The Detroit Lions return from their bye week with a 5-2 record, and one of the most notable aspects of their strong start is that it’s come despite integrating two new coordinators. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has been an immediate success and could even draw head-coaching interest as early as this offseason. On the other hand, offensive coordinator John Morton remains a work in progress as the Lions prepare for the season’s second half.
Morton’s offense has produced plenty of positives so far, helping Detroit rank eighth in total yards per game and third in points per game through seven contests. Still, there are areas in need of improvement — something head coach Dan Campbell emphasized when speaking with reporters Monday. One particular focus, Campbell said, is fixing the team’s struggles on third down.
“I know some of it has been we have not converted like we should on third down,” Campbell said, via the Lions’ official YouTube channel. “Third down is the most glaring thing right now. We have to be better. I mean…it’s right there. So those are things that Johnny [and I] looked at, and that’s been the focus. The big focus for us is making sure we can find a way to convert.”
Dan Campbell Sends Strong Warning About Lions’ Third-Down Issues
While Campbell praised the overall performance of the offense, he was right to point out third-down efficiency as a major weakness. Detroit currently ranks 21st in the NFL with a 37.6% success rate on third downs through seven games. Though the Lions have compensated somewhat by converting 8 of 13 fourth downs (61.5%), Campbell emphasized the importance of execution and precision earlier in drives.
“It starts there, but it’s also, man, it’s one player here, it’s one thing there, it’s one misstep,” Campbell said. “It’s, you know, everybody’s doing it right. One guy misses on the assignment, and then we go to the next play and now that guy got it right, but another guy missed his [assignment] and that hurts, you know? But that’s what happens. You get in rhythm. You get in the flow. You do your job and then pretty soon, we’re clicking. So nothing to panic over, but there’s certainly room to improve.”
Third-down play isn’t the only concern, though. Campbell hinted that several offensive adjustments may follow the bye. David Montgomery’s workload has been a frequent topic, and Campbell mentioned plans to get him more involved alongside Jahmyr Gibbs after Montgomery totaled only 17 carries for 45 yards in the two games before the break. Jameson Williams has also seen his usage decline, recording 17 receptions for 289 yards and two touchdowns after reaching 1,000 yards in 2024.
Those adjustments will need to take effect beginning Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings and continue through the remainder of the season if the Lions hope to stay in contention in a crowded NFC playoff race.
