Here’s a fully reworked paraphrase that keeps the meaning but changes structure, wording, and flow enough to avoid plagiarism flags:
Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions may be done playing games for the year, but that hasn’t slowed down their momentum. The organization is already laying the groundwork for the 2026–27 season, and one of those early offseason decisions could be causing some uneasiness for Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears.
Detroit has been busy reshaping its coaching staff. On Monday, January 26, the Lions formally announced the hiring of Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator, taking over for John Morton. Not long after, the team added former New York Giants interim head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka to the staff in what has been described as a senior offensive position.
Petzing comes to Detroit after spending three seasons running the Arizona Cardinals’ offense from 2023 through 2025. While Arizona struggled overall, the team excelled on the ground during his tenure, finishing second league-wide in rushing average and ninth in total rushing yards. Still, the Cardinals’ lack of wins raises questions about how that success will translate in Detroit.
Kafka’s recent résumé includes stepping in as interim head coach for the Giants, where the team posted a 2–5 record under his leadership. Context matters, though, as New York was hit hard by injuries to several core players during that stretch.
So why does any of this matter to Ben Johnson? On Tuesday, January 27, Nick Halden of Da Windy City argued that Detroit’s decision to bring in Kafka should put Chicago on alert.
Halden suggested that adding Kafka signals Detroit’s intent to evolve offensively and serves as a reminder that Chicago can’t afford to coast after last season’s success. With both the Lions and Packers aiming to catch up, the Bears are now shifting from a surprise contender to a team everyone is targeting.
According to Halden, this offseason represents a critical test for Chicago’s leadership, who must show that last year’s performance wasn’t a fluke but the start of sustained success.
He also framed Kafka’s arrival as a direct challenge for Johnson and the Bears’ coaching staff to raise their level of urgency. While Chicago doesn’t need a full overhaul, strategic adjustments could be necessary.
Halden emphasized that Detroit’s move should command Chicago’s attention and spark a more aggressive approach to the offseason, adding that it will be worth watching how the Bears respond after an impressive 2025 campaign.
The situation is even more intriguing given that Kafka had long been rumored as a potential fit for the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator job. Instead, he landed with Detroit, further intensifying the NFC North arms race.
Halden noted that Kafka seemed destined to return to the division and that his presence is especially concerning for Chicago, given his early success with the Kansas City Chiefs. As quarterbacks coach, he played a key role in Patrick Mahomes’ most productive seasons during the rise of Kansas City’s dynasty.
While Petzing brings value, it’s Kafka who is generating the most buzz nationwide—and whose addition could have the biggest impact on the Lions’ competitive push.
.
