These Three Lions Players Will Dominate Working With Drew Petzing
With Drew Petzing taking over as offensive coordinator, the Detroit Lions could lean back into a system that emphasizes balance, physicality, and maximizing core playmakers. A look at Petzing’s past stops with the Vikings and Cardinals shows clear tendencies in how he builds an offense, particularly around the run game and versatile skill players. That approach sets the stage for several Lions stars to flourish.
Jahmyr Gibbs appears poised to be one of the biggest beneficiaries. Already one of the league’s most explosive backs, Gibbs could see even more creative usage in the passing game under Petzing. Film from previous seasons shows Petzing consistently finding inventive ways to get running backs into space, whether through the flats or by disguising routes off interior looks. His history of helping backs like Dalvin Cook and James Conner produce career years, along with Arizona’s record-setting rushing efficiency, suggests Detroit will again lean heavily on a dynamic ground attack to open up play-action opportunities for Jared Goff.
Amon-Ra St. Brown should remain the centerpiece of the passing offense. During his time in Minnesota, Petzing helped Stefon Diggs reach one of the most productive seasons of his career, and a similar featured role is expected for St. Brown in Detroit. The key challenge will be balancing targets among St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac Teslaa, but an efficient rushing attack could keep the chains moving and allow the receiving group to thrive collectively.
Sam LaPorta also figures to play a major role. Petzing frequently used multiple tight end sets in Arizona, and that philosophy helped Trey McBride emerge as one of the NFL’s top tight ends, including a 111-catch, 1,146-yard season in 2024. With LaPorta’s skill set and Detroit’s willingness to vary personnel groupings, the Lions’ tight end room could become another focal point in an offense designed to keep defenses guessing.
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