Mired in the Middle: Why Detroit’s Rushing Attack Must Reclaim Its Dominance

Through the first month of the 2026 NFL season, the Detroit Lions find themselves at a crucial crossroads. While the offense remains potent enough to compete week in and week out, a troubling trend has emerged under first-year offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. A franchise whose identity was recently defined by a punishing, dominant ground game has stagnated, tumbling into the middle of the NFL pack in rushing production.

Through four games, the Lions sit near the median across nearly every rushing metric:

*Total Rushing Yards: 408 yards (ranks near the middle of the league behind teams like the Colts, Eagles, and Panthers)

*Rushing Attempts: 98 carries

*Yards Per Carry: 4.2 YPC

*Rushing Touchdowns: 5

For an offense boasting an explosive, blue-chip running back like Jahmyr Gibbs and a heavily invested offensive line, sitting in football's middle tier is simply unacceptable. If Detroit hopes to sustain a deep postseason run, Drew Petzing must reignite this ground game, because forcing Jared Goff to carry the entire operational load with his arm is a recipe for disaster.

The Danger of Over-Relying on Jared Goff

When the Detroit Lions operate at an elite level, it is directly linked to balance. Jared Goff is one of the league's most effective rhythm quarterbacks when protected by a complementary run game that keeps defense play-callers guessing. Under heavy play-action schemes, Goff thrives, carving up secondaries in intermediate zones.

However, when the ground game stalls and the offense becomes one-dimensional, defenses pin their ears back. Forcing Goff to drop back 40-plus times a night behind a drop-back passing set invites pressure, sacks, and costly turnovers.

The Lions cannot afford to let their offense become predictable. While Goff has the veteran poise to manage games, he needs the threat of a dynamic rushing attack to force opposing linebackers into the box and open up passing lanes downfield.

Unlocking Jahmyr Gibbs: Quality Over Clutter

At the center of Detroit's frustration is the utilization of Jahmyr Gibbs. Blessed with game-breaking speed, elite lateral quickness, and home-run potential on any given snap, Gibbs remains one of the most dangerous weapons in football. Yet, through four weeks, his touches have often felt grinding rather than explosive.

To fix this, Drew Petzing must re-evaluate how Gibbs is being deployed within the scheme:

1.) Creating Space in Outer Zones: Gibbs is not a purely traditional between-the-tackles grinder. Petzing must utilize stretch-zone runs, toss sweeps, and perimeter screens that allow Gibbs to reach top speed before encountering contact.

2.) Dynamic Personnel Groups: Combining two-tight-end sets or split-back formations can force defenses to show their hand pre-snap, giving Gibbs clearer paths into the second level.

3.) Getting Out of "Obvious" Run Downs: Running Gibbs predictably on first down into heavy fronts limits his leverage. Mixing in draw plays or misdirection on second-and-medium can yield far higher efficiency.

Re-establishing the Line of Scrimmage

A primary reason for Detroit’s drop in rushing efficiency is an offensive line in transition. Long regarded as one of the league's premier units, the offensive line has lacked its signature push at the point of attack, managing a solid, but unspectacular, 4.2 yards per attempt.

Petzing, who arrived in Detroit with a track record of coordinating heavy-zone run schemes in Arizona, must adjust his blocking schemes to fit the strengths of his current personnel. The unit must return to a physical, mean-spirited identity, establishing double teams on the interior and climbing cleanly to linebacker depth.

The Path Forward for Drew Petzing

Drew Petzing was brought in to bring tactical precision and adaptability to Detroit's play-calling. Coming out of the opening quarter of the season, his top priority must be reclaiming the line of scrimmage and building the offense around Gibbs' playmaking ability.

When Detroit controls the clock, wins first down, and rips off five-yard gains on the ground, they dictate the terms of the game. For the Lions to fulfill their championship aspirations in 2026, Petzing must take the weight off Goff's shoulders and let the run game lead the charge once again.