Lions praised for messy move they had to make this offseason

The Detroit Lions look different. That's what happens when a team goes from one of the league's biggest surprises to trying to find its footing again. Losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson changed the direction of the offense, and even with plenty of talent still on the roster, the Lions struggled to look like the same team that had everyone paying attention.

For Detroit fans, it was painful and a bit shocking to watch them go from first to last in the NFC North. How is this same team that had almost made it to the Super Bowl just a short time ago? 

Now, head coach Dan Campbell is back with a new offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing, and it will be interesting to see how it all pans out.

Lions and Dan Campbell praised for offseason move

One change the Lions quickly make this offseason was kind of forced on them. It was letting go of cornerback Terrion Arnold.

It's the move Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports calls their best and a needed one during the offseason. In a feature out on Tuesday, Vacchiano ranks every NFL team going into training camp, and he has the Lions at No. 15. It could be better. It could be worse.

"The Lions did the right thing releasing CB Terrion Arnold, their 2024 first-round pick, after he was arrested on kidnapping and robbery charges," he notes. "He missed half the season last year, and their secondary will be more than fine without him."

So, which team does he have dead last? Petzing's old team, the Cardinals.