing for.

    Culture matters. Facilities matter. Trust matters. And in 2025, the Lions are clearly checking most of those boxes.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • How Drew Petzing Could Elevate Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta in 2026

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    When the Detroit Lions hired Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator, they weren’t just looking for a play-caller.

    They were looking for someone who sees the game the way quarterbacks do, the way defenses do, and most importantly, the way elite playmakers want their coordinator to see it.

    Petzing’s calling card around the league is simple but dangerous: identify where defenses are vulnerable and relentlessly force them to defend those weak spots. With players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta already thriving in Detroit, that philosophy could push the Lions offense to another level in 2026.

    A Coordinator Who Sees Holes Others Miss

    One thing that stands out when former players talk about Petzing is how deeply he understands defensive structure. He doesn’t just teach concepts, he teaches why defenses behave the way they do.

    Kirk Cousins, who worked with Petzing in Minnesota, once described how Petzing reframed a coverage Cousins hated seeing.

    “I had a conversation once about a coverage that I don’t like to face that I always said was really, really tough,” Cousins said via the Detroit Free Press. “He said, ‘Kirk, it may be tough but it’s loose.’”

    That phrase stuck because it perfectly captures Petzing’s approach. No coverage is airtight. Every defense leaves space somewhere. The job of the offense is to find it before the ball is snapped and punish it after.

    Petzing’s rise through the coaching ranks wasn’t fast or glamorous, and that’s part of what shaped his perspective. In an exclusive interview with the Detroit Free Press, Petzing explained how close he once came to a completely different career path.

    “All these people, their interest and their desire to do these things is not mine,” Petzing told the Free Press, reflecting on a summer spent in a business program. “I can do it, but I didn’t love it, I didn’t enjoy it… if I can make this happen, I need to make this happen cause this is 100 times better than whatever that was.”

    That clarity shows up in how he coaches. Petzing doesn’t force ideas. He builds around people. Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson believes that approach will translate seamlessly in Detroit.

    “I think what Drew does is he’s going to put his best players in a chance to showcase what they do,” Johnson said.

    That philosophy aligns perfectly with Detroit’s offensive identity.

    Why Amon-Ra St. Brown Fits This System So Well

    Amon-Ra St. Brown already wins with intelligence, leverage, and toughness. What Petzing brings is a plan to ensure those traits are constantly stressed against the defense’s weakest link.

    St. Brown’s ability to line up anywhere, read coverage on the fly, and adjust routes based on leverage makes him an ideal centerpiece for a coordinator who values matchup control. Instead of simply “feeding” him targets, Petzing’s offense is designed to force defenses into bad choices, whether that means isolating a nickel corner, dragging a linebacker into space, or manipulating safeties with formation and motion.

    That’s how volume turns into efficiency, and efficiency turns into dominance.

    Sam LaPorta Could Become the Ultimate Mismatch

    If there’s one player who stands to benefit most from Petzing’s arrival, it might be Sam LaPorta.

    Petzing has a long history working with tight ends and quarterbacks, and his Arizona offenses leaned heavily on creating favorable tight end looks. Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, who flourished under Petzing, didn’t hide his excitement about what this could mean for Detroit.

    “Obviously, we had a lot of success under him,” McBride said. “So I think he’s a great coordinator and I’m excited to see what he can do with all the weapons there in Detroit.”

    LaPorta’s combination of size, speed, and awareness already makes him difficult to defend. In a system that prioritizes finding coverage stress points, he could become a weekly problem defenses simply can’t solve.

    Jared Goff Is a Natural Fit, Too

    Another important piece of this puzzle is Jared Goff. Petzing’s offenses thrive on clarity, timing, and married concepts, all things that allow Goff to play fast and confident.

    According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Goff plans to spend significant time with Petzing this offseason reshaping the Lions playbook, a familiar process that mirrors what happened when Ben Johnson first took over.

    That collaboration matters. When the quarterback and coordinator see the game through the same lens, matchup advantages show up earlier and mistakes happen less often.

