he Detroit Lions had enough talent to contend for a playoff spot, but injuries, uneven performances and missed opportunities turned a promising season into a 9-8 disappointment.
The Detroit Lions entered the season with playoff expectations, but when the dust settled, Detroit was left on the outside looking in after a 9-8 finish. While fans will debate coaching decisions and play-calling all offseason, the reality is that the season ultimately came down to player performance. Some Lions rose to the occasion, others struggled, and several key contributors were lost to injury at critical moments. Together, those factors explain what went wrong in Detroit.
Injuries took a heavy toll
Injuries once again played a major role in derailing the Lions’ season. Three losses loomed larger than the rest: Brian Branch’s torn Achilles in Week 14, Sam LaPorta’s back injury in Week 10 and Kerby Joseph’s knee injury in Week 6. Each absence was felt, but Joseph’s injury proved especially damaging. Detroit’s secondary never fully recovered, missing his range and instincts on the back end for much of the season.
Branch missed less time than Joseph, but his absence late in the year was glaring. His physical presence and versatility had become central to the defense. LaPorta, meanwhile, had emerged as Jared Goff’s most reliable red-zone target and safety valve over the middle. Without him, the offense lost an important dimension.
The injuries extended well beyond those three. Starting cornerbacks DJ Reed and Terrion Arnold each missed nine games, forcing Detroit to rely heavily on depth players. Left guard Christian Mahogany missed six games, disrupting continuity along the offensive line. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill, still recovering from a torn ACL suffered the previous season, missed the first six games and never fully found his rhythm. By season’s end, Detroit was once again among the league leaders in games missed due to injury.
Disappointing seasons
Several Lions failed to meet expectations. Running back David Montgomery endured the least productive season of his career, finishing with just 716 rushing yards. While injuries and offensive inconsistency played a role, Detroit never established the physical ground game Montgomery had previously provided.
The offensive line, long a strength of the team, also regressed. Left tackle Taylor Decker showed signs of wear, while veteran guard Graham Glasgow struggled throughout the season. Their decline contributed to uneven protection and stalled drives.
Defensively, cornerback DJ Reed stood out for the wrong reasons. After returning from injury, he never looked like the same player, frequently giving up big plays in coverage. Amik Robertson also endured a difficult season, allowing the most receiving yards among Detroit defensive backs.
Stars still shined
Despite the setbacks, several Lions delivered standout seasons. Goff posted his third consecutive campaign with more than 4,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, continuing his steady production under center. Jahmyr Gibbs made history by breaking Barry Sanders’ franchise record for touchdowns before turning 24, finishing with 1,841 total yards and 18 scores.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams enjoyed a breakout season with a career-high 1,117 receiving yards, while Amon-Ra St. Brown remained elite, totaling 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to second-team All-Pro honors. Right tackle Penei Sewell once again anchored the offense, earning first-team All-Pro recognition.
On defense, linebacker Jack Campbell emerged as the unit’s leader, recording a career-high 176 tackles and five sacks. Aidan Hutchinson also delivered a dominant year, finishing with 14.5 sacks — fourth-most in the NFL — and four forced fumbles after returning from a season-ending leg injury.
Final verdict
In the end, the Lions’ season was defined by inconsistency. Some players excelled, others struggled, and injuries stripped the roster of key contributors at crucial moments. Detroit showed flashes of being a playoff-caliber team, but the margin for error proved too thin. The result was a 9-8 record and another offseason left wondering what might have been.