ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Optimism and continuity were recurring themes as several Detroit Lions players spoke with reporters following the team’s sixth organized team activity practice.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams, entering his fourth NFL season, said the offense is adapting well under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing despite another coaching change.
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“I love the way he’s prepping us,” Williams said. “We’ve had a great two weeks, three weeks so far, and everything’s looking good.”
While Petzing is the Lions’ third offensive coordinator in three seasons, Williams said the overall structure of the offense remains familiar.
“I don’t think he’s really trying to change too much with us,” Williams said. “He got his little adds, but we’re going to just add everything together.”
Williams also identified improving his consistency catching the football as his primary offseason focus, calling it more of a mental challenge than a physical one.
“It’s a mind thing to me,” Williams said.
The speedy receiver believes the Lions have shown growth as a team during offseason workouts.
“I think we’re getting a lot smarter all over, defense, offense, special teams,” Williams said. “We’re playing more as a team. We’re getting better.”
Mays adjusting to life in Detroit
On the offensive line, newcomer Cade Mays continues adjusting to what could become a larger role in Detroit’s front five.
Mays emphasized the importance of developing chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff as the team works through offseason installations.
“He’s been awesome with helping me with the questions I have and the looks,” Mays said of Goff.
Mays said he was drawn to Detroit because of its physical identity and championship aspirations.
“It’s physical, it’s aggressive, you know, go for it a lot on fourth downs,” Mays said. “And a chance to win a Super Bowl.”
Sewell embraces leadership role
Veteran tackle Penei Sewell acknowledged the offensive line faces significant changes after multiple offseason departures but said the group’s standards remain unchanged.
“This one’s kind of feeling a lot different just because all the guys that I came in with are not here anymore and just a lot of new faces,” Sewell said. “But with all that said, the standard’s the same.”
As one of the longest-tenured players in the offensive line room, Sewell said leadership now falls more heavily on his shoulders.
“It’s up to me to really hold that and to really show the guys, not just tell them,” Sewell said. “Nobody’s going to follow you if you’re not really doing it yourself.”
The All-Pro tackle added that building relationships off the field remains a priority as the unit develops chemistry ahead of training camp.
“We’re all going to get together, have a little barbecue, pool, stuff like that,” Sewell said.
Gibbs ready for bigger role
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs also expressed confidence in the offense’s early progress and said he is prepared for a potentially larger workload in 2026.
“It’s not nothing I’m not used to,” Gibbs said. “Growing up, I’ve always been the person that’s had the most carries.”
Gibbs praised Petzing’s approach and noted the new coordinator incorporated him into the passing game immediately.
“Right now, he implemented it from Day 1,” Gibbs said. “I have routes Day 1, Day 2, a bunch of different routes. So, it’ll be fun.”
The Pro Bowl running back said he is leaving contract discussions to his representatives and Lions management.
“I’m just worried about the team and ball,” Gibbs said. “I’m just trying to hoop right now.”
As the Lions continue OTA practices, players repeatedly stressed that while the team is still months away from meaningful games, early signs have been encouraging as Detroit begins preparations for another season with Super Bowl expectations.