    What This Means for the Lions in 2026

    Detroit doesn’t need a radical overhaul on offense. The pieces are already there.

    What Drew Petzing offers is refinement, intentionality, and a relentless focus on exploiting defensive weaknesses. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta at the center of that vision, the Lions offense could become even more precise, more efficient, and more difficult to defend than it has ever been.

    And if Petzing’s reputation holds true, defenses won’t just be reacting.

    They’ll be guessing.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Drew Petzing Reveals What He Wants Detroit’s Offense to Be

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    If there was any doubt about whether Drew Petzing would fit in Detroit, his own words erased it quickly.

    In his exclusive interview with Pride of Detroit, the Lions’ new offensive coordinator described a philosophy that aligns seamlessly with Dan Campbell’s vision, an offense built on physicality, adaptability, and putting constant stress on opposing defenses. This won’t be a system-first operation. It will be a player-driven, punishment-based approach that evolves weekly.

    And yes, Petzing was very clear about what that means.

    Violence Isn’t a Buzzword — It’s the Standard

    What drew Petzing to Detroit wasn’t just the roster or the recent success. It was the way the Lions play the game.

    “One of the things that I firmly believe in football is that win or lose, it’s a violent game. And people on the other side of the ball need to feel it every time you step on the field. I think that identity in this building has been so prevalent throughout everything they’ve done. As an outsider looking in, you have a ton of respect for that, because that’s not always easy to do.”

    That belief is foundational. For Petzing, physicality isn’t situational — it’s constant. It’s the baseline expectation, and it informs how the offense is built from the ground up.

    An Offense Built Around Players, Not a Playbook

    Rather than forcing a rigid system, Petzing emphasized that his offense will always reflect the personnel available — and that philosophy must remain fluid throughout the season.

    “I think the key to any offense is it’s got to be built around the players you have, and you’ve got to highlight their ability and what they do best. Every roster I’ve been on, it’s going to be a little different. I wouldn’t say it’s, ‘Hey, it’s going to be this, it’s going to be that.’ It’s going to be what we feel like we’re best at and what makes us hard to defend. And I think that has to evolve each and every week you’re in this league.”

    That adaptability is a direct reflection of lessons Petzing learned in Arizona, where injuries forced weekly adjustments. It’s also a mindset that fits perfectly in Detroit, where versatility and toughness define the roster.

    Running the Ball Is an Attitude

    When Petzing talks about the run game, it’s impossible not to hear echoes of Campbell’s voice.

    “At the end of the day, the game comes down to the fundamentals, right? You’ve got to be able to block, catch, throw, tackle, run. Running the ball is an attitude thing, and it’s about moving people off the line of scrimmage. It’s about putting the ball in the hands of your best player… as often as possible to affect the game.”

    That approach doesn’t require reinvention. Petzing made it clear he isn’t interested in scrapping what already works.

    “We’re not going to completely depart from anything that they’ve done really well. I’m hoping I can bring some wrinkles that make that even more effective and maybe unlock a couple things.”

    Two Backs, One Problem for Defenses

    Detroit’s backfield is one of its greatest strengths, and Petzing sees Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery as stress multipliers when used together.

    “You’re always going to try to find ways to get your best players on the field. Whether that’s 25 times a game or five times a game—that has to be something you’re considering. When you have two players of that dynamic ability, you want to find things they can do together… because it puts stress on a defense.”

    At the same time, Petzing understands durability matters.

    “I also know no one’s going to play 100% of the snaps… if they do, they’re not going to make it through 17 games. It’s a balance.”

    Why 13 Personnel Fits Detroit’s Identity

    Heavy personnel packages aren’t about old-school football — they’re about leverage and matchup control.

    “That final piece is really the key to it: the matchups. When you have guys that can do a lot of different things, you can start to dictate things based on what the defense wants to do. It allows you to dictate to the defense a little bit more… and it gives you the freedom to jump back and forth without being predictable.”

