NFL analyst paints sunny picture for Lions ahead of 2026 season

The Detroit Lions had the majority of their offensive tools in place for the 2025 season, but they failed to deliver. Instead, the team rounded out the season with a 9-8 record and no trip to the playoffs.

It was a shame, especially considering the talented players that the Lions have on both offense and defense. But life without offensive coordinator Ben Johnson proved difficult.

Now, the Lions have a new offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing and are looking to make a comeback during the 2026 season. Petzing's hire wasn't met with much fanfare, especially since more high-profile candidates such as Mike McDaniel also interviewed for the position. But one NFL analyst thinks this move was a win for Detroit ahead of the 2026 season.

Lions could make a comeback with Drew Petzing's hire, according to an NFL analyst

In a piece published this week, Mike Sando of The Athletic named his favorite moves for each NFL team during the offseason. For the Lions, he has hope with the Petzing hire.

"Though the Lions' offense remained strong statistically after coordinator Ben Johnson's departure to Chicago in 2025, coach Dan Campbell demoted and fired Johnson's replacement, John Morton, who had been on Campbell's staff in 2022," Sando stated in the piece.

"Hiring Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator and Mike Kafka as passing game coordinator brings fresh thinking to Detroit as the team navigates roster attrition. Petzing and Kafka have interviewed for head-coaching jobs during recent cycles, an indication they have something new to offer the Lions."

It's refreshing to hear an NFL analyst who believes Petzing and Kafka could be a winning combination for the Lions. Let the countdown to the new season begin.