Perhaps it wasn't the most convincing win, but the Detroit Lions took care of business at home in Week 3, defeating the Jets 31-24. It required a strip-sack in the final minute of a one-possession game to secure the victory, but at this stage of the season, a win is a win. The Lions can focus on adjustments and improvement while racking up wins.
The defensive concerns remain. Kelvin Sheppard's unit wasn't particularly impressive for the third straight week, but there were positive signs to be sure.
What was more significant in Week 3 was the continuation of Detroit's effectiveness offensively.
Drew Petzing has led the Lions to new offensive heights
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing continues to press the right buttons. In fact, he has already made Lions history on Sunday.
By scoring 31 points for the third straight week, the 2026 Lions have now scored 30+ points in each of the first three games of the season for the first time in franchise history.
Given how the Lions had a top-five offense in the league in each of the past four seasons, this is quite the achievement.
This should ease some of the doubt Lions fans have been feeling. Understandably, there are many Lions fans who miss Ben Johnson. They have also been burned by John Morton last season, so they have their reasons for skepticism. This can be seen in some of the unjustified scrutiny towards Petzing on social media.
In reality, the Lions' offense has been humming. Jared Goff has had a very solid game for the third straight week. Jahmyr Gibbs may be the favorite to win the Offensive Player of the Year award.
One criticism of Petzing through the first two weeks was the overreliance on the team's offensive stars. Many wondered whether Gibbs' workload was sustainable.
On Sunday, spreading the ball was a clear priority. Sione Vaki was more involved. Isaac TeSlaa finally got going. For the first time this season, eight different players had a reception.
After the game, Dan Campbell praised Petzing and the team's offensive plan. He said that there was "a concerted effort to spread the ball around", per Nolan Bianchi, and added that Drew "did a heck of a job calling the game."
There was also more willingness to try new stuff. Defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard played one offensive snap, which led to Gibbs' goal-line touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter.
Despite the 2-1 record and scoring 30+ points in every game, the Lions still have a negative point differential. They have not been dominant, but Lions fans should be hopeful about the team going forward. At least there isn't much to worry about when it comes to offense.
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