I think pass protection is really important to the running game. When Jared Goff can pick apart defenses, that changes the scheme of the defense dramatically.
This in turn subjects the defense to devastating running plays.
The key is not to have a preference as, I think, our offensive coaches sometimes sense from Dan Campbell.
I think Ben Johnson periodically got into a rut of deferring to what he assumed was Dan Campbell’s preference for a strong running game (in fact, Dan wants to win first and rush the ball second), and sometimes under Ben the plays were telegraphed.
Under John Morton, it grew exponentially worse, and you could always tell when the Lions were going to hand off.
Getting back to a lack of preference is the best way to have a successful running attack. The defense must not be allowed to key in based upon probabilities.
And the best way to do this is to have good pass protection. Moving Penei to the left side is going to paradoxically improve the running game over right tackle compared to 2025, notwithstanding losing Penei’s extraordinary skill in run blocking on the right. Runs to the right will work very well when the defense always has to defend both the pass and the run simultaneously. This is what Penei on the left gives us. Goffian Confidence in a 2.8 second pocket.