Even though the 2025 NFL season is only in Week 4, Detroit Lions fans can finally put their offensive concerns to bed. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's departure was a big blow this summer; however, new OC John Morton has looked like a suitable replacement.
Morton drew plenty of criticism -- and rightfully so -- in the season-opening loss to the Green Bay Packers. He called a predictable game without the team's signature trickery and deception, and the offense looked pedestrian at best. It seemed like it was going to be a long season.
Morton didn't sound overly concerned about the Lions' woes, though, and after watching the team in the following two weeks, he might've been right. Perhaps it was just a case of the jitters, or they needed to shake off the rust.
Lions OC John Morton One-Ups Ben Johnson in Week 3 Win
The Lions put up an absolute show in Monday's 38-30 win over the Baltimore Ravens. They had six scoring drives and only punted three times, scoring five touchdowns against a legitimate Super Bowl contender. It's not just what they did but how they did it.
Morton took a page out of Johnson's book, bringing every trick in the bag to keep the Ravens' struggling defense guessing. From flea flickers to a trick play to get the lead in the second half (h/t @pikkitsports), Lions fans saw it all.
The Lions' recent offensive success has come without giving up on their identity. Once again, they were the same overly-aggressive team they've been since head coach Dan Campbell took the reins, going for it on fourth down three times while converting each attempt, including a game-sealing conversion in the fourth quarter.
The Lions have now put up 90 points in the past two games alone, and while both of the defenses they faced didn't perform all too well, they're showing that they can thrive through the air and on the ground with Johnson calling the plays. He clearly deserves plenty of credit for what he did in the Motor City, but life has gone on just fine without him.
Despite the struggles in the season opener, the Lions are the second-highest scoring team in all of football at 34.3 points per game. Morton has proven that he's more than capable of handling Johnson's hold job, leaving time to tell if he has any more tricks up his sleeve as early as Week 4.