The Detroit Lions own one of the NFL’s most dynamic and explosive offenses. But with so many weapons at Jared Goff’s disposal, from Amon-Ra St. Brown to Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and a two-headed backfield of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, it takes more than talent to keep everything running smoothly.
That responsibility falls on offensive coordinator John Morton, who says his job doesn’t end until every option has a role in the game plan.
“I don’t go home until Friday,” Morton admitted. “That’s what I do. I sit there and try to find ways to get these guys open. But I love it. I love this part of the week, the preparation. That’s what I live for.”
Detroit Lions offense John Morton
An Offense Built on Unselfishness
Morton stressed that the Lions’ offensive success isn’t just about scheming up plays. It’s about the mindset of the roster.
“We’re such an unselfish team,” Morton said. “That’s the best thing about this team. Everybody wants the ball, even if they’re unselfish, they want to feel like they’re contributing. But the way our wideouts block, the way everyone buys in, it just sets up everything. Play-action, the run game, all of it. When a defense sees our receivers blocking the way they do, they know they have to bring it every single down.”
Morton compared the work ethic of Amon-Ra St. Brown to the greats he’s coached before, calling him “the best I’ve ever been around” because of his preparation and competitiveness. He noted that St. Brown’s habits, both in practice and during games, are contagious across the locker room.
Keeping Everyone Involved
When asked how he manages to keep such a loaded offense happy, Morton leaned on two points: tireless preparation and flexibility on Sundays.
“Sometimes it’s this guy with the hot hands, sometimes it’s that guy,” Morton said. “It just depends on what the defense is doing. We try to adapt and change if we need to, and you have to do that right away in this league.”
It’s a balancing act between planning and improvising. Morton spends his week creating packages to maximize each weapon, but he’s quick to adjust depending on how opponents play. That adaptability, combined with the Lions’ willingness to sacrifice for each other, has turned Detroit’s offense into a nightmare for defenses.
The Big Picture
Four weeks into the season, the Lions are leading the NFL in points scored, proof that Morton’s approach is working. And while the stats are impressive, Morton insists his philosophy is simple.
“All I care about is winning,” he said. “I don’t care how it is, running the ball, throwing it, whatever it takes. That’s all I care about, man. As long as we’re winning.”
Bottom Line
The Lions’ offense isn’t just about star power. It’s about balance, buy-in, and belief. With Morton orchestrating from the booth, the Lions have found the rare combination of explosive talent and complete unselfishness, the exact recipe championship teams are built on.