Man, 15-2 already seems like such a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away! The Week 1 performance from the Detroit Lions may have some of the fans of the Motor City gritty kitties very concerned about the upcoming season. According to Sports Illustrated, Detroit was the most bet-on team to miss the playoffs for the 2025/2026 NFL season.
This could be the result of a combination of the brutal schedule, losing both coordinators, and losing All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow to retirement. After falling flat to the Green Bay Packers in the season opener, does that make Week 2 against the Bears a must-win?
Lions’ Slow Start Against the Packers
Detroit was quickly humbled in Week 1 as they traveled to Lambeau, or as some delusional fans dubbed, “Ford Field West.” As if the team didn’t spend the majority of 60 years getting their a** handed to them by the Packers. Despite the average performance from their new superstar, Micah Parsons, Green Bay’s defense shut down the league’s best offense from a year ago.
The loss of both coordinators and Ragnow seemed very evident. Green Bay’s effort to shut down the “Sonic & Knuckles” running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery was the top priority. They were able to keep the tandem under 50 yards for the game, which seems nearly impossible. Quarterback Jared Goff was also held in check, as he was limited to 225 passing yards on 31 completions! The Lions were only able to muster 13 points, leaving fans with a high level of concern!
Ben-Edict Johnson Returns to Ford Field
Fans of Detroit are still feeling some kind of way about Ben Johnson’s departure from the team. Johnson accepted the head coaching job for the Chicago Bears days after the team’s debacle in the playoffs last season. The Washington Commanders walked into Ford Field in the divisional round of the playoffs and punched the 15-2 number 1 seed Lions and Dan Campbell right in the face. Instead of fighting back and biting the kneecaps, the Lions weren’t able to recover.
Johnson’s offense with Detroit was one of the most unique and efficient in all of the NFL during his tenure in the 313. Now it’s life after the divorce. Not only did Campbell lose his offensive coordinator this past offseason, but also his defensive coordinator. Aaron Glenn was hired as the new head coach of the New York Jets. Johnson’s departure, however, stings a little more since he decided to stay within the brutal division that is the NFC North.
Is Sunday a Must-Win for the Lions?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear-cut answer for this question. We all know by now that teams that start 0-2 have about a ten percent chance of making the playoffs and even less of a chance to win the Super Bowl. For the Detroit Lions, that is the ultimate goal. I know, I am still not used to saying those words in the same sentence. Not only would the Lions be 0-2 on the season, but also 0-2 within the division in which they ran the gauntlet just a year ago, going 6-0 in the North.
The question becomes, was the recent success due to Dan Campbell’s coaching, Ben Johnson’s offense, or a combination of both? If the Lions fall to a division rival and “Benedict” Johnson, how panicked do you become as a fan?
Final Thoughts
Obviously, there is still a lot of season left. A loss in Week 2 will not be the end of the Lions’ season, but it will cause an uphill battle for the team. The lackluster performance by the offense in Week 1 is the reason why I believe the starters should get some reps in the preseason. Especially when learning an entirely new offense and defense. Then sprinkle in guys playing new positions, trying to replace a former first-round pick and All-Pro lineman.
The team has had a week to put the loss against the Packers behind them and to focus on their former coordinator coming back to town. With the Pack dominating the Commanders on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 2, Lions fans may feel slightly better. We will see if they ironed out the kinks from the first game and how they progress. If the offense looks like it did in the opener, you may want to hold your finger above the panic button since the schedule won’t be getting any easier anytime soon!
