The Detroit Lions Podcast

The Detroit Lions Podcast
  • 4.5 (518)
  • Football
  • Updated Daily

The Detroit Lions Podcast is an independent, fan-run show covering the Detroit Lions every day — and has since 2015. Hosted by Chris with co-host and managing editor Jeff Risdon, the show breaks down every game with live post-game call-in shows, works through the roster and the schedule, and goes deep on the NFL Draft. Over 1,000 episodes in, it's one of the longest-running Lions podcasts anywhere: no corporate desk, no borrowed takes, just people who have only ever covered this one team. Whether the Lions are rebuilding or contending, we're on it — win, lose, or heartbreak. One Pride.

  1. 16h ago

    Lions vs Commanders Preseason Preview, What to Watch for - Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Detroit Lions will use the Washington Commanders preseason home game to sort interior offensive line depth, clarify wide receiver three, and test nickel rotations while select starters play, as Dan Campbell stated. The order of substitutions will tell the story. Coaches want second-game data points on risers and rebound candidates. Which starters will play and why does it matter? Some Detroit Lions starters will play, not all, and the substitution order will reveal priority roles more than the score. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast, if quarterback Jared Goff sits there is no point in exposing wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown or offensive tackle Penei Sewell, while tight end Sam LaPorta needs only a brief series because his back issue can recur. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is part of that protect-your-core logic. Expect the focus to be on who plays with whom and when, not how long the first group stays out there. What are the key Detroit Lions offensive line battles? Interior depth is unsettled and this game will shape the center and guard pecking order. Guard Ben Bartch, center Seth McLaughlin, and guard Tate Ratledge are central to the mix, and the staff will test combinations and timing to see who sticks. Offensive lineman Miller Frazier must rebound after penalties and uneven snaps while bouncing from right guard to left tackle in Cincinnati. Offensive tackle Blake Miller needs to shore up his inside shoulder in pass protection, and offensive tackle Larry Borom should post a clean slate to solidify the swing role. The sequence of reps across center and guard will be the clearest depth-chart signal. Who owns WR3 and the last wide receiver spots? Greg Dortch has outperformed Isaac TeSlaa this summer, making Washington a swing game for wide receiver three. A sure-handed, physical outing from Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa can calm concerns, but more drops or tips would strengthen Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch for WR3. Tay Martin is the front-runner for WR5. Depth pressure comes from Lions wide receivers Lucky Jackson, Cedrick Wilson, Malik Cunningham, Tom Kennedy, and Dominic Lovett. The staff can keep only so many, so special teams value and mistake-free play will separate the final few. What should we watch on defense and special teams? Nickel snaps remain open, with Lions defensive back Thomas Harper factoring as a nickel-safety hybrid and situational usage in play. With starters scheduled to see the field, Jeff Risdon expects a brief look at Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill before the rotation turns to depth pieces. Practice has shown Lions defensive tackles McKade Wingo and Skipper Gill-Howard repping ahead of Lions defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, and the second preseason game can validate that order. Undrafted pushes continue with Lions edge rusher Eric O’Neill and Lions linebacker Erick Hunter stacking good tape. On offense, Lions running back Sione Vaki is a special teams lock, but this is a chance to validate the runner piece against live tackling alongside Lions running backs Jacob Saylors and Jabari Small. Bottom line, performances matter far more than the score, and no injuries is the priority. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionspreseason #washingtoncommanders #kelvinsheppard #erico'neilljaredgoff #samlaporta #amon-rast.brown #benbartch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 1d ago

    Daily DLP: Mid-Preseason Mailbag - Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Daily DLP goes through listener mailbag questions culled from the Detroit Lions Podcast Patreon Slack channel. Lots of great questions that host Jeff Risdon offers his best knowledge and insight to answer as cleanly and succinctly as possible. Among the questions: What are the biggest changes to the Lions offense under Drew Petzing so far? Can we trust in the changes we're seeing in the practices and preseason to carry into the regular season on defense? Who is the biggest surprise cut candidate? Any free agents looking for a ring worth signing? Most competitive roster decisions in making the 53-man roster, and will the Lions once again keep fewer than 53 on that initial roster like they did a year ago? #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #mailbag #preseason #lionstrainingcamp #jahmyrgibbs #blakemiller #ennisrakestraw #devinwhite #sethmclaughlin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 2d ago

