Detroit Lions Film Review: Diverse offense keeps Panthers guessing
When the Detroit Lions walked away victorious from their week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, it sure felt different. To be honest, it’s hard to put it into words. Was it redemption? Was it domination?
It sure felt like both.
In convincing fashion for consecutive weeks, the Lions earned another win after beating the Panthers by a score of 42-24. This win got them to a 4-1 record and with how the offense is clicking, it’s hard to imagine them slowing down any time soon.
Certainly, there will be a speed bump or two along the way but this Detroit Lions offense is legit. Dating back to last season, the Lions have produced points in the first and fourth quarters in 14 consecutive games. They’ve got an 11-3 record during that span. That’s the longest streak of games to produce points in both of those quarters in NFL history.
There’s no question that we can applaud offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for the job he’s done in Detroit. However, the players on the offense still need to come out and execute. Whether the Lions are playing with or without some of their best playmakers such as Amon-Ra St. Brown or Jahmyr Gibbs, they’re not missing a beat. No question, there needs to be kudos given to quarterback Jared Goff, who has had a career resurgence since his arrival to Detroit.
No matter the opponent, it feels like watching the Lions offense is appointment TV. It felt that way against the Carolina Panthers in week 5, and it’ll be the same feeling in week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Let’s jump into the tape to see why the Lions offense is diverse and why they’re one of the best units in football right now!
One of the first things that jump out when watching the Detroit Lions offense is the amount of times they send a player in motion. Whether it’s Sam LaPorta moving around the formation or Jahmyr Gibbs on an exit motion to the sidelines, they like to move players around.
So far this season, the Lions have used motion 53% of the time. That has them ranked 8th in the NFL for motion percentage, per SIS. In addition to that, they’re under center for 48% of their plays. That’s most in the NFL, per SIS.
Looking at the play above, you’ll see the Lions not only use motion, but they’ll also have Jared Goff under center. Aligned in 11 personnel (one running back and one tight end), the Lions will put Kalif Raymond (WR 11) in motion to the right of the formation.
As Raymond sprints across, the ball is snapped and Goff fakes a hand-off to the running back while turning his eyes downfield. While Goff reads the field, Raymond is sprinting vertically down the field and at about 10 – 12 yards, he breaks to the middle of the field on a dig route. With Raymond open, Goff fires the pass to him and then Raymond makes a defender miss in the open field to gain a few additional yardage. The first offensive play of the game for Detroit was a big gain and it immediately set the tone for the offense the rest of the game.
Moving to the next play, we see the Lions aligned in 11 personnel (one running back and one tight end) again. However, they come out in an empty set out of shotgun rather than under center. Spread out wide to the left of the formation is David Montgomery (RB 5).
Prior to the snap, Montgomery uses a “fast” motion that sends him towards the quarterback before retreating back to the sideline. This type of motion has been used for players such as Gibbs and Raymond but that doesn’t mean it’s restricted to only those players.
After the ball is snapped, Montgomery has three lead blockers in front of him and it allows him to catch the designed screen freely. Once he secures the ball, he sprints behind his lead blockers and picks up the first down.
Potentially the play of the game for Detroit was this reverse flea-flicker for a touchdown. Looking at the play above, the Lions come out in 11 personnel (one running back and one tight end) with Jared Goff under center.
Prior to the snap, he motions Kalif Raymond (WR 11) in, and it creates a twins bunch formation to the right (top of the screen). After the ball is snapped, Goff tosses the ball to David Montgomery (RB 5) in the backfield and this leads to Montgomery tossing the ball to Raymond on what appears to be a wide receiver reverse.
However, Raymond tosses the ball back to Goff and in the process, Sam LaPorta (TE 87) releases vertically upfield on a wheel route. By the time the ball is tossed around and back into the hands of Jared Goff, the rookie tight end is wide open. This leads to an easy completion and touchdown for the Detroit Lions.
According to reports, this play was added to the playbook by Ben Johnson during his time spent with Lions quarterback David Blough. Apparently, this play was run by Blough during his college football career at Purdue.
Taking a break for a second with the clips, I wanted to take a snapshot of the Lions formations during one of their red zone possessions. Looking at the picture above, the Lions have a trips bunch formation to the left (top of the screen). On this condensed set, you’ll see Sam LaPorta (TE 87) essentially aligned as a wingback.
In addition to that, you’ll see a single wide receiver aligned out wide (bottom of the screen). This is important because when you see a wide receiver out wide, you instantly think of pass. However, the Lions are different from the norm.
On the play above, it actually turns out to be a variation of a split-zone run to David Montgomery (RB 5). This second and goal play ended up being a gain of four yards, but it’s important to note the formation and how it’s aligned because of the next play.
Looking at the very next play, the Lions come out aligned in almost an identical formation. To the left of the quarterback is the condensed set with the tight end aligned off the line-of-scrimmage (LOS). However, to the right of the formation, there’s no longer a wide receiver split out wide.
Instead, the Lions go from 11 personnel (one running back and one tight end) in the picture to 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends) in the video above. While it’s 3rd and goal from the 4-yard line, it does feel like a potential run play and potentially four-down territory for this Lions offense.
