Detroit planned for some changes, but not all of them. Despite a few surprises, quarterback Jared Goff expressed confidence in the group during comments to the media on Tuesday. “In the last week of training camp, you could feel it coming together with Juice [Scruggs] leading the way. There are still some things happening at left guard, but [Tate Ratledge], Blake [Miller], and Penei [Sewell] have been as steady as can be. And the players competing at left guard have been great as well,” Goff said. “It’s still a work in progress in terms of getting the gelling right, but the last week of training camp was really good, and I thought the preseason tape was strong.”
Sunday will mark Goff’s first time playing with the new offensive line in a game setting. Goff did not participate in the 2026 preseason games.
The offensive line will be a focal point early in the season, as Detroit has sought to recapture the form it displayed in past high-tempo offenses. The unit flourished in 2023 and 2024, contributing to playoff appearances, and was a dominant force during the 2024 season en route to a 15-2 record. However, last season presented challenges as the Lions tried to replace center Frank Ragnow and saw some regression among other linemen, impacting overall chemistry.
In an effort to return to the pre-2025 level, Detroit moved its best tackle, Penei Sewell, to the left side and drafted Blake Miller in the first round to start at right tackle. The team also added center Cade Mays in free agency, though Mays has been out with a broken wrist. Juic e Scruggs, another free-agent addition, is slated to start at center.
Goff has praised his blockers while acknowledging the unit may not be flawless right away. He emphasized his role in supporting the line by simplifying his reads and communication, especially if there are rotations throughout the week. “I don’t know if I’m involved in the chemistry of the line, but I’m focused on making things as easy as possible for them. If there are rotations, I want to ensure seamless communication no matter who’s in there. That’s how I can help them,” Goff explained.
Detroit’s remaining question at left guard revolves around who will start. Third-year lineman Christian Mahogany and 28-year-old Ben Bartch have both been in the mix. Head coach Dan Campbell indicated that the two would likely split reps in practice, potentially even sharing time in Week 1. Campbell suggested a similar approach in his remarks, hinting that both players could see action if a clear starter hasn’t emerged by the end of the week. While such remarks can be strategic, they also reflect the likelihood that either or both players could rotate into the lineup on opening weekend.
Beyond Week 1, the Lions will be watching how the line develops as the season progresses. The combination of Sewell on the left and the newcomers at center and right tackle, along with a potential shift at left guard, presents several moving parts. The coaching staff will be aiming for a cohesive unit that can protect Goff and open lanes for the running game, while also enabling the quarterback to operate efficiently in Detroit’s offense.
As the Lions prepare for the Saints, expectations remain focused on building chemistry up front and establishing continuity across the line. The early-week practice sessions and rotations will likely set the tone for how Detroit approaches Week 1, and Goff’s experience will be a stabilizing factor as the unit continues to gel. The season-opening matchup promises a test for Detroit’s offensive front as it seeks to regain its recent form and provide a solid foundation for the rest of 2026.