    Daily DLP: Auditing the Lions PFF Grades vs Bengals - Detroit Lions Podcast

    Dan Campbell said most Detroit Lions starters will play Saturday against the Washington Commanders. The staff wants live defensive reps after the Bengals preseason opener highlighted interior issues and clarified several depth battles. As host Jeff Risdon noted, not every headliner will dress, but the standard is set for a sharper outing. Will Detroit Lions starters play against Washington? Yes. Head coach Dan Campbell said most starters will play. The goal is targeted work, not a long run-up. Who stood out and who struggled on defense vs the Bengals? Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, Detroit Lions, and undrafted rookie linebacker Erick Hunter, Detroit Lions, topped the defensive sheet, while the interior defensive line lagged. Defensive tackle Ben Stille, Detroit Lions, graded best among the interior but played only in the final two defensive series, underscoring why more starter reps are planned. Michael Grey said the grades matched his notes on most fronts, but there was a clear disconnect on defensive lineman Chris Smith, Detroit Lions. The film and the grading service had Smith down, yet Dan Campbell specifically praised him for dirty-work execution, and the coach’s view is what drives roles. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit Lions, finished near the bottom against the Bengals, then responded with a strong Monday practice, which is exactly the rebound the staff wants to see. Which Lions boosted or hurt their stock on offense? Running back Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions, and wide receiver Cedric Wilson, Detroit Lions, helped themselves. Jacob Saylors created yardage behind uneven blocking and finished as the team’s leading receiver, and Cedrick Wilson ripped a clean deep crossing catch. Undrafted rookie guard Melvin Priestley, Detroit Lions, played left guard in the second half and impressed with power. Offensive tackle Blake Miller, Detroit Lions, posted a 66.6, a solid baseline outing with teachable reps. Center Seth McLaughlin, Detroit Lions, checked in at 62.0; one sack was charged to the play where offensive tackle Larry Borom, Detroit Lions, had the losing pass-pro rep. Guard Chris Mahogany, Detroit Lions, flashed an 85.2 pass-block grade against a 56.7 run-block grade, with two penalties dragging down his total. On the other end, wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, Detroit Lions, and linemen Michael Niese, Detroit Lions, and Miles Frazier, Detroit Lions, hurt their cases. Frazier drew three penalties, and penalties crushed grades across the board. What roster battles are Detroit sorting right now? Depth, not the starting 22. Detroit is sorting the fourth and fifth defensive tackle spots, wide receiver five and six, and running back three and four. The staff values cross-team grade stacking over raw numbers, and Saturday’s targeted starter snaps are designed to sharpen the defensive front while giving bubble players another clean evaluation window for the Detroit Lions Podcast crew to track. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #dancampbell #washingtoncommanders #bengalspreseasonopener #livedefensivereps #interiordefensiveline #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #peneisewell #amenogbongbemiga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 4d ago

    Daily DLP: Roster Moves, OL Shuffle and Practice Notes - Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Detroit Lions clarified their center plan: Juice Scruggs returned to first-team work and Tate Ratledge took center reps, setting Scruggs on the Week 1 path while Detroit stress-tests depth. In a rain-soaked session after the Cincinnati preseason opener, coaches rotated interior linemen to lock in trusted combinations ahead of the NFL regular season. Did the Detroit Lions clarify who starts at center in Week 1? Yes. Juice Scruggs is tracking as the starting center, and Detroit cross-trained Tate Ratledge at center with the starters while keeping Seth McLaughlin in a reserve lane. As Jeff Risdon noted, Scruggs has NFL pivot experience and projects as the player snapping the ball to Jared Goff in Week 1. When Juice Scruggs worked at center, Tate Ratledge played right guard and Christian Mahogany played left guard. When Scruggs sat, Ratledge slid inside to center, Ben Bartch came in at left guard and Mahogany moved to right guard. McLaughlin did not run with the first team in those center looks. The staff even evaluated wet-ball snapping in the rain to prepare for outdoor games. Dan Campbell previously praised McLaughlin’s effort while acknowledging his smaller build, reinforcing the view of him as a dependable backup. What roster moves and signings changed the bottom of the depth chart? Detroit waived with injury designation running back Kai Robichaux and safety Law Strickland, both hurt against the Cincinnati Bengals, and both will revert to injured reserve after waivers. Dan Campbell said Kai Robichaux broke his foot, and Law Strickland suffered a non-contact lower-leg injury. The Lions added running back Trayveon Williams and cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe. Trayveon Williams, a 2019 sixth-round pick out of Texas A&M, is a compact inside runner. Jeff Risdon noted he has 72 carries for 343 yards across seven seasons and one qualifying season as a kick returner with a poor average as a rookie, so returns are not a selling point. Ekow Boye-Doe, a Kansas State product who has spent most of his time on NFL practice squads and was in the DC Defenders camp, brings legit speed but is undersized and faces long odds after a rough first day in Allen Park. Who popped in Sunday’s rain practice? Aidan Hutchinson dominated, including blowing up a screen, a timely reminder of his game-wrecking impact. Second-round pass rusher Derek Moore returned and posted a sack in team work, flashing the length and range that set him apart from Detroit’s power-first edge depth. Isaac TeSlaa delivered the catch of the day in red zone, going up over coverage for a touchdown and spiking in celebration, as relayed from practice reports. Cornerback Khalil Dorsey showcased high-end ball skills with a full-extension, one-handed attempt downfield, the kind of playmaking that fuels his roster case on defense and special teams. How are the fringe jobs shaking out at WR, TE, OL and OT? Tay Martin earned first-team reps with an opening at wide receiver and continues to draw praise from Dan Campbell for his camp and special teams work, pushing into the roster conversation. Tight end Jackson Meeks, converting from wide receiver, returned and must win via special teams in a crowded room. Tackle depth got a boost with Devin Cochran back at practice after an early-week knock. The staff is maximizing versatility while Cade Mays remains out until at least early October. Dan Campbell set the standard plainly: “We do not have time to waste... we have to be able to trust you. You have to be dependable, coachable, and a competitor.” Detroit is rewarding competitors who stack dependable reps, exactly what Sunday’s wet-weather practice was designed to reveal. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #juicescruggs #tateratledge #christianmahogany #sethmclaughlin #benbartch #jaredgoff #dancampbell #aidanhutchinson #isaacteslaa #taymartin #khalildorsey #ekowboye-doe #kairobichaux #lawstrickland #cincinnatibengals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 5d ago