    In other words, Detroit can force defenses into uncomfortable decisions — and punish them regardless of how they respond.

    Exactly What the Lions Were Looking For

    Petzing’s comments reinforce why Detroit targeted him in the first place. He isn’t chasing trends. He isn’t attached to labels. He believes in fundamentals, accountability, and physical dominance.

    “One of the key points of being an offensive coordinator is you’ve got to be in charge of everything, and you have to hold people accountable.”

    Detroit didn’t hire Drew Petzing to change who they are. They hired him to sharpen it — to make the offense more adaptable, more punishing, and harder to defend week after week.

    If his words are any indication, opposing defenses already know what’s coming.

    And they’re going to feel it.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Ben Johnson’s Latest Move is GREAT News for Detroit Lions

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    The Chicago Bears made a notable move on Super Bowl Sunday, promoting Press Taylor to offensive coordinator — and it turns out that decision is quietly great news for the Detroit Lions.

    Taylor, 38, had been serving as Chicago’s passing game coordinator during the Bears’ first season under head coach Ben Johnson. He steps into the OC role vacated by Declan Doyle, who recently left to become the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator.

    From a Detroit perspective, this hire closes the door on a lingering concern.

    Why Lions Fans Can Exhale

    Given Johnson’s strong ties to Detroit, there was real speculation that the Bears might look to poach a member of the Lions’ offensive staff to fill the vacancy. Two names stood out as logical fits:

    • Hank Fraley, Detroit’s run game coordinator and offensive line coach
    • Scottie Montgomery, assistant head coach and wide receivers coach

    Either would have made sense based on their familiarity with Johnson’s system and Detroit’s offensive success.

    Instead, Chicago kept the hire in-house — a win for Detroit.

    Continuity Matters for 2026

    For a Lions team aiming to return to the postseason and re-enter Super Bowl contention in 2026, offensive continuity is critical. Detroit’s roster is built around timing, chemistry, and cohesion, and losing a key assistant could have disrupted that momentum.

    With Taylor’s promotion, Detroit’s offensive staff remains intact, allowing new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to move forward without unexpected changes around him.

    Bottom Line

    Chicago filled its coordinator vacancy without dipping into Detroit’s staff, and that stability matters.

    The Lions keep their core offensive coaches, preserve continuity for their star players, and avoid an unnecessary offseason shake-up. Sometimes the best news for one team comes from a move made by a division rival.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Jared Goff Explains What Will Change Under Drew Petzing

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    Jared Goff didn’t hesitate when asked about the Detroit Lions’ decision to hire Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator.

    Speaking during the 2026 Pro Bowl festivities, the Lions quarterback made it clear he’s fully on board, and then some, calling the move a “home run hire.”

    Goff has already done his homework, reaching out to players who have firsthand experience working with Petzing and diving into film to get a feel for what Detroit’s offense could look like moving forward.

    Goff Did His Research on Petzing

    Before Petzing ever stepped into Allen Park, Goff wanted to hear directly from people who knew him best. That included a check-in with Jacoby Brissett, who previously worked under Petzing in Arizona.

    According to Goff, the feedback couldn’t have been stronger.

    “Everyone I’ve spoken to about him prior to him being hired was glowing. In particular, quarterbacks who have played for him were glowing,” Goff said, via the Detroit Free Press. “I think the thing that excites me the most is going to be his versatility. He’s not tied to an offense.”

    That flexibility is a big deal for a Lions unit that has thrived by adapting to its personnel rather than forcing players into rigid roles.

    “We’re going to kind of run what we’re best at and what we should be doing, which, some of the stuff we’ve done the last few years, that’s worked,” Goff said.

    Getting the Ball to Everyone Is the Real Challenge

    One theme kept coming up in Goff’s comments: distribution.

    Detroit’s offense is loaded with playmakers, and Goff acknowledged that managing those touches is one of the toughest parts of the job.

