The Lions struggled tremendously in the Red Zone on Sunday vs. the Bucs. Through seven trips, they only capitalized on one. Put simply, that isn't going to win games in the NFL. So, what can they do to get in the endzone?
They can start with getting Sam LaPorta involved in the gameplan, who was red hot when targeted in the Red Zone last year. LaPorta racked up seven touchdowns on 10 catches in the Red Zone, leading the NFL. LaPorta couldn't haul in only five out of his 15 total targets in the Red Zone. He largely didn't have much of a role in the Red Zone this past Sunday, with Ben Johnson even calling a play where LaPorta motions from the slot to his natural tight end position to throw a block. This was one of many questionable playcalls by Johnson, however the Bucs were getting a lot of pressure and quarterback hits this game. While strategic, this decision didn't result in any upside, with Goff throwing it to Jameson Williams on an out-route; where Williams was double covered.
LaPorta has proven himself as a reliable weapon; he racked up 889 yards on 86 receptions, good enough for the 5th overall in the NFL. Of those receptions, he took 8 for a gain of 20 yards or more, tied for 8th-most in the NFL. Not only was he explosive, he led the league in touchdowns with 10, beating out George Kittle with 6. All signs from last season point to Sam LaPorta being an elite tight end, and the Lions just need to tap back into that well and watch the liquid gold rain down.
Secondly, the Lions should get back to the power running they love to execute in the Red Zone. Of the seven Red Zone trips, the Lions ran the ball five times. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for a total of seven yards, which is very underwhelming and out of character for the Lions. Last year, through Week Two, the Lions' running backs combined for 31 yards on nine carries with two touchdowns. Montgomery led the team with 29 yards on seven carries and is credited with those two touchdowns. With this offensive line, and Vita Vea going down, there is no reason for the Lions to not brute force it to the goal line.
Jared Goff has to be more patient. He was rocked all game, so it is understandable why he would be anxious in the pocket. This offensive line is undoubtedly good enough to keep Goff upright, but the Bucs were sending a lot of blitzes, making him feel rushed and mentally off balance. There were multiple instances of Goff staring down a receiver, and I think those moments got highlighted in the Red Zone. Goff is usually a dagger in the Red Zone, especially with Amon-Ra St. Brown and LaPorta in his holster, and I believe Goff will bounce back next week and provide the team with the level of play we are used to seeing.
Overall, these are all fixable problems, and as Dan Campbell said today, the Lions are "so close." The defense rose to the occasion this week and, under the direction of Ben Johnson, the offense will show up and show out soon as well.
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