After several seasons of feeling like Detroit was finally emerging as a legitimate contender, the 2025 campaign has brought a harsh dose of reality. The Lions sit at 7–5, third in the NFC North, and currently outside the playoff picture — a stunning turn for a team many viewed as a preseason Super Bowl threat.

Like it or not, this is the situation the Lions created for themselves. And when former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was asked for his takeaways from the division after the Week 13 slate — with three NFC North teams playing on Thanksgiving or the day after — he didn’t sugarcoat his assessment.

“My takeaway is that the Lions might’ve lost their edge,” Edelman said on FOX’s pregame show. “What defines a tough football team? Running the ball effectively, stopping the run, and keeping your quarterback clean. Seven QB hits, three sacks on Jared Goff, seven hurries — they couldn’t protect him at all. Goff needs that firm pocket.”

Edelman also pointed out the lack of defensive pressure: “Zero sacks, three hurries — they couldn’t disrupt Jordan Love, and he made them pay.”

Edelman’s blunt message stings — but he’s not wrong

As painful as it may be for Detroit fans, Edelman’s critique reflects what has gone wrong for Dan Campbell’s group this season. The qualities that once made the Lions a nightmare matchup — a punishing ground attack, dominance in the trenches, and sturdy pass protection — have faded.

While their rushing offense remains strong, the protection issues Edelman highlighted have been impossible to ignore. In the Thanksgiving game against Green Bay, Goff was sacked three times.

So far this season, Goff has gone down 26 times in 11 games. Compare that to 31 sacks last year and 30 the year before, and it’s clear how much the offensive line has regressed.

The situation grows even more complicated with Frank Ragnow sidelined after failing his physical, eliminating the possibility of him stabilizing the unit. That leaves Campbell in urgent need of redefining what this team stands for — and quickly.

If things don’t turn around soon, Detroit is staring at the possibility of missing the postseason for the first time since 202