After missing the 2025 NFL playoffs, the Detroit Lions called in some much-needed changes to undo their mistakes in the 2026 NFL season by replacing John Morton and signing a replacement for David Montgomery. 

Analysts Tyler Rowland and Lorin Cox raised their concerns around Dan Campbell’s strategy of signing Drew Petzing and Isiah Pacheco while interacting on the Locked On NFL YouTube channel.

“I do like the moves that they made on the offensive line at this point to kind of reinvent themselves there, but replacing David Montgomery with Isiah Pacheco, I'm not too certain about that,” Rowland said. “And really, you know, replacing Dan Campbell's play calling at the end of the season with Drew Petzing, those are the big questions that I have, especially the offensive coordinator.”

The two analysts were concerned about the sudden identity change that the two new signings offer to the Lions. 

The analysts were critical of Pacheco’s signing because he was signed as the replacement of departing Montgomery, a part of the “Sonic-Knuckles” pair with Jahmyr Gibbs.

Meanwhile, none of Pacheco's rush attempts were longer than 20 yards last year.

“I think part of this is in that mentality idea of like not only did their rushing yards come down,” Cox said. “But their rushing attempts were huge. They just didn't run the ball as much.”

Back in 2024, the Lions went elite with a 15-2 record. They recorded the league's 6th-best rushing attack, powered by the Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery pair. 

Combining the facts, the chemistry between the two RBs would be interesting to see.

Previously, the Lions' offense flourished around Ben Johnson’s systematic offense, combined with Campbell’s grit. Whereas for Petzing, it is more dependent on tight end usage. 

He prioritizes gap-blocking run concepts and consistently dials up effective play-action passes off strong rushing attacks.

This time, the Lions offense will be led by Petzing, and all eyes are now on the Lions-Cardinals match in the 2026 season.

Dan Campbell and the Lions Eye Revenge Clash Against the Cardinals

OC Drew Petzing has coached the Arizona Cardinals for the past three seasons. This time, the former coach will be facing his former team on the gridiron.

Per the Lions' schedule, they are set to play the Cardinals on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Week 5 at State Farm Stadium, Arizona.

As reported by Donnie Druin of the Arizona Cardinals on SI, the fans are considering it as a redemption match for the Cardinals to show Petzing how much the team has improved post his departure under the new OC Nathaniel Hackett.

Last time back in 2024, the Lions defeated the Cardinals in their home stadium by 20-13, where the Lions took the early touchdowns with a lateral pass trick-play from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Now with the roster and coaching staff being set, the Lions are eyeing their status as a playoff contender.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote