The 2026 Pro Bowl Games provided a key chance for Detroit Lions players to discuss the recent hiring of Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator. Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions’ All-Pro wide receiver, expressed his enthusiasm about working with Petzing, highlighting the new coach’s intelligence and attention to detail as promising for the team’s future offense.
St. Brown shared insights gained from conversations with Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, who praised Petzing for his smart, precise coaching style. McBride, who achieved a record 126 receptions last season under Petzing’s offense, spoke highly of the coordinator’s impact on his game. St. Brown believes Petzing’s approach will translate well for the Lions, who boast a talented offensive lineup.
Comparing Offensive Strengths Between Lions and Cardinals
While the Cardinals relied heavily on McBride to carry much of their offensive load, the Lions possess a more diversified and robust group of offensive weapons. Besides St. Brown’s status as a multi-time First-Team All-Pro wide receiver, the Lions feature Second-Team All-Pro tight end Sam LaPorta and wide receiver Jameson Williams, who recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with a strong second half last year.
Quarterback Jared Goff, a five-time Pro Bowler, and dynamic rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs also contribute valuable skill sets. This wealth of talent presents both an opportunity and challenge for Petzing to efficiently manage and maximize the unit’s potential, especially given the organization’s past struggles with offensive coordinators.
Evolution in St. Brown’s Perspective on the Petzing Hiring
St. Brown’s recent remarks mark a noticeable shift from his initial reaction to Petzing’s hiring weeks earlier. On his podcast, he defended the Lions’ decision while criticizing some fans for their skepticism and distrust of head coach Dan Campbell and the coaching staff’s judgment.
“You think they would just hire a random dude? You think they don’t know what they’re doing, they don’t do their research, they don’t interview? Most of you guys don’t know really much about anything, about any ball, and you’re tweeting about a coach that was hired that you guys don’t like because X, Y, Z.”
– Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions WR
Despite this strong defense of the organization, St. Brown’s comments drew some criticism due to Campbell’s previous unsuccessful offensive coordinator appointments, including John Morton in 2022 and Anthony Lynn in 2021. Both coordinators were stripped of play-calling duties midseason and ultimately let go after one year with the team.
Fan Concerns and Player Confidence as the Season Approaches
Given Detroit’s need for roster upgrades and offensive improvement, the Petzing hire has been met with understandable uncertainty among the fan base. However, St. Brown’s recent statements suggest the players themselves are increasingly confident in Petzing’s ability to lead the offense effectively. Conversations with Cardinals players like McBride, who directly experienced Petzing’s system, have contributed to that optimism.
Time will reveal whether the organization’s faith in Petzing will pay off in improved offensive production. For now, having key figures like St. Brown and Goff backing the new coordinator offers a hopeful indication that the Lions are moving in the right direction after years of offensive instability under Dan Campbell’s regime.
