Lions Report 12/25/2025

Lions Report: Well, that was it. That’s how the season ends. Not with bang but with a whimper. (Yes, Christy Farrell Callahan, that was a Hollow Men reference). What a shit show. The Lions defense showed up today. I wish I could say the same for the Lions offense. If there were any doubts as to whether the Lions are a playoff team, those doubts have been addressed.

We lost to the Minnesota Vikings playing their third quarterback, Max Brosner, of the season. He’s a rookie. We sacked him 6 times and held the Vikings to 13 points through three quarters. And lost. Our high-powered Lions offense? Four fumbles, two interceptions and a total of 10 points.

So, what happened? Two words. Offensive Line. That’s not a surprise if you watched the game. The Vikings were living in our backfield. When Goff wasn’t getting sacked (5 times), he was either getting pressured, moved out of the pocket or having his passes tipped. On top of that, we only had 68 yards rushing.

Is the offensive banged up? You betcha. Do I care? Not particularly. I’m going to go in a little bit of a different direction in the report today. I’m going to focus on one person.

Brad Holmes.

Holmes has done a lot of good things since he got here in January of 2021. He’s done well with his draft picks, particularly early round picks. However, his last year has not been good at all. Let’s take a closer look, focusing primarily on some key dates on the offensive side of the ball.

• Kevin Zeitler (March 2025) - Holmes let him walk via free agency in March of this year.

  
  

• NFL Draft (April 2025) - Holmes gives up 3 third round draft picks (2025’s and two in 2026) to move up to draft Isaac TeSlaa.

  
  

• Frank Ragnow (June 2025) - Announces his retirement.

I was OK with letting Zeitler walk. That was only losing one piece of the line. However, Holmes should have had his pulse on what was going on with Ragnow. That’s his job. Ragnow was beat up over his career. If he was a threat to retire, then Holmes should have known it and kept Zeitler.

In regard to TeSlaa, do I dislike him? No, I think he will be a decent receiver. However, I didn’t like the cost of two third round draft picks to move up to get him. I didn’t like it then, and I really don’t like it now. Those third round picks would go a long way to try and build some depth on the offensive line. We’re heavy on skill players now, and light on big uglies in the trenches. Which brings us to….

Jared Goff.

I’ve been pretty clear that I’m a Matt Stafford fan and I didn’t love the trade for Jared Goff. I have warmed up to Goff over the last 4 years but it’s clear that Goff is not a top tier quarterback. (I’m looking at you, Mike Weglarz). He’s an extremely accurate passer and makes good decisions when he isn’t pressured. However, he doesn’t react well to pressure, isn’t particularly mobile, and doesn’t throw well on the run. If Holmes doesn’t do something to strengthen that offensive line, Goff’s weaknesses will continue to be exposed.

We got a lump of coal for Christmas. I’m sure the Bears are licking their chops, especially after we laid 52 points on them in Week 2.