ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is building his offense from the ground up, emphasizing fundamentals, communication, and player development as the team works through organized team activities.
Speaking after an OTA practice, Petzing said his early focus has been on building a strong foundation while learning how best to utilize a roster loaded with offensive talent.
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“It’s been great,” Petzing said. “There’s a lot of talent out there. A lot of guys are playing at a really high level. So, it’s been a lot of fun.”
Continuity meets change
While Petzing is introducing new concepts, he said continuity remains important for a veteran group that has enjoyed recent success.
“I don’t want to come in here and rip it all up and make them learn an entirely new language,” Petzing said. “But there’s going to be tweaks. There’s going to be changes.”
Improvement, Petzing said, is the primary objective throughout the offseason program, particularly before game-planning begins.
“I think the goal is always going to be to get better at everything we do,” Petzing said. “That’s me as a coach, that’s individuals as players, that’s us as units.”
Goff, Ratledge connection a priority
One area of emphasis has been strengthening the relationship between quarterback Jared Goff and center Cade Mays.
Petzing said communication in meetings and on the practice field is helping the pair develop chemistry as they work through different defensive looks and adjustments.
Goff’s experience has helped ease the transition.
Entering his 11th NFL season, the veteran quarterback brings leadership that extends beyond his own position.
“You have some vets in the room that have played a lot of football that I can lean on,” Petzing said. “They’ve done some great things. Let other guys learn from their experience.”
Petzing also stressed the importance of understanding how individual players process information.
“It’s an individual thing,” Petzing said. “You try to get that guy to communicate with you on how he learns best and what he needs from us to be successful.”
‘It’s a now league’
Despite heightened expectations following last season’s disappointment, Petzing said urgency is a constant in the NFL.
“It’s a now league,” Petzing said. “We’ve got to show up. We’ve got to get better.”
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs remains a central figure in the offense, though Petzing said his role will continue to evolve based on matchups and the strengths of the overall unit.
“He does so many things at a high level that I don’t think there’s necessarily a ceiling or a cap on what that could look like,” Petzing said.
Play-action, youth development in focus
Petzing indicated play-action passing will remain a key part of the Lions’ offensive identity, and a natural fit for Goff.
“That indecision on whether it’s run or pass, I think, is so critical to being effective in any offense in the NFL,” Petzing said. “It fits the skill set of our quarterback.”
Much of the offseason work, particularly for younger players, has focused on mental development and communication rather than physical play, due to practice restrictions.
“How quickly can you think?” Petzing said. “How well do you communicate to those around you?”
Quarterback Luke Altmyer has drawn praise from Petzing as one of the younger players standing out during the program.
“He never seems overwhelmed by what we’re asking him to do,” Petzing said. “He’s willing to learn and to work at it.”
Sewell among elite, Petzing says
Petzing also praised the leadership and competitiveness of veteran playmakers, including wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell.
Asked about Sewell’s versatility along the offensive line, Petzing offered a straightforward assessment.
“He looks like, if not the best, one of the best tackles in football,” Petzing said.
As the Lions continue installing their offense, Petzing said his collaboration with Goff began almost immediately.
“Probably my first day on the job, we were exchanging ideas on what it can look like,” Petzing said. “He’s asking questions, I’m asking questions. Those are the things you love about the job and love about the game.”