The Detroit Lions have battled questions all offseason regarding their offense following the addition of John Morton to replace Ben Johnson at coordinator.
Lost in the debate about what could happen, however, is the fact that Dan Campbell has put his imprint on the offense from the start. Following the dismissal of Anthony Lynn as play caller in 2021, Campbell took the reigns and the Lions never looked back. Johnson joined him and eventually became the face of the new-look attack.
Some have conveniently forgotten Campbell's role in changing things for Detroit, but one person who hasn't is Fox Sports analyst and former offensive lineman Mark Schlereth. As Schlereth explained on FS1's "Breakfast Ball," he expects Campbell to be hands-on keeping the standard he helped set.
"Where I don't think Dan (Campbell) gets enough credit is Dan understands that offense. I was calling games where he was calling plays and transitioning to Ben Johnson. He's got a heavy hand in the way that offense is structured, the way they run that offense. He's big into that. He's very smart when it comes to X's and O's, how to use personnel to do all those things. What you've seen over the last few years is not 'Hey, Ben Johnson, take over and run the show.' It's very much Dan Campbell is involved in that, so he will get back more involved in that offense as well to make sure it runs as he has established it from the beginning."
While Johnson was key in the operation, it's important to remember he may never have gotten the chance to flourish if not given the opportunity to hone Campbell's game plan first. With the head coach still in charge, there's reason to feel confident that things won't dramatically change given he has written the book on the Detroit offense.
Analyst believes Detroit Lions won't suffer without Ben Johnson
When it comes to 2025, what will the Detroit offense look like? Many have been projecting the Lions will take a downturn, but others have looked deeper and realized that the franchise still has fantastic pieces dotting the roster.
Analyst Danny Parkins revealed on "Breakfast Ball" that he believes the standard will remain the same for the Lions, especially considering the quality players the franchise retains for whomever calls the plays.
"I think the Lions are still an excellent football team. As high as I am on Ben Johnson becoming the coach of the Bears, I think that's a bigger add for the Bears than it is loss for the Lions. I think a lot of people can be the play caller for a team that has a top two offensive line, a very accurate veteran quarterback, a true No. 1 receiver, a truly elite tight end, a great two-headed attack at running back and other speed and talent on offense. I didn't even mention Jameson Williams, former 12th overall pick, he's blazing (with) real big play potential. I think a lot of offensive coordinators could go to Detroit and look great."
If the offense is indeed Campbell's baby, he will not let things spiral, especially with Detroit still within their Super Bowl window. No matter who is calling the plays, the Lions have the talent to put up points and hold to the principles which have driven them.
