Earlier this month, Dan Campbell confidently declared the Lions were exactly where they needed to be heading into training camp. But not everyone's buying the optimism, as some NFL executives believe former Lions OC Ben Johnson could once again expose Detroit's biggest flaws.

Kevin Patra of NFL.com explained in a recent article that, despite current Lions OC Drew Petzing's experience, whether he will be beneficial remains the biggest question.

"Petzing has experience and is well regarded, but what if Campbell simply can’t find his next Ben Johnson?” wrote Patra.

Johnson has been the head coach of the Chicago Bears since last year.

“Then there is the question of yet another new offensive coordinator. Drew Petzing is the fourth OC under Campbell in six seasons. Two -- Anthony Lynn and John Morton -- didn’t make it a full season before having play-calling duties stripped," writes Kevin Patra of the NFL.com regarding Detroit potentially losing its form.

Just a year after finishing 15-2, the Lions fell hard to a 9-8 record last season, finishing last in the NFC North and missing the playoffs, while Ben Johnson won the division in his first season as the Bears' head coach.

During Johnson’s three years with the Lions, they never ranked below fifth in points or total offense. But since he left after the 2024 season, there has been chaos, to say the least.

After John Morton's disappointing stint last season, the Lions brought in Drew Petzing with great enthusiasm. Dan Campbell places tremendous trust in his new offensive coordinator.

“The first thing that drew me to him was his tape,” Campbell said, according to the Lions’ official website on April 2. “Anytime we had a crossover tape, I love what they did offensively.”

Despite those concerns, Campbell has expressed confidence that the Lions are in a strong position heading into training camp.

Dan Campbell stands firm despite outside doubts

On June 17, during a press conference, Campbell was asked about the Lions' chances of winning this year. His response was straightforward: he said he was feeling good about how training camp was going.

“I’m excited, I am. I feel really good about where we’re at right now, knowing what we’re getting into six weeks from now. I feel really good. I feel great about the staff, and I feel like we have the right type of players that we’re going to need to rely on,” said Campbell as per NFL insider Brad Galli X post.

While Campbell is confident, Patra has his own concerns. According to the NFL insider, injuries to Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have cast doubts over the Lions' defense.

On top of that, lingering concerns surrounding Terrion Arnold and the lack of a proven pass-rushing partner for Aidan Hutchinson leave Detroit facing major defensive question marks.

Whether Campbell can overcome the concerns surrounding life after Ben Johnson will become clearer once the Lions begin their 2026 campaign.

What are your thoughts on the Lions' performance this season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey