Detroit Lions’ Drew Petzing: A Deep Dive into the Mind of a Modern Offensive Coordinator
The Detroit Lions’ hiring of Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator has sparked considerable discussion. Recent interviews with Petzing reveal a coach deeply focused on adaptability, player collaboration, and a nuanced understanding of offensive strategy. This isn’t just about play-calling; it’s about building a system that maximizes talent and stresses opposing defenses.
A Diverse Coaching Background: The Foundation of Petzing’s Approach
Petzing’s extensive experience across multiple offensive positions – receivers, tight ends, and quarterbacks – sets him apart. He emphasized that this breadth of knowledge is crucial for an offensive coordinator. “I’ve had to coach the details of how to block wide zone… or how to release vs. Press as a receiver,” he explained. This detailed understanding allows him to hold players accountable across the board and build a cohesive unit. His three years as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator also provided valuable experience in calling plays and evaluating offensive performance.
Jared Goff as a Collaborative Partner: The Quarterback-Coordinator Dynamic
The relationship between a quarterback and offensive coordinator is paramount. Petzing views Jared Goff not just as a player, but as an extension of the coaching staff. “In a lot of ways, to me, a good quarterback/play-caller relationship, he’s another coordinator on staff,” Petzing stated. He highlighted Goff’s ability to read defenses, make pre-snap adjustments, and execute plays with both precision and power. This collaborative approach suggests a willingness to tailor the offense to Goff’s strengths, fostering a dynamic and potentially explosive attack.
David Montgomery’s Role: Awaiting Clarity
The future of running back David Montgomery remains a topic of discussion. While general manager Brad Holmes has indicated openness to a trade, Petzing expressed enthusiasm for Montgomery’s skillset. He praised Montgomery’s versatility, noting his ability to contribute as a three-down back. Petzing’s comments suggest he values Montgomery’s contributions, but the final decision will likely depend on how the running back fits into the overall offensive scheme.
Sideline vs. Booth: A Matter of Communication and Feel
Petzing prefers to call plays from the sideline, a decision rooted in his desire for direct communication with Goff. He believes the sideline allows for quicker conversations and a better feel for the game’s flow. While he may experiment with the booth during the preseason, his preference for the sideline underscores his commitment to real-time adjustments and a close working relationship with his quarterback.
The Appeal of 13 Personnel: Strategic Flexibility, Not a Rigid Formula
The use of 13 personnel (three tight ends) has become a popular topic in NFL circles, and Petzing has a history with the formation. However, he cautioned against viewing it as a rigid formula. He emphasized that the key to success with 13 personnel is having tight ends with diverse skillsets, capable of creating mismatches and exploiting defensive weaknesses. “If you have three tight ends that don’t have a multiple skill set, you’re not going to do it,” he explained. This highlights a strategic approach focused on adapting to personnel and exploiting opponent vulnerabilities.
Pro Tip
Successful offensive schemes aren’t about sticking to a single formation or philosophy. They’re about creating a flexible system that can adapt to the strengths of your players and the weaknesses of your opponents. Drew Petzing’s emphasis on adaptability is a key indicator of his potential success in Detroit.
FAQ
Q: What is Drew Petzing’s coaching background?
A: Petzing has coached wide receivers, quarterbacks, and tight ends, and served as an offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals.
Q: How does Petzing view his relationship with Jared Goff?
A: He sees Goff as a collaborative partner, almost like another coach on staff, due to his high football IQ and ability to make in-game adjustments.
Q: Will the Lions use 13 personnel frequently under Petzing?
A: It depends on the personnel. Petzing believes 13 personnel can be effective, but only if the team has tight ends with diverse skillsets.
Q: Where will Petzing call plays from?
A: He prefers to call plays from the sideline for better communication with the quarterback.
Q: What does Petzing think of David Montgomery?
A: He praised Montgomery’s versatility and ability to contribute as a three-down back.
Did you know? Drew Petzing’s background includes experience at both the professional and collegiate levels, giving him a well-rounded perspective on player development and offensive strategy.
Want to learn more about the Detroit Lions’ offensive strategy? Explore our other articles on Lions’ offensive schemes and Jared Goff’s performance analysis.
