For years, one of the Detroit Lions‘ most dangerous offensive weapons has been their play-action passing game.
Whether it was Jared Goff finding Amon-Ra St. Brown over the middle, hitting Sam LaPorta down the seam, or connecting with Jameson Williams deep downfield, Detroit’s offense thrived when defenses were forced to respect the run.
But as the 2025 season wore on, that aspect of the offense became far less effective.
On Thursday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell explained exactly why.
The Problem Wasn’t Play Action
According to Campbell, Detroit never abandoned its play-action concepts.
In fact, the Lions continued calling them throughout the second half of the season.
The problem was that opposing defenses no longer had the same reason to fear the running game.
“We tried a lot of play action.”
Campbell quickly pointed to the real issue.
“The issue was we weren’t running the ball particularly well late in the year.”
That decline had a ripple effect throughout the offense.
Play action works best when linebackers and safeties are forced to react aggressively to the threat of a handoff. Without a consistently effective rushing attack, defenses can stay disciplined and focus more attention on the passing game.
Everything Starts With the Run
Campbell made it clear that Detroit’s offensive philosophy has not changed.
No matter how much the NFL evolves into a passing league, the Lions still believe championship-caliber football begins with controlling the line of scrimmage.
“Everything here starts on the ground.”
And Campbell emphasized that isn’t changing anytime soon.
“It always will.”
The Lions have built their identity around physical football since Campbell arrived in Detroit. Even with an offense led by Jared Goff and a collection of elite playmakers, the running game remains the foundation.
Why the Running Game Matters in January
Campbell’s comments offered insight into how Detroit views postseason football.
The Lions may have one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, but Campbell believes playoff success still depends on being able to run the football when opponents know it’s coming.
“If you want to go deep in the playoffs, you better be able to run the freaking ball.”
That mindset helps explain why Detroit has invested so heavily in its offensive line and why Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to take on an even larger role in 2026.
Campbell recently called Gibbs the team’s “bell cow” and said the Lions plan to put even more on his plate this season.
The Lions Still Believe in Play Action
Despite the struggles late last year, Campbell has no plans to move away from play action.
There is simply too much evidence showing how effective it can be when Detroit’s offense is operating at its best.
The Lions coach pointed to two key reasons why the concept remains a major part of the game plan.
“Our players are good at it.”
And perhaps most importantly:
“Our quarterback is outstanding at it.”
Throughout his career, Goff has been one of the NFL’s most effective quarterbacks operating off play fakes. When paired with a successful rushing attack, it becomes one of the most difficult offenses in football to defend.
Why This Matters for 2026
If Campbell’s comments reveal anything, it’s that the Lions believe the solution is straightforward.
Run the football better.
Everything else flows from there.
With Jahmyr Gibbs expected to serve as the focal point of the offense, a revamped offensive line, and Goff returning for another season under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Detroit expects its play-action game to return to form.
And if that happens, the Lions offense could once again become one of the NFL’s most dangerous units.
