Detroit Lions' Offensive Improvements Are Result of Minor Adjustments

Jim Bob Cooter has made a name for himself with the Detroit Lions.

His offense has been more efficient and prolific than the previous version. While critics can point to a measly 36 combined points in his first two wins, they can't deny the 45-point explosion against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12.

"

Stafford last 3 weeks under Jim Bob Cooter: 73-of-111 passing (65%), 861 yds w/ 8 total TDs, 1 INT & 106.5 rating. https://t.co/8GNO8m8IKa

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) November 27, 2015"

They can, however, throw some shade by virtue of the Eagles' recent showings. That's why it's important to distinguish where this newfound success is coming from so that the same principles can be applied going forward.

Time Equals Chunks

The improved offensive line gives quarterback Matthew Stafford the chance to survey his options instead of diverting focus to running for his life. He's more comfortable.

It's showing in his decisions, like when he chose to go to Lance Moore for 14 yards instead of Ameer Abdullah for six during the first second-quarter touchdown drive against the Eagles.

The simplified blocking schemes play a major role in this improvement, but so does the run game's quicker pace.

Credit: NFL Game Pass

The Lions used counters that only required one false step—or one step in the opposite direction from where the running back would be going—before the play exploded toward the hole. This worked especially well with Brandon Pettigrew leading pulling guard Laken Tomlinson and fullback Michael Burton.

Abdullah's 23-yard run in the first quarter was a perfect example. Pettigrew blocked down and then got out on the linebacker, keeping him walled off long enough for Abdullah to make a move and go.

Credit: NFL Game Pass

This play has become a staple. It was run twice in the first three plays after halftime. For the first time this year, the Lions are adjusting their play calls based on what's working, which has resulted in two straight games with 100-plus rushing yards.

A better running game creates shorter third-down situations and causes pass-rushers to account for the run before charging after the quarterback, adding another advantage in pass protection.

Run It Back with a Remix

Not only is Cooter being smart about returning to positive plays, but he's mixing in twists to exploit the defense's impulse to jump on the presumed tendency.

Credit: NFL Game Pass

Take Theo Riddick's two red-zone catches. The first saw him break some poor linebacker's ankles before angling inside for an easy touchdown.

Yet instead of going back to that play the next time down the field, Cooter called a play that had Riddick cut toward the sideline, giving Stafford an easy completion and Riddick room to work.

This also extends to Stafford's audibles. You can clearly hear Stafford yell, "opposite" before a 2nd-and-6 play-action pass to Tate early in the third quarter. He's finding where he wants to attack and then getting the ball into his playmaker's hands in a spot where they can do something with it after the catch.

Red-Zone Urgency

The Lions also didn't temper the aggressiveness when the stakes were raised. Detroit's recent creativity and aggression have extended to the red zone, rewarding Detroit with six touchdowns and only one field goal against Philly.

When Detroit faced 3rd-and-17 with three points in its back pocket in the closing seconds of the first half, Stafford attacked rookie defensive back Eric Rowe by lacing a dime to Calvin Johnson in the end zone.

There's little to no doubt that the Lions of October would have looked to avoid the turnover instead of exploiting such an opportunity.

"

Stafford said he was fired up when Cooter called four verts on the 3-17 that resulted in a 25-yard TD pass to CJ.

— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) November 26, 2015"

There were also unforeseen wrinkles.

Tate lining up at fullback was head-turning. It's a Bill Belichick-style alteration that doesn't dramatically alter the play itself but gives the defense one more thing to think about right before the snap. This surprise led to a walk-in touchdown for Tate after an ankle-snapping cut.

"

Golden Tate catches a TD pass after lining up at fullback. You never know what you're gonna see from a Jim Bob Cooter offense.

— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) November 26, 2015"

All of these adjustments were installed within the overarching system that was already in place. Cooter isn't reinventing the wheel so much as making small changes that are paying off in big dividends.

All advanced stats are courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter @BrandonAlisoglu.