In its breakdown of the NFL's 2026 offensive play-callers, ESPN took a look at first-year Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Petzing, 39, joined the Lions after spending the past three seasons as the Arizona Cardinals' OC. The Massachusetts native has 14 years of NFL coaching experience with the Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Minnesota Vikings.
Per ESPN Analytics/NFL Next Gen Stats, here's what ESPN shared as its key stat for Petzing:
From 2023 to 2025 with Petzing as OC, the Cardinals ranked 21st in snaps under center (29%) and 30th in use of motion (45%). Since 2021 (Goff's first year in Detroit), the Loins rank second in snaps under center (48%) and fifth in use of motion (67%) - ESPN
Petzing will be the Lions' lone play-caller
this year. Lions head coach Dan Campbell stripped John Morton of play-calling duties midway through last season. Campbell would remain Detroit's offensive play-caller throughout the remainder of the 2025 season. Detroit eventually parted ways with Morton after just one season as the Lions' OC.
Petzing envisions an offense built on physicality.
"It needs to be tough, it needs to be difficult to defend, and it needs to be multiple at times. It's not going to all run through one person, it's not going to run through one personnel, it's going to change week to week. I think that's important in this league," Petzing said on Aug. 6.
ESPN's Eric Woodyard shared what Lions fans need to know about their new play-caller:
Petzing, 39, spent the past three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals but is leaving a strong first impression in Detroit after replacing John Morton -- who was fired after one season in the role. He is excited to take over a top-five offense with strong playmakers, such as Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, but underachieved at 9-8 and failed to make the postseason. - Eric Woodyard, ESPN
Petzing inherits a loaded unit that featured four Pro Bowlers in quarterback Jared Goff, offensive tackle Penei Sewell, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Coming from Arizona, Petzing was lauded for his creative personnel groupings and ability to scheme favorable matchups. In 2024, the Cardinals' offense finished top 12 in yards (358.2 yards per game) and points (23.5 points per game).
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: ESPN shares key stat, what to know about Lions OC Drew Petzing
