If there is going to be one key deciding factor between the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions game to open the season, it’s going to be the run game.
Whichever of these two controls the clock, and dictates the terms of the matchup by winning on the ground, will likely have a leg up toward victory on Sunday.
Both teams will bring a new approach to their rushing attack with the Saints turning to newly-acquired running back Travis Etienne Jr., the Lions rolling out Jahmyr Gibbs as their bellcow back for the first time in his career.
Beyond that, Detroit’s ground game may take a new shape in 2026.
After relying more of a heavy zone-run system last season (where offensive lineman focus on protecting areas of the field rather than charging forward to the nearest defender) the Lions may flip the script in 2026 leaving more into man/gap scheme runs.
These blocking schemes allow a blocker to attack the nearest defender before climbing to the next level or defensive player.
Utilizing the man/gap system in 2025, the Lions led the league in rushing yards per carry (6.08). However, the team focused more on their zone-rushing game plan.
The team ranked within the top half of the NFL in zone-rushing percentage whether plays were called by former playcaller John Morton (No. 12) or head coach Dan Campbell (No. 14).
However, new offensive coordinator Drew Petzig brings 2025’s highest rate of man/gap scheme to the Lions.
Considering the success Detroit had in that approach last season, and Petzig’s high volume of its usage, it’s reasonable to expect the Lions’ run game to improve vastly going into this year.
