Packers: Power ranking NFC North offenses in 2019
4. Detroit Lions
2018 stats
Total offense: 24th
Passing offense: 20th
Rushing offense: 23rd
Points per game: 25th
Player to watch
After a promising rookie season, the Detroit Lions will be hoping for a second-year jump from Kerryon Johnson. The Lions’ second-round pick a year ago impressed in year one with 641 yards and three touchdowns in just 10 games, averaging an excellent 5.4 yards per carry. Johnson will be the key for the Lions offense to improve this year.
Outlook
Detroit’s offense has a lot to improve this season. Far too predictable a year ago, the Lions converted just 36.1 percent on third down attempts, and they also averaged just 20.3 points per game.
A positive for the Lions is that they have some talented young players on offense. Johnson could be a future star at running back, third-year wide receiver Kenny Golladay is coming off his first 1,000-yard season, and the Lions also added the best tight end in the draft class, T.J. Hockenson.
Leading the way is former Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has thrown for over 4,000 yards in seven of the past eight seasons. If he’s at his best, he can help the Lions get back to the postseason for the first time since 2016.
With Darrell Bevell taking over as the new offensive coordinator, the Lions should be improved on offense in 2019.