As the Detroit Lions reach the midpoint of their season, the team is still trying to determine its true identity. Their 5–3 record heading into Week 10 suggests they’re a legitimate NFC contender, but persistent offensive inconsistencies have kept them from looking like a complete, championship-ready squad.

After a surprising 27–24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, much of the scrutiny has shifted toward Detroit’s offense — and specifically toward first-year offensive coordinator John Morton. Problems such as Jahmyr Gibbs being overused in pass protection and weaknesses along the interior offensive line were key factors in the defeat, and both players and coaches have begun voicing their concerns.

Even head coach Dan Campbell has reportedly spoken with Morton about potential adjustments. Now, star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has joined in, offering pointed comments that have added more pressure to the coordinator’s already warming seat — pressure that could intensify if the offense underperforms again against the Washington Commanders.

“For us on offense, the main thing I keep thinking about is flow,” St. Brown told Will Burchfield of 97.1 The Ticket. “It just feels like we haven’t been in sync all season. There have been a couple of games — like against the Bears and the Ravens — where it clicked, but overall, we’ve been missing that rhythm and execution.”

Morton Under Fire as Offense Struggles to Find Rhythm

Morton took on a difficult challenge when he replaced Ben Johnson, who left to become head coach of the Chicago Bears. Despite that, Detroit’s offensive statistics haven’t been poor — the Lions currently rank seventh in yards per play (5.8) and second in scoring (29.9 points per game) heading into Sunday’s matchup in Washington. Still, St. Brown’s comments echo the growing sense within the locker room that something just isn’t connecting.

When David Montgomery received only four carries in the October 12 loss to Kansas City, Campbell reportedly stepped in and told Morton to rebalance the game plan. Detroit’s ongoing third-down struggles haven’t helped either — the team ranks 25th in conversion rate (36.3%) and went just 5-for-17 (29.4%) against Minnesota.

Meanwhile, Jameson Williams’ limited involvement in the passing game has become another point of frustration. These issues have prompted plenty of second-guessing about Morton’s play-calling, a stark contrast to the creativity and consistency that defined Ben Johnson’s offense last season.

If Morton can get Detroit’s offense back into a groove against the Commanders, the criticism might ease up. But until that happens, remarks like St. Brown’s — and growing dissatisfaction among key players — could become an ongoing storyline for the Lions.