Jim Bob Cooter’s offense is often (and rightly) derided for being too predictable. However, the embattled Lions offensive coordinator does a fine job at keeping defenses guessing at what’s coming on first down.

The Lions have had 420 offensive plays on first downs through the first 15 games. Cooter’s offense has a near-perfect split of run vs. pass in the plays on first down situations.

Detroit has run the ball 207 times on first down. The Lions have set up to pass 213 times, with 195 pass attempts and 18 sacks.

The results vary over the course of different games, of course, but the overall season balance is almost exactly even. For the season, the Lions average 4.1 yards per carry on first down rushes and 6.1 yards per attempt on passes.