3 Lions X-Factors on Offense
If the Detroit Lions intend on being a playoff team in 2023, the team's offense will need to be nearly as efficient and productive as it was a year ago.
In order for that to occur, the offense's "X-factors" will need to be on their "A-games" all throughout the upcoming campaign.
Let's take a look now at the Lions' three biggest X-factors on the offensive side of the ball headed into the 2023 season.
TE Sam LaPorta
LaPorta, the No. 34 overall pick in this past April's NFL Draft, showcased the makeup of a No. 1-caliber NFL tight end during OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
He consistently displayed fluid route-running and solid hands, and appeared to establish a nice rapport with Lions signal-caller Jared Goff.
The 6-foot-4, 242-pounder, a product of the University of Iowa, totaled 153 receptions for 1,786 yards and five touchdowns during four years and 46 career games with the Hawkeyes.
Additionally, per Pro Football Focus, he led all Big Ten tight ends in 2021 in receptions (53), yards (670), yards after catch (299), yards after contact (206) and catches of 15-or-more yards (18).
As LaPorta's rookie campaign progresses, I believe that he'll develop into a security blanket over the middle of the field and a reliable red-zone target for Goff. I'm also of the mindset that the former Iowa pass-catcher will be an X-factor in Ben Johnson's tight end-friendly offense.
RB David Montgomery
Montgomery, who will assume the No. 1 running back duties in Detroit, has a chance to be a difference-making back running behind the team's potent offensive line.
Montgomery joins the Lions organization after spending the last four seasons with the Chicago Bears.
In his final season in the Windy City, he suited up for 16 games, and produced 801 yards and five touchdowns on 201 carries (4.0 yards per attempt).
As I've written before, I'm of the mindset that he'll increase his level of productivity in his inaugural campaign with the Lions. In fact, I'm projecting that he'll rush for north of 900 yards and double-digit touchdowns this upcoming season.
Simply put, I expect Montgomery to thrive in Johnson's run-heavy attack.
WR Kalif Raymond
Raymond has a legit shot to make an impact on both special teams and in the passing game this upcoming season.
In 2022, the 5-foot-8, 182-pound speedster was productive as both a punt returner and a receiver.
Raymond returned 20 punts for 264 yards and a touchdown (good for a return average of 13.2 yards). Meanwhile, he accumulated a career-best 616 receiving yards, while failing to drop a single pass.
As a result of Raymond's multi-dimensional ability, he is undoubtedly an X-factor for the Lions.
And, if he comes anywhere close to replicating his 2022 level of production this upcoming season, he'll be an under-the-radar difference-maker in Johnson's offense once again.
