The Minnesota Vikings have historically dominated the Detroit Lions, leading the all-time series.
Regardless, it was a nearly unbeatable unit despite injuries piling up all year. Besides Campbell, a ton of credit was distributed to his coordinators, Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, two of the league’s very best play-callers on their respective sides of the ball. Both earned a promotion to head coaching duties in January.
Moton continued: “Campbell had help, though. He propelled the Lions to postseason contention with Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn as his coordinators, and they both took head-coaching jobs this offseason. Johnson went to a divisional rival, the Chicago Bears. In 2022, Campbell promoted Johnson from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator, a key move in turning around the franchise. As a play-caller, Johnson led a top-five scoring offense for three seasons.”
Johnson is a big reason for Jared Goff’s renaissance in the second chapter of his career. The Rams shipped him to Detroit to land Matthew Stafford, their missing piece. That worked out for them in the form of a Super Bowl, but Detroit has been thrilled to employ one of the better quarterbacks in the league.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) hugs Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) after 31-9 win at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
This offseason, the Vikes have paid big bucks in free agency to eliminate their biggest weaknesses at the line of scrimmage. The offensive and defensive lines should look way better in 2025. Detroit, meanwhile, hasn’t done as much damage in free agency, trying to keep its squad together instead.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton named the offseason loser of each division. For the NFC North, the Lions got the nod. He explained:Minnesota Vikings have historically dominated the Detroit Lions, leading the all-time series 80-45-2. It has not been a fair fight throughout NFL history. However, recently, it also hasn’t been fair, because Dan Campbell’s Lions have won five straight against Kevin O’Connell’s crew.
Vikings’ Nemesis Called Offseason Loser
It all climaxed last season in Week 18 with an NFC North title bout with a subsequent bye week and homefield advantage in the postseason on the line. Once again, the Lions spanked the Vikings.
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) hugs Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) after 31-9 win at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
This offseason, the Vikes have paid big bucks in free agency to eliminate their biggest weaknesses at the line of scrimmage. The offensive and defensive lines should look way better in 2025. Detroit, meanwhile, hasn’t done as much damage in free agency, trying to keep its squad together instead.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton named the offseason loser of each division. For the NFC North, the Lions got the nod. He explained:
“When a team levels up in the NFL, it can lose key contributors in free agency and the coaching hiring cycle. Head coach Dan Campbell has transformed the Detroit Lions into a playoff contender after the club finished last in the NFC North for four consecutive terms between 2018 and 2021.”
Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell shake hands after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Nobody can deny that Campbell has done a phenomenal job turning the laughing stock Lions into a powerhouse with back-to-back dominant regular seasons. In 2023, they were close to reaching the Super Bowl, but in 2024, they quickly dipped in the divisional round.
Regardless, it was a nearly unbeatable unit despite injuries piling up all year. Besides Campbell, a ton of credit was distributed to his coordinators, Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, two of the league’s very best play-callers on their respective sides of the ball. Both earned a promotion to head coaching duties in January.
Moton continued: “Campbell had help, though. He propelled the Lions to postseason contention with Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn as his coordinators, and they both took head-coaching jobs this offseason. Johnson went to a divisional rival, the Chicago Bears. In 2022, Campbell promoted Johnson from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator, a key move in turning around the franchise. As a play-caller, Johnson led a top-five scoring offense for three seasons.”
Johnson is a big reason for Jared Goff’s renaissance in the second chapter of his career. The Rams shipped him to Detroit to land Matthew Stafford, their missing piece. That worked out for them in the form of a Super Bowl, but Detroit has been thrilled to employ one of the better quarterbacks in the league.
Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during his introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Goff is not a flashy passer, but he has been damn good in a Detroit uniform, especially in a complete offense with a dangerous running game and receivers all over the place behind possibly the best line in football.
“Glenn turned a defensive unit that was a liability into a strength last season,” Moton concluded. “In his first year with the club, Detroit gave up the second-most points. The Lions ranked seventh in points allowed for the 2024 term. Campbell built a foundation with his coordinators, and it won’t be the same without them. Detroit must reinvent itself in 2025.”
From a roster perspective, the Lions should still be strong regardless of the coordinators, John Morton (OC) and Kelvin Sheppard (DC). Detroit’s big free-agency signing was corner D.J. Reed, who was on the wishlists of many Vikings fans. Conversely, cornerback Carlton Davis left in free agency and signed with the Patriots. Guard Kevin Zeitler headed to Tennessee.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (91) rushes at Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during the second half of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025. Ohio State won 41-21.
In the draft, most viewed the Lions as an obvious destination for a first-round pass rusher, considering the lack of any outside threat once Aidan Hutchinson suffered his gruesome injury. However, they went with run-stuffer Tyleik Williams instead, followed by offensive lineman Tate Ratledge and wideout Isaac TeSlaa. The latter raised many eyebrows and was widely regarded as a reach. Only time will tell who’s right.
The Lions went 27-7 in the last two seasons, and the roster is pretty much the same. If the new coordinators are somewhat capable coaches, the Vikings will have their hands full once again.
