Winning 15 games in 2024 despite all the injuries this team dealt with was nothing short of remarkable. Still, after such a strong season, a step back feels possible, especially with the departures of Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn to head coaching positions.

After the 2022 season, the Eagles lost Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon to head coaching roles, and they faltered the next year, fading badly down the stretch.

That same kind of label is now being thrown at the Lions heading into 2025, with some critics even flat-out calling them overrated…

“Detroit (alongside Kansas City) tied for the league’s best record at 15-2 last year, and early Super Bowl odds favored them. But the Lions might regress this year, not only due to losing OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn, but also because of the retirements of center Frank Ragnow and the free agent loss of right guard Kevin Zeitler—two vital pieces of an offensive line that powered a top rushing attack and helped Jared Goff post the NFL’s second-best passer rating.”

Jones makes valid points—losing Johnson and Glenn stings, but missing two elite linemen could hurt even more. Ragnow’s late retirement was a gut punch, while Zeitler leaving in free agency wasn’t too shocking.

Even with key losses on offense, the Lions return a top tackle tandem, an elite running back room, a top-7 wideout in Amon-Ra St. Brown, and reinforcements returning from injury across the roster. Detroit should remain NFC North favorites, but new coordinators could impact their playoff ceiling.

What we may see in 2025 is more weight falling on Jared Goff and Dan Campbell, who must elevate their games—both are top-tier at what they do, and 2025 is the time to validate it.

Calling the Lions “overrated” feels a bit premature—they seem appropriately rated heading into the 2025 season. But if they can’t overcome the losses of Johnson and Glenn, that tag could stick and prove to be justified.