The Lions’ offense looked way more in sync during OTAs on May 13 than it did in the recent past. Everything just felt smoother—the routes, the timing, the way Goff moved in the pocket. It’s wild to think how different it looks from their 38–6 loss to the Ravens last season, where they could barely stay on the field, let alone score. But the worst part? It wasn’t just that one game. While they had a good season on paper, their offense had moments last year where it completely stalled out, like that week 2 loss to the Buccaneers, where despite accumulating over 400 yards, they converted just one of seven red zone opportunities and scored only 16 points. But, fast forward to 2025, and it’s starting to feel like they’ve actually figured out how to respond when things go sideways. The magic potion? Well, that’s John Morton.

Morton came in just this January. And while the coach didn’t shake things up overnight, what he has done is get super intentional about how the team’s offense will run— especially in the ways plays will be called and sequenced. No, he’s not out there to reinvent, just tighten. You can see it in the way Gibs is being used more creatively or how motion is setting up better mismatches. Red zone work, which was kind of hit-or-miss last year (55% success rate), is already looking sharper—early reps are pushing 72%, which is a big jump even for practice pace. And instead of relying so heavily on explosive plays like they did in 2023, they’re building more sustained, structured drives. It just looks smarter. More efficient. And maybe for the first time in a while, it looks like they’ve got layers to this thing. On May 13, Morton made it clear where all that starts: up front.

When asked about how everything he’s building begins with the O-line, he didn’t hesitate: “Because if we can’t run the ball or protect, all these plays we draw up, it doesn’t mean anything. We don’t protect the quarterback. And running the ball helps protect the quarterback, right? So that’s where it all starts. And like I said, it’s what they’ve done here, and that’s what we’re going to do.” 

He even threw in a little nod to Sewell, saying, “Let’s attack the weakness. And if it means running the ball a bunch, then we do it. If it means dropping back a lot or getting in empty or whatever, we’ll do it. We’ll do whatever it takes.” There’s no mystery in that message—it’s about execution. And if early signs are anything to go by, Morton’s got this group locked in.

EUGENE, OREGON – OCTOBER 05: Penei Sewell #58 of the Oregon Ducks looks on prior to taking on the California Golden Bears during their game at Autzen Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Clearly, Penei Sewell did enough to leave his impression during his  4 seasons with the Lions since 2021. Even in the 2024 season, he impressively started all 17 games for the Lions. His strong offensive skills caught attention when he clinched the Pro Bowl and earned First-Team All-Pro honors. Besides this, he made headlines when he claimed the NFLPA Players’ All-Pro award.

Also, Sewell excelled in the 2023 season after being nominated as a team captain for the first time in his 17 starting games. During that season, he surprisingly led his team in all NFL tackles with a 92.8 overall PFF grade. And, now, Sewell is moving forward to notch more accomplishments in the 2025 seasons under Lions new OC. Well, time will tell, if he will meet the expectations portfolio. However, this came after John Morton’s bold projection of how the Lions view Williams entering 2025.

John Morton shows confidence in Jameson Williams

Jameson Williams’ momentum heading into the 2025 NFL season is impressive. And with John Morton, the Detroit Lions’ new offensive coordinator, showing full confidence in Williams, it has infused a renewed sense of vigor in the fans. “It’s going to be a breakout year for him. I can’t wait. I just can’t wait, man,” Morton told reporters.

The Lions know what they have. After two quiet, injury-riddled seasons, Williams had a career-best season in 2024, posting 58 receptions, 1,001 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns, and an NFL-best six catches of 50+ yards. He also ranked 2 in yards per catch (17.3). Of course, it hasn’t been a straight line to stardom. Drafted 12 overall in 2022, the Lions traded up to get him. However, his years went off track due to injuries, gambling suspension, and inconsistent usage. As a rookie, he didn’t even clear 70 yards in a game until his third season.

But that’s what makes this rise so compelling. Scottie Montgomery, the Lions’ new receivers coach and assistant head coach, knows that his potential is real. “We’ve seen his best,” Montgomery said. “And then we’ve seen some situations where it was good, but it wasn’t his best… Now, it’s just the consistency of seeing his best.”

Additionally, he also praised Williams for a recent team meeting where his interaction showed that he possesses high-level football IQ. “Is there a yardage connected to that? For me, no. Is there an attitude connected to that? For me, yes.” Morton’s confidence comes from a standpoint that connects Williams’ talent with preparation. Coming off a 1,300-yard, All-Pro caliber season while just being 23 years old, his breakout has already started!