    “And then I think he’s got the right personality and demeanor and teaching ability, and most importantly, his intelligence and mental dexterity, for lack of a better word, to be able to kind of handle not only the complexities of what we’re going to try to do, but, like, getting the ball to guys,” Goff said.

    “That’s the hardest part of our offense. We’ve got so many mouths to feed and being able to spread it around in an efficient way.”

    That ability to balance complexity with clarity is one of the reasons Goff believes Petzing is such a strong fit.

    Expect Some Changes — But Not a Full Overhaul

    While fans shouldn’t expect a brand-new offense overnight, Goff confirmed there will be adjustments — especially when it comes to terminology and process.

    “Not from the ground up, but it’s always a reconstruction process to some degree,” Goff explained. “Regardless of if it’s the same coordinator or not, you go back, you look at what you were good at, what you weren’t good at, how you’d like to change certain things, whether it’s verbiage or process.”

    That kind of yearly self-scout is nothing new for Detroit, but Petzing’s arrival adds a fresh perspective.

    “So, yeah, you do all that stuff with him,” Goff said.

    Early Buy-In From the Quarterback

    Goff also revealed he’s already spent significant time studying Petzing’s offense, reinforcing the idea that this wasn’t just a résumé hire — it was a football fit.

    The Lions aren’t looking to reinvent themselves. They’re looking to evolve. And judging by Goff’s enthusiasm, Petzing checks every box Detroit was searching for.

    If the quarterback’s early reaction is any indication, the Lions believe they’ve found the right mind to guide an already dangerous offense into its next phase.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Report: Detroit Lions Assistant Had Major Influence in the Drew Petzing Hire

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    When the Detroit Lions began their search for a new offensive coordinator, the decision wasn’t made in a vacuum. While head coach Dan Campbell ultimately signs off on every hire, one longtime assistant carried significant influence behind the scenes: offensive line coach and run game coordinator Hank Fraley.

    The connection between Fraley and new OC Drew Petzing goes back years, and that familiarity played a major role in Detroit’s comfort level with the hire.

    The Fraley–Petzing Connection

    Fraley and Petzing worked together on the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff from 2014 through 2016, building a shared football language and philosophy that still carries weight today. That history mattered when Detroit began evaluating candidates to take over the offense.

    Fraley has been on the Lions staff since 2018 and has become one of the most trusted voices in the building. Last offseason, the organization worked aggressively to keep him from leaving for a coordinator role elsewhere, underscoring just how highly he is valued.

    Albert Breer Explains Why Fraley’s Voice Carried Weight

    Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer detailed just how important Fraley’s input was in the process — and why Petzing emerged as such a natural fit.

    Here is Breer’s full quote via Lions OnSI:

    “Ex-Cardinals OC Drew Petzing arrives in Detroit with a strong link to line coach/running-game coordinator Hank Fraley, who worked with Petzing in Minnesota from 2014 to ’16. The Lions worked hard to keep Fraley from going to Seattle to be a coordinator last year, and so Fraley’s input in their next steps on offense was always going to be important. And as such, his word carried a lot of weight.”

    That statement says everything about how this hire came together.

    Why Dan Campbell Valued Familiarity

    Dan Campbell has always emphasized trust, alignment, and culture fit when building his staff. Fraley’s endorsement of Petzing gave the organization confidence that:

    • The offensive line philosophy would remain intact
    • The run game identity would stay physical and aggressive
    • Communication between the coordinator and the trenches would be seamless
    • The offensive staff would be unified from Day 1

    Rather than chasing an outside splash hire, the Lions leaned into continuity and internal chemistry — trusting one of their most respected assistants to help guide the decision.

    What It Means for Detroit’s Offense

    Everything in Detroit’s offense begins with the offensive line, and Fraley’s unit is the engine of the entire operation. Bringing in a coordinator he already trusts and understands helps preserve the identity that helped push the Lions into Super Bowl contention.

    In short, Drew Petzing wasn’t just Dan Campbell’s choice.
    He was Hank Fraley’s guy, too.

