The Detroit Lions are about to face a few games without their standout tight end, Sam LaPorta. For offensive coordinator John Morton, who still
How John Morton Plans to Adjust Detroit’s Offense Without Sam LaPorta
The Detroit Lions are about to face a few games without their standout tight end, Sam LaPorta. For offensive coordinator John Morton, who still plays a key role even though head coach Dan Campbell is calling plays, this isn’t about simply getting by—it’s about reshaping the offense on the fly.
The Situation
After going just 3-for-13 on third downs against the Eagles, losing LaPorta could seem like a major setback. But Morton isn’t worried. In fact, he framed it as an opportunity to reimagine Detroit’s offensive approach over the next few weeks.
Third-Down Struggles
Morton was blunt: 3-for-13 on third down is unacceptable. Detroit’s conversion rate has fallen from a top-five mark last season to 27th this year. According to Morton, the core issue is simple—players aren’t consistently winning one-on-one matchups.
Still, he believes the team’s football intelligence is strong enough to bounce back, and he emphasized that the coaching staff has a responsibility too: they need to design plays that put players in better positions to succeed, starting immediately.
Life Without LaPorta
When asked where the offense feels LaPorta’s absence most, Morton’s response was immediate: “All the time.” LaPorta isn’t just a great tight end; he’s a versatile weapon who impacts blocking, receiving, route timing, and matchup advantages. Losing him highlights how integral he is to Detroit’s identity.
Yet Morton seemed energized rather than discouraged. He sees it as a puzzle to solve, saying the situation opens opportunities for other players and demands creative thinking.
New Formations, New Faces, and Experimentation
Morton suggested that the team will try “different packages” this week, with heavier reliance on 11 personnel—three wide receivers and one tight end. That translates to:
More three-WR sets
Increased snaps for Brock Wright
Expanded roles for Kalif Raymond and Isaac TeSlaa
More motion, shifts, and attempts to exploit defensive mismatches
Last week, Wright, Raymond, and TeSlaa combined for only two catches on eight targets—a rate that won’t suffice in LaPorta’s absence. Someone will need to step up as the intermediate-yardage option that LaPorta normally provides.
Morton wants mismatches, variety, and creativity, and he made it clear the team will test multiple approaches until they find something that works.
Opportunity for Growth
Morton’s attitude makes one thing clear: this is less about damage control and more about evolving Detroit’s offensive identity until LaPorta returns.
More experimentation
More opportunities for underutilized players
A focus on improving third-down efficiency
If the Lions can solve the third-down issues and a player emerges to fill the tight end void, they can navigate this stretch successfully—and potentially come out stronger.
Detroit isn’t merely trying to “get by” without LaPorta. Morton is treating this as a chance to innovate, trying new formations, packages, and matchups until the offense finds a fresh rhythm. With the right adjustments, the Lions can handle this challenge and remain a threat on offense.
plays a key role even though head coach Dan Campbell is calling plays, this isn’t about simply getting by—it’s about reshaping the offense on the fly.
The Situation
After going just 3-for-13 on third downs against the Eagles, losing LaPorta could seem like a major setback. But Morton isn’t worried. In fact, he framed it as an opportunity to reimagine Detroit’s offensive approach over the next few weeks.
Third-Down Struggles
Morton was blunt: 3-for-13 on third down is unacceptable. Detroit’s conversion rate has fallen from a top-five mark last season to 27th this year. According to Morton, the core issue is simple—players aren’t consistently winning one-on-one matchups.
Still, he believes the team’s football intelligence is strong enough to bounce back, and he emphasized that the coaching staff has a responsibility too: they need to design plays that put players in better positions to succeed, starting immediately.
Life Without LaPorta
When asked where the offense feels LaPorta’s absence most, Morton’s response was immediate: “All the time.” LaPorta isn’t just a great tight end; he’s a versatile weapon who impacts blocking, receiving, route timing, and matchup advantages. Losing him highlights how integral he is to Detroit’s identity.
Yet Morton seemed energized rather than discouraged. He sees it as a puzzle to solve, saying the situation opens opportunities for other players and demands creative thinking.
New Formations, New Faces, and Experimentation
Morton suggested that the team will try “different packages” this week, with heavier reliance on 11 personnel—three wide receivers and one tight end. That translates to:
More three-WR sets
Increased snaps for Brock Wright
Expanded roles for Kalif Raymond and Isaac TeSlaa
More motion, shifts, and attempts to exploit defensive mismatches
Last week, Wright, Raymond, and TeSlaa combined for only two catches on eight targets—a rate that won’t suffice in LaPorta’s absence. Someone will need to step up as the intermediate-yardage option that LaPorta normally provides.
Morton wants mismatches, variety, and creativity, and he made it clear the team will test multiple approaches until they find something that works.
Opportunity for Growth
Morton’s attitude makes one thing clear: this is less about damage control and more about evolving Detroit’s offensive identity until LaPorta returns.
More experimentation
More opportunities for underutilized players
A focus on improving third-down efficiency
If the Lions can solve the third-down issues and a player emerges to fill the tight end void, they can navigate this stretch successfully—and potentially come out stronger.
Detroit isn’t merely trying to “get by” without LaPorta. Morton is treating this as a chance to innovate, trying new formations, packages, and matchups until the offense finds a fresh rhythm. With the right adjustments, the Lions can handle this challenge and remain a threat on offense.
