Lions’ Offense Stalls in Opener Without Johnson

New coordinator John Morton’s debut marred by struggles in loss to Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Detroit Lions’ offense faltered in its first game without former coordinator Ben Johnson, falling 27-13 to the Green Bay Packers in Sunday’s season opener at Lambeau Field.

New offensive coordinator John Morton, making his debut after being promoted in January, saw his unit limited to 246 total yards, including just 46 on the ground. The Lions managed one touchdown, a late Jared Goff-to-Isaac TeSlaa connection in garbage time, long after the game was decided.

Morton, who previously served as a senior offensive assistant in Detroit in 2022 and as the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator from 2023-24, inherited one of the NFC’s most efficient groups. Under Johnson, the Lions thrived on balance and creativity. On Sunday, they struggled to sustain drives and rarely threatened downfield.

Goff completed 31 of 39 passes for 225 yards but threw an interception. With the run game stifled, Detroit’s attack leaned heavily on short throws and quick routes that Green Bay’s defense contained. Penalties and mistimed routes compounded the frustration, killing momentum on several possessions.

By halftime, Detroit trailed 17-6 after settling for two field goals. Green Bay’s defensive front controlled the second half, forcing long-yardage situations that kept the Lions off schedule and allowed the Packers to dictate tempo.

The contrast with last season was stark. Johnson’s offense often opened with crisp, scripted drives and kept defenses guessing with motion and layered play-action. On Sunday, four of Detroit’s first five series ended in punts, and the Packers adjusted easily to what little rhythm the Lions found.

The loss puts early pressure on Morton, who has not held a full coordinator role since 2017. His task is clear: restore balance, get the running game back on track and create cleaner windows for Goff. Without those fixes, Detroit risks losing the offensive identity that helped push the franchise into contention.

The Lions return home next week searching for solutions. One game into the post-Johnson era, Detroit’s offense looks more like a work in progress than a finished product.