    And in this building, that matters.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Here’s When Detroit Lions’ New OC Drew Petzing Is Expected to Speak Publicly

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    All signs point to Drew Petzing becoming the Detroit Lions’ next offensive coordinator. Multiple reports have indicated that the hire is essentially done, even though the team has not yet made it official.

    And that part? Totally normal.

    The Lions have a history of taking their time with formal announcements, especially when it comes to assistant coaches. So while fans are eager to hear from Petzing and learn more about his vision for Detroit’s offense, they may have to be a little patient.

    Some have wondered if the team will hold an introductory press conference once the hire is officially announced. But based on how the organization typically operates, that’s unlikely.

    Detroit generally does not hold standalone introductory pressers for coordinators. Instead, new assistants are usually introduced quietly through a team release, and their first extended availability with the media comes later in the offseason.

    That’s where the NFL Scouting Combine comes into play.

    As noted by Pride of Detroit, the first time Drew Petzing is expected to speak publicly with Detroit media will likely be at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which begins on February 23 in Indianapolis. That event traditionally marks the first major media availability for coaches across the league, and it’s where coordinators often meet with reporters for the first time to discuss scheme, philosophy, and roster vision.

    So while Lions fans may be refreshing social media waiting for an introductory podium moment, the reality is that Petzing’s first real media session is probably still a few weeks away.

    If history is any guide, his debut in front of microphones will come in Indianapolis, not Allen Park. And when it does, it will offer the first real window into how Detroit’s new offensive coordinator plans to build on an already explosive offense heading into the 2026 season.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Amon-Ra St. Brown Fires Back at Fans Criticizing the Drew Petzing Hire

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    Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had a very direct message for fans who are already panicking about the team’s decision to hire Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator: relax and trust the people in charge.

    Speaking on the St. Brown Podcast, the All-Pro receiver didn’t sugarcoat it.

    “Do you guys have no trust in Dan? Do you think they would just hire a random dude? Just relax, calm down and let the whole thing play out.”

    It was classic Amon-Ra — confident, blunt, and rooted in his belief in head coach Dan Campbell and the culture that has been built in Detroit.

    Trust in Dan Campbell’s Vision

    St. Brown’s comments come at a time when some fans are uneasy about the Petzing hire because he is not a flashy, headline-grabbing name. But inside NFL circles, Petzing is viewed as a sharp offensive mind who has worked closely with quarterbacks, understands timing-based passing concepts, and believes in tailoring schemes to players rather than forcing players into a rigid system.

    From St. Brown’s point of view, that’s exactly the type of coach Campbell would target. The Lions are not in the business of making random hires. Every move is filtered through culture, fit, and football IQ, and St. Brown is clearly confident that Petzing checks those boxes.

    Why Petzing Fits the Lions’ Offensive Identity

    Detroit’s offense is built on precision, physicality, and maximizing the strengths of its playmakers. That philosophy has turned Amon-Ra into one of the most productive and reliable receivers in the NFL, and it has helped Jared Goff play some of the best football of his career.

    An offensive coordinator who emphasizes spacing, rhythm, and timing could actually enhance what the Lions already do well. It also suggests continuity rather than a dramatic philosophical shift, which is important for a team that believes its Super Bowl window is wide open.

    The Locker Room Belief in the Front Office

    More than anything, St. Brown’s response reflects the trust players have in the organization’s leadership. This is the same front office and coaching staff that drafted him, developed him into an All-Pro, built one of the league’s best offensive lines, and transformed Detroit into a legitimate championship contender.

    Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have earned credibility in the locker room. St. Brown’s words show that the players are fully bought in and believe the decision-makers know exactly what they’re doing.

    Bottom Line

    The emotional leader of the Lions’ offense isn’t panicking, and he’s telling fans there’s no reason to panic either. Amon-Ra St. Brown trusts Dan Campbell, trusts the process, and believes the Drew Petzing hire deserves a fair evaluation before being judged.

    Sometimes the smartest move is exactly what St. Brown said: relax, calm down, and let it play out.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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