The Detroit Lions have opened the 2025 season with a 5-2 record and strong home performances, but their offense has not reached the level many anticipated.
For a unit that built its reputation on explosive scoring, the inconsistency through the first seven games has raised questions about efficiency and execution.
Players recognize the issues and understand what adjustments are necessary to sustain their early success.
Star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown addressed the offensive struggles directly in a recent media session.
“As an offense, I think we gotta be better on 3rd Down, mandatory. I’d like to be more explosive, personally. Just less 18 play drives, more 4 play drives. I think we all would want that, but I think third down’s the biggest thing. We can take care of that, and improve on that, I think we’ll be just fine,” St. Brown said.
Amon-Ra St. Brown on improvements he wants from the Lions Offense…
“We gotta be better on 3rd Down, mandatory… Be more explosive, less 18 play drives, more 4 play drives.” pic.twitter.com/tzIN9PNzmU
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) October 30, 2025
The Lions have seen a sharp decline in third-down efficiency compared to last season.
Through eight weeks, they rank 21st in the league with a conversion rate of just 37.6 percent.
That marks a significant drop from their 2024 performance when they converted at 47.6 percent and finished fourth in the NFL.
The struggles become more pronounced in third-and-long situations.
Detroit ranks last in the league when facing third-and-eight or longer, converting only six of 69 attempts for an 8.7 percent success rate.
Last season, the Lions converted 25 of 73 attempts in those situations at 34 percent, leading the entire league.
The offensive line has faced challenges with two young players handling interior responsibilities, and their starting left tackle is sidelined.
Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge have shown consistent improvement each week despite occasional growing pains.
If the unit can reduce interior pressures and handle defensive stunts more effectively, the offense should see immediate benefits.
A cleaner pocket would give Jared Goff more time to exploit defensive weaknesses.
When that happens, Detroit’s offense becomes difficult for any opponent to contain over four quarters.
