Will John Morton’s offensive strategy work for the Lions this season? Probably yes. After serving for the Broncos as the pass game coordinator and helping the team’s offense performance, he seems hopeful to have a strong and fresh start with the Lions. As per Bleacher Report, under his true leadership, the Broncos improved their ranking in scoring to 10th and racked up a 10-7 stellar record since 2015. Well, it is enough to solidify his dominance on the field. And now, he has taken charge of the Lions as their offensive coordinator on January 30, 2025, after replacing Lions’ former OC Ben Johnson.
Well, Lions have had a dynamite 2024 season in terms of offense. Interestingly, under Johnson’s guidance, the team scored the highest spot in the offense and secured the second-best total yardage unit in the NFL. Considering this, Morton’s role is quite challenging to continue that success while building an offensive line up front. However, Morton, 55, is moving forward with an optimistic mindset. And, he throws his admiration for his players bluntly when it comes to the strong offensive line.
And, on May 13, new Lions offensive coordinator Morton reflected on inheriting an offensive line for 2025. During this media meet, he talked about how he is building strong offensive line with three Pro Bowlers, and two All-Pros. He earlier confirmed that important decisions need to be taken regarding the guard position, hinting that there may be a competition for the starting spots.
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)
“How does everything you’re building start really up front?” the Lions’ reporter asked. And his answer was pretty impressive. “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 replied.
He went on to explain while sending their clear message to Lions’ OT Sewell. “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 an empty or whatever, we’ll do it. We’ll do whatever it takes. That’s kind of how I look at it. That’s kind of how I’ve been taught,” he added. It indeed showcased his confidence in Sewell’s offensive style. In 2022, he also earned a Pro Bowl selection.
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 2nd in yards per catch (17.3). Of course, it hasn’t been a straight line to stardom. Drafted 12th 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!
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