    Detroit Lions Stock Up/down After 1st Preseason Game - Detroit Lions Podcast

    Jacob Saylors seized a roster-opening opportunity for the Detroit Lions, delivering fresh legs, clean routes, and hands that produced a team-high receiving output in Thursday's wet preseason loss at Cincinnati. His all-around day put him squarely in the 53-man conversation and reset the running back depth picture heading into Washington week. Can Jacob Saylors make the 53-man roster? Yes, Lions running back Jacob Saylors pushed himself into the real roster mix with a complete performance. He looked rested and explosive, processed quickly, and caught the ball naturally, finishing as Detroit's leading receiver on the night. As Jeff Risdon noted, Sailors showed the fresh-body benefit after having true recovery time since last year. The staff wants backs who trigger fast and finish, and Sailors checked those boxes. His vision and reaction stood out in the quick game and he added value in the passing attack, a critical separator for back-end roster roles. Is Isaac TeSlaa in trouble after the early turnover? No, Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa is not in danger of being cut, but he must clean up technique and urgency. He had the early-tip turnover on a ball that hit both hands and later lost a contested catch by failing to separate and secure through contact. Coaches need quicker wins off the line and faster catch-to-tuck transitions on shorter concepts. Expect Detroit to feed TeSlaa targets this week in practice and in the preseason game against the Washington Commanders to rebuild confidence and trust. What did we learn about Luke Altmyer and the offensive plan? Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer earned stock up by executing the quick-game emphasis. Detroit instructed him to get the ball out on time to his first read, and he did, which capped downfield shot volume. The wet-ball turnover appeared more like a lost handle than a designed pitch, as Jeff Risdon observed after rewatching. The takeaway is clarity, not concern: the operation prioritized rhythm, timing, and ball security in difficult rain conditions, and Altmyer delivered a steady night within that plan. Which defenders helped, and who hurt, their roster cases? Lions defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard, wearing number 50, stacked a strong week by translating his first-step wins into real disruption. When he wins immediately, he is a problem. Lions defensive lineman Ben Stille, number 78, also earned stock up with a pressure, sturdy run fits, and forcing cutbacks. Lions linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, number 57, flashed stout build and anticipatory coverage beyond a special teams profile. Edge rushers on opposite tracks Lions edge rusher Eric O'Neil, 25 years old, strung together a sack, another QB hit that forced a throwaway, and a useful special teams rep. He profiles as a practice-squad keep if the numbers squeeze, but his pass-rush efficiency is real. Conversely, Lions defensive end Anthony Lucas stayed blocked too often and lacked effective counters after initial engagement. Secondary notes to watch Lions cornerback Roger McCreery answered with sharp leverage and run support, then finished late with Lions cornerback Keith Abney in the slot while McCreery played outside. That usage hints at how Detroit is sorting their inside-out roles. Who took a step back? Lions safety Dan Jackson must stop diving at feet in space, and Lions safety Loren Strickland did not help his case either. Lions linebacker Troy Reeder had an anonymous outing at Mike. On the line, Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier struggled at right guard and later at left tackle with stiff, slow sets. Reps could reshuffle when the staff balances work for veterans like Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and DJ Wanham in practice. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jacobsaylors #isaacteslaa #lukealtmyer #skylergill-howard #anthonylucas #erico'neil #benstille #manuogbongbemiga #troyreeder #milesfrazier #rogermccreery #keithabney #aidanhutchinson #washingtoncommanders #cincinnatibengals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. 6d ago

