Just a week ago, the Detroit Lions were riding high with a 5-2 record as one of the anointed Super Bowl favorites. One week later, after one of the worst losses in the Dan Campbell era, the Lions are at 5-3 with 10 other teams boasting a better record. Now, Detroit needs to move forward and shift the narrative.
No Need To Panic, But Detroit Lions Must Shift The Narrative
The Lions made critical mistakes in all three phases of the game in the 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Admitting the team “never really got into a true rhythm,” Campbell called it“an abysmal day” in terms of execution and alignment. Special teams allowed a 61-yard kickoff return and a block on a Jake Bates‘ field goal. The Lions’ defense, which looked so strong two weeks ago, missed tackles, drew absurd penalty calls, and failed to execute plays.
Even before Christian Mahogany exited with an injury, the offensive line was caught napping, leaving Goff under constant pressure and taking five sacks. Although Jared Goff had a decent game (284 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers), the offense struggled on third down, converting only five of 17. An offense featuring so many exceptional talents shouldn’t find itself in that many third-down situations.
Worse still, the Lions’ premier running game stalled at the line of scrimmage, resulting in a combined 65 yards with one touchdown. Vikings defender Blake Cashman punched the ball out of David Montgomery’s hands, causing Montgomery to cough up a rare fumble. The result was a Minnesota touchdown.
Lions, Moving Forward and Focusing on Improvement
As Campbell described it, one mistake led to another. But it’s still just one loss and nine regular-season games remain. In preparing for the Washington Commanders, there were several positive takeaways last week for the Lions to build on going forward. Cornerback Terrion Arnold played a career-best game, notching his first interception and logging zero penalties. Sam LaPorta was terrific with 6 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown, while Jameson Williams finally had his chance to shine, with four receptions for 66 yards and a brilliant 37-yard score.
Oct 5, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam Laporta (87) and wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) react after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Lions Offense, Build On What Works, and Be More Creative
One of the biggest complaints against the Lions’ offense this year is the lack of creativity. The Lions’ game strategy doesn’t vary much. The offense relies on one straight-up-the-middle running play after another, directly into a pile of defenders. It’s not working. Jahmyr Gibbs‘ and Montgomery’s skillset and superior athleticism transcend repetitive, predictable calls. They are capable of more than what they are being given in the offensive scheme. This needs to be addressed.
However, three consecutive throws to LaPorta helped the Lions get off to a strong start. Repeatedly going back to LaPorta was unexpected and caught the Vikings’ defense off guard. In the Lions’ opening series, Laporta accounted for 66 yards and a touchdown. Goff has an abundance of talented receivers. The Lions’ offense needs to keep the opposing defense off balance with creative and unexpected play calling.
Lions Defense, Shut Down The Opposition On Third Down
A healthy Derrick Barnes is back. On Sunday, he contributed five tackles (four solo) and another sack (his fourth this year). One of the defensive leaders on the team, Barnes is currently second in tackles this season with 48, ranking behind Jack Campbell, who leads the team with 73.
Derrick Barnes
Oct 5, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) walks off the field following a win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Last year in Week 18, the Lions did a superlative job keeping the Vikings out of the end zone. The Lions allowed only three field goals for nine points. Amik Robertson dominated Justin Jefferson, holding him to three receptions for 54 yards. Once Kerby Joseph is back, along with Malcolm Rodriguez and potentially Marcus Davenport, the Lions defense will only get stronger. But whether the Lions defense is powered by the veteran Lions “Legion of Boom,” or the reserves’ “Legion of Whom,” the defense must do a better job of limiting the opponents’ red zone opportunities.
Lions Special Teams, Faster, Tougher, and Higher
Two of the biggest plays that led to the Vikings’ upset over the Lions involved special teams’ mistakes. Early on, Dave Fipp’s crew allowed a 61-yard kickoff return that effectively silenced the crowd at Ford Field. Later in the game, a crucial 45-yard field goal was blocked.
There are a number of talented players on special teams, and this unit typically performs much better. Jack Fox is one of the premier punters in the NFL and continues to play at a superior level. Sunday, he punted five times for 238 yards. The special teams mistakes that led to the missed returns can be corrected. The same is true of Bates’ blocked field goal, which is being blamed on a low kick. With a few tweaks and minor changes, the special teams unit can be making a big impact once again.
Lions, A New Narrative
Last season, the Lions were one of two teams, along with Kansas City, that set an NFL best record of 15-2. It was highly unlikely the Lions were going to duplicate last year’s extraordinary record. Having already lost four games, the Chiefs won’t be meeting that standard either.
Rather, the Lions goal has been to make the playoffs and ride that postseason wave all the way. The best way to ensure a trip to the playoffs is to win the NFC North division. But in one of the league’s hardest divisions, the Lions face stiff competition from the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and the Vikings. Campbell was quoted during OTAs as saying he wouldn’t have it any other way. He welcomed the competition.“Just to get through our division is going to be brutal. But it’s the right kind of brutal.”
On Sunday, the Lions ultimately ended up essentially giving the game away. The mistakes made through the blocked kick and fumble recovery resulted in two Minnesota touchdowns. Winning this division is tough enough. Detroit needs to stop giving up points through miscues, mistakes, and penalties. If they can do that, they can flip the narrative and regain control of their own destiny.
Main Photo: [Junfu Han] – Imagn Images