The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 NFL season with massive expectations. After a deep playoff run in 2023 and a strong 2024 showing under head coach Dan Campbell, fans and analysts alike anticipated that Detroit would take another step toward becoming perennial Super Bowl contenders. However, a recent storyline has raised eyebrows: reports surfaced suggesting the Lions weren’t even lining up correctly on key plays in their opening game. That revelation has sparked a pressing question—what exactly were they doing during training camp?
At first glance, alignment issues might seem minor. After all, every team occasionally suffers from a pre-snap miscue. But the Lions’ problem appears more systemic. On multiple occasions, their offensive formation looked disjointed—tight ends lining up off the ball when they should have been on it, receivers failing to check with officials, and offensive linemen appearing uncertain about their splits. These mistakes resulted in penalties and disrupted rhythm, something no playoff-caliber team can afford.
The confusion is particularly surprising because training camp is the time to iron out these very details. From day one of camp, players are drilled on fundamentals: where to line up, how to adjust based on motion, and what audibles change positioning. If these issues are cropping up now, it suggests either a breakdown in preparation or an unusual focus on other aspects of development.
One theory is that the Lions spent more time experimenting with offensive wrinkles than locking down the basics. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is one of the league’s most creative minds, known for designing unique motions, deceptive looks, and versatile personnel packages. That creativity has been a strength for Detroit, but it can also create complexity. When so much time is devoted to building a deep playbook, sometimes the fundamentals—like alignment—take a backseat.
Another possibility is the roster churn the Lions faced this offseason. Injuries and free agency moves forced younger players into bigger roles, and not everyone adjusts quickly. A rookie wideout might have the speed and hands to make plays, but if he forgets to line up correctly, the entire offense suffers. Similarly, a new offensive lineman might still be adjusting to spacing and communication within Campbell’s system. Camp can only simulate so much; real game pressure reveals whether players truly mastered the details.
It’s also worth noting that training camp practices are structured differently than live games. Coaches sometimes intentionally limit live-action reps to preserve players’ health, focusing instead on controlled scenarios. That can mean players don’t experience enough “chaos reps,” where alignment needs to be second nature amid crowd noise, clock pressure, and defensive disguises. By the time the Lions hit the field for the season opener, those reps may not have been enough.
Still, it’s not all doom and gloom for Detroit. Alignment issues are fixable, and Campbell’s staff has proven capable of correcting problems quickly. The Lions pride themselves on accountability, and it’s safe to assume they’ll dedicate extra time this week to reviewing film, correcting mistakes, and drilling the basics. In fact, adversity could sharpen their focus. Championship teams aren’t defined by being flawless in Week 1; they’re defined by how they adapt and improve.
For Lions fans, the bigger picture remains encouraging. This is still a roster loaded with talent, a coaching staff respected across the league, and a culture that emphasizes toughness and discipline. The alignment hiccups might be frustrating, but they’re far from insurmountable. If anything, they serve as a reminder that success isn’t guaranteed just because expectations are high.
The Lions have the tools to fix this quickly. But as they prepare for their next game, everyone is asking the same question: what exactly did they do all camp if the basics are still tripping them up?
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