    Campbell's Lab: Bengals Postgame Evaluation - Detroit Lions Podcast

    Detroit Lions Post Bengals Preseason Evaluation The first preseason game is rarely about the final score, and Detroit’s 16-14 loss to Cincinnati was no exception. The Detroit Lions rested most of their established starters while the Bengals gave their first units early work, creating exactly the kind of uneven laboratory Dan Campbell wanted for evaluating the bottom half of his roster. Detroit’s reserves hung around anyway, and by the end of the night there was far more to discuss than the scoreboard. On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon break down what actually mattered from Lions vs. Bengals: which training camp battles moved, which players helped themselves, where injuries have complicated the depth chart, and whether anything we saw should change our confidence in this team. Hassanein and Saylors Turn Camp Buzz Into Game Production Ahmed Hassanein entered the night as one of the best stories of Lions training camp. Then his first snap produced a sack of Joe Burrow. That was not his only moment. Hassanein finished with two sacks, four tackles and a forced fumble, translating weeks of strong practice work into an actual NFL game environment. His development at big end suddenly looks less like an August curiosity and more like something that could affect Detroit’s defensive rotation. Running back Jacob Saylors accomplished something similar. With injuries creating opportunities behind Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco, Saylors produced 55 rushing yards on eight carries and added three catches for 28 yards. The RB depth chart was already unsettled, and his performance ensures that conversation continues. Rookie right tackle Blake Miller also passed an important first test. Campbell’s best review may have been that he barely noticed Miller during the game. For an offensive tackle making his NFL debut, that is usually a compliment. Ennis Rakestraw, Injuries and a Changing Depth Chart Few players needed these preseason snaps more than Ennis Rakestraw Jr. His first two seasons were disrupted by injuries, and this summer he has been trying to regain ground in a cornerback room where Rock Ya-Sin and Nick Whiteside have strengthened their positions. That made another injury scare particularly frustrating. Rakestraw left during the second quarter after an open-field tackle and did not return, but the immediate news was encouraging. X-rays showed no structural damage, and Campbell characterized the issue as a minor arm contusion. Mekhi Wingo also exited and could enter concussion protocol, while safety Loren Strickland required additional imaging after leaving the game. These are not simply medical notes in August. Every missed practice changes somebody else’s opportunity, and those opportunities can reshape the final roster. The offense produced more mixed evaluations. Luke Altmyer flashed late with an 80-yard touchdown drive but also finished with two interceptions. Isaac TeSlaa had a difficult night, while Detroit’s makeshift offensive line struggled with penalties and cohesion. Those performances matter because several of these competitions remain very much alive. What Should Lions Fans Think After Preseason Game One? The early confidence check should remain measured but positive. Detroit did not play this game to prove its starters could beat Cincinnati’s starters. It played to learn about the players who might be needed when injuries inevitably arrive. Hassanein looks increasingly real. Saylors made his case. Miller looked comfortable. Rakestraw’s situation remains worth watching. The defensive depth showed some bite, while several offensive depth battles remain unsettled. Join Chris and Jeff for the Detroit Lions Post Bengals Preseason Evaluation as they separate meaningful evidence from preseason noise and examine exactly what Thursday night changed for the Lions. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #LionsPreseason, #LionsVsBengals, #EnnisRakestraw, #AhmedHassanein, #JacobSaylors, #BlakeMiller, #TrainingCampBattles, #LionsInjuries, #LionsDepthChart, #NFLPreseason, #DetroitLionsNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionspreseason #detroitlionsnews #lionsvsbengals #cincinnatibengals #ennisrakestraw #ennisrakestrawinjury #ahmedhassanein #jacobsaylors #blakemiller #nflpreseason #trainingcampbattles #lionsdepthchart #lionsinjuries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Aug 13