The offense had made their quick substitution of wide receiver for a tight end and they aligned quickly. Quarterback Jared Goff had urgency to get everyone set, so the defense couldn’t adjust. Once the ball is snapped, he fakes to David Montgomery, and this forces the Panthers defense to slow down a bit and properly take their read steps. In the process, this allows Sam LaPorta (TE 87) to spill out into the flats where he’s wide open for another touchdown.
As you watch this Lions offense, you’ll notice their commitment to the run game. Rightfully so, they run the ball better than just about anybody. By doing this, it helps the offense have so much success in developing a strong play-action passing attack.
The diverse play-calling leads to a variety of pre-snap motion and interchangeable personnel groups. Meanwhile, it leads to success on almost every single possession for the Lions. With how this Lions offense is built, they’ve become one of the most stable offenses and overall teams in the NFL right now.
Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker takes the field during introduction before the between Detroit Lions…
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker takes the field during introduction before the between Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds makes a catch against Carolina Panthers cornerback D'Shawn Jamison during…
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds makes a catch against Carolina Panthers cornerback D'Shawn Jamison during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna (90) pressures Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during second-half…
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna (90) pressures Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during second-half action at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct, 8, 2023.
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) reacts after a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during…
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) reacts after a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during first-half action at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct, 8, 2023.
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Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after a sack…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after a sack during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
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Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions sacks Bryce Young #9…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions sacks Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Craig Reynolds #13 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball for…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Craig Reynolds #13 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
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Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions attempts to make a…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions attempts to make a catch while being guarded by Sam Franklin Jr. #42 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after a sack…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after a sack during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Jerry Jacobs #23 of the Detroit Lions reacts during the second…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Jerry Jacobs #23 of the Detroit Lions reacts during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris pushes Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young out of bounds during the…
Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris pushes Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young out of bounds during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds makes catch for a touchdown against Panthers cornerback CJ Henderson during…
Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds makes catch for a touchdown against Panthers cornerback CJ Henderson during the first half on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at Ford Field.
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta makes a catch for a touchdown against the Panthers during the…
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta makes a catch for a touchdown against the Panthers during the first half on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at Ford Field.
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta celebrates a touchdown against the Panthers with guard Graham Glasgow during…
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta celebrates a touchdown against the Panthers with guard Graham Glasgow during the first half on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at Ford Field.
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is tackled by Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo after his interception…
Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is tackled by Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo after his interception of a pass by Panthers quarterback Bryce Young during the first half of the Lions' 42-24 win on Sunday, Oct. 6 2023, at Ford Field.
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Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: David Montgomery #5 and Penei Sewell #58 of the Detroit Lions…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: David Montgomery #5 and Penei Sewell #58 of the Detroit Lions celebrate after Montgomery scored a touchdown in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Lions safety Tracy Walker III pushes Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble out of bound during the…
Lions safety Tracy Walker III pushes Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble out of bound during the first half on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at Ford Field.
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NFL: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) dives into the…
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) (center) celebrates with…
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) (center) celebrates with Detroit Lions wide receivers Marvin Jones Jr. (0) and Kalif Raymond (11) (right) after running for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) tries to break…
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) tries to break away from Carolina Panthers safety Vonn Bell (24) on a fourth quarter run at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph high-fives teammates during warmups before the game vs. the Carolina Panthers…
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph high-fives teammates during warmups before the game vs. the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
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NFL: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Isaiah Buggs (96) signals safety as…
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Isaiah Buggs (96) signals safety as the referee Adrian Hill calls an intentional grounding penalty on Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) (not pictured) near the goal line in the third quarter at Ford Field. The Lions were not awarded a safety on the play. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates with the fans…
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates with the fans as he walks off the field following the Lions win over the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
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Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Jerry Jacobs #23 and Tracy Walker III #21 of the Detroit…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Jerry Jacobs #23 and Tracy Walker III #21 of the Detroit Lions celebrate after Jacobs made an interception in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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NFL: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Former NBA players, Jalen Rose, left, and Isaiah Thomas, talk…
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Former NBA players, Jalen Rose, left, and Isaiah Thomas, talk on the sidelines during the Detroit Lions game against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) high-fives running back Craig Reynolds (13) before the game…
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) high-fives running back Craig Reynolds (13) before the game vs. the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
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NFL: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrates in the…
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrates in the end zone with wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) after running for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) breaks up a pass…
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (82) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (5) gets tackled…
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (5) gets tackled by Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34), defensive tackle Alim McNeill (54), and safety Kerby Joseph (31) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph high-fives teammates during warmups before the game vs. the Carolina Panthers…
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph high-fives teammates during warmups before the game vs. the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
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Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Frank Ragnow #77 of the Detroit Lions lines up for a…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Frank Ragnow #77 of the Detroit Lions lines up for a play in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
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Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Josh Reynolds #8 and Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Josh Reynolds #8 and Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Josh Reynolds #8 and Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Josh Reynolds #8 and Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff high-fives teammates during warmups before the game vs. the Carolina Panthers…
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff high-fives teammates during warmups before the game vs. the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
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Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: David Montgomery #5 of the Detroit Lions scores a touchdown in…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: David Montgomery #5 of the Detroit Lions scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
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