    Daily DLP: Preseason Game Preview: Lions vs Bengals - Detroit Lions Podcast

    There is an actual Detroit Lions football game tonight! The Daily DLP ventures into much-welcomed game preview territory ahead of Thursday night’s preseason opener between the Lions and the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s the first opportunity for fans to check out the start of the 2026 Lions. Even though it’s an exhibition game that doesn’t count in the standings, it’s still a very important night for a lot of Lions. Reflecting on the players to watch list published earlier this week, today’s Daily expands on broader concepts about the game in Cincinnati. How do the Bengals specifically present opportunities for some of the Lions players battling for roster status? The Bengals are a strict 4-2-5 defense that had the lowest blitz rate in the NFL in 2025, and also sported the 31st-ranked run defense. That creates a good opportunity for the offensive linemen and running backs to show what they can do for Detroit. Because the Lions aren’t expected to play any of the players whose jerseys you would see fans wearing to the game, the exhibition opener is all about the depth battles and younger players trying to make names for themselves. For some players, tonight’s game might be the last time they ever wear a Lions uniform. It’s important to remember that and provide perspective when the game gets into the fourth quarter and even the most ardent Detroit fans are asking, “who is that guy?” This game does have one interesting subplot: the punters. Detroit’s Jack Fox and Cincinnati’s Ryan Rekhow are each statistically among the best punters ever. It might be an intriguing display of punting and also of using special teams as an evaluation tool for both coaching staffs. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #cincinnatibengals #joeburrow #dancampbell #drewpetzing #mikekafka #blakemiller #sethmclaughlin #colbysorsdal #kairobichaux #jacobsailors #jabarismall #taymartin #tomkennedy #ennisrakestrawjr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Aug 12

    Daily DLP: Sheila Speaks, Lions Front Office Moves & More - Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Detroit Lions are built to contend now, and ownership expects more than a 9-8 season. Detroit Lions owner Sheila Hamp emphasized increased roster depth and declared the team a contender, and she clarified that last season’s record was not up to the organization’s standards after a top-to-bottom review. Are the Detroit Lions legitimate contenders right now? Yes, the standard has moved to contention. Detroit Lions owner Sheila Hamp told Fox 2's Dan Miller that the team has more depth than ever and said they are "definitely going to be a hunter," reflecting an organization ready to win. As Jeff Risdon noted, the combination of top-end talent and improved depth removes excuses. The expectation inside Allen Park is to compete at the top of the NFC. Questions exist, as they do for all 32 teams, but Detroit’s roster composition supports a win-now posture. What did Sheila Hamp really say about 9-8? She stated that 9-8 is a winning record but not good enough for the Detroit Lions. Hamp explained that after last season the organization conducted a thorough, top-to-bottom self-assessment, identified several things to improve, and corrected them, aligning the entire building on bringing a winner to Detroit. Context matters. Too many people clipped only the “nine and eight is a winning season” part. The full message rejected complacency and reaffirmed rising standards. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, the owner’s tone was engaged and demanding, not satisfied. Which front office moves matter for 2026 roster building? Dwayne Joseph has been promoted to vice president of player personnel, a significant elevation that positions him for future assistant GM or GM consideration and reflects trust in his evaluations. Former offensive tackle Jamarco Jones joined Detroit as a scouting fellow, adding a recent-player lens to the evaluation process during a critical roster-shaping period. These behind-the-scenes changes matter now because they directly touch preseason evaluation, cutdown decisions, practice squad planning, and potential trades. As Jeff Risdon put it, this stretch is about sorting how many at each position to keep and who to shop or stash, and those calls funnel through player personnel and evaluations. What should fans watch in the Lions at Bengals preseason opener? Expect a stress test for the trenches and a fast read on depth. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to play a couple of series, and Cincinnati is focusing on linebackers and a revamped defensive tackle group that will challenge the Detroit Lions offensive line regardless of which unit is on the field. Per Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Lions rookie Blake Miller will play, while Lions rookie Tate Ratledge will not. Some Bengals starters will appear, but the night is about Detroit’s evaluations more than the score. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #sheilahamp #dancampbell #joeburrow #dwaynejoseph #jamarcojones #danskipper #giovannimanu #bradholmes #johndorsey #tateratledge #blakemiller #cincinnatibengals #detroitlionsoffensiveline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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About

The Detroit Lions Podcast is an independent, fan-run show covering the Detroit Lions every day — and has since 2015. Hosted by Chris with co-host and managing editor Jeff Risdon, the show breaks down every game with live post-game call-in shows, works through the roster and the schedule, and goes deep on the NFL Draft. Over 1,000 episodes in, it's one of the longest-running Lions podcasts anywhere: no corporate desk, no borrowed takes, just people who have only ever covered this one team. Whether the Lions are rebuilding or contending, we're on it — win, lose, or heartbreak. One Pride.

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