The Detroit Lions Podcast

The Detroit Lions Podcast
  • 4.5 (523)
  • 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. 4h ago

    Daily DLP: The morning after Lions ugly loss to Panthers Detroit Lions Podcast

    Dan Campbell did not have the Detroit Lions ready, and his game plan failed in a sloppy loss to the Carolina Panthers. Misaligned defense, unnecessary blitz calls, and a penalty-riddled offense squandered chances. As Jeff Risdon stated, this one falls on Dan Campbell, and the margin for error is gone. What was the single biggest reason the Detroit Lions lost? Dan Campbell’s game plan and preparation failed against the Carolina Panthers. Jeff Risdon said the head coach did not have his coaches or players ready, and the Lions ignored where Carolina was weakest. The offense repeatedly attacked the middle instead of the outside corners, and the staff never adjusted to what was working or failing. Detroit committed pre snap penalties and burned timeouts because of alignment and communication issues. The plan lacked cohesion, and the Panthers, despite missing key pieces, dictated matchups. Carolina won one handed on offense, with quarterback Bryce Young repeatedly connecting on the same answers the Lions never took away. Did the defense improve late, or did Carolina simply cool off? The front four worked, the extra pressure calls did not. Bryce Young, quarterback, Carolina Panthers, completed at one point 17 of 18, then missed six throws in a row as Detroit tightened. Risdon emphasized that the defensive line created pressure without blitz help, yet the Lions still leaned on delayed, poorly timed red zone blitzes that made little football sense. There is no marriage between the front, the linebackers, and the back end. Citing a point from Jim Swanson about the Minnesota Vikings, Risdon noted effective blitzing always pairs purpose with a coordinated reaction. Detroit’s pressure packages lacked that correlation, leaving easy throws where the pressure originated. How did matchups and usage on both sides expose Detroit? Detroit failed to target Carolina’s outside cornerbacks and left its own coverage mismatched. Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker was out, yet the Lions still single covered their remaining threats. Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tete McMillan and Bryce Young found everything in sync, and Detroit never forced the ball away from preferred reads. On offense, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery had 10 carries for 24 yards, with 34 yards after first contact. Jeff Risdon highlighted the disconnect between player traits and play calls. Montgomery has 124 yards on 47 carries overall and is not at his best when contacted in the backfield. The Lions asked him to win in situations that do not suit his skill set. What must change now, and how fast? Dan Campbell, head coach, Detroit Lions, must restore coordination across the scheme and attack opponent weaknesses, not their strengths. Jeff Risdon specifically called out the need for coaching corrections, including from Drew Petzing and Collins Sheppard, and for cutting the penalties and wasted timeouts that killed drives. Detroit is 2 and 2, and every other NFC North team won yesterday. The next test, the Arizona Cardinals, is eminently winnable. Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch returning soon will help, but the fixes must be structural. As Risdon put it, the window is open now. Stop the counterproductive blitzing, align the levels of the defense, and call to player strengths. He also noted the Houston Texans are o and Ford, with big name talent like Will Anderson, Derek Stingley, and Kamari Lassiter, reinforcing that culture and emotion without coordinated Xs and Os is not enough. Recover, beat Arizona, and reset the trajectory before the bye. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #dancampbell #davidmontgomery #bryceyoung #brianbranch #willanderson #derekstingley #kamarilassiter #jalencoker #tetemcmillan #carolinapanthers #arizonacardinals #minnesotavikings #nfcnorth #blitzdefense #frontfourpassrush Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 15h ago

    Detroit Lions vs Carolina Panthers Post Game Show - Detroit Lions Podcast Reacts

    Detroit Lions vs Carolina Panthers post game reaction for Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season. Jeff Risdon and Michael Grey go live after the Detroit Lions visit the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Week 4. This is the complete Detroit Lions post game destination for the result, the live post game presser, detailed game analysis and live listener calls. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 pm ET on Sunday, October 4. Detroit Lions Post Game Result and Reaction We begin with the game result and an immediate reaction to how Lions vs Panthers unfolded. Jeff and Michael will put the final outcome in context, identify the defining sequences and discuss what the performance means at this point in the 2026 Lions season. No waiting until the next morning and no empty hot takes. The conversation starts with what happened at Bank of America Stadium, why it happened and which moments changed the direction of the game. Whether Detroit controlled the night or left Carolina with difficult questions, this lions post game show will break down the result with a clear eye on the football. Live Post Game Presser Coverage The show will cover the post game presser live. Jeff and Michael will react to the answers, explanations and immediate takeaways coming out of the stadium. The timing makes this an important part of the show because listeners can hear the press conference and then get direct analysis of what matters. The discussion will separate useful football information from routine post game language. Any explanations involving decisions, execution or the flow of the game will be examined against what took place on the field. The focus stays on the Detroit Lions and the key questions created by their Week 4 performance against the Carolina Panthers. Lions vs Panthers Game Analysis The game analysis goes beyond the final score. Jeff and Michael will review the strategic approach, execution, situational football and the matchups that shaped Detroit Lions vs Carolina Panthers. They will examine how the Lions handled important downs, scoring opportunities, field position and the game’s highest-leverage possessions. The goal is to explain the performance without forcing a conclusion that the tape and result do not support. Expect a direct assessment of what worked, what failed and what deserves more attention as the NFL season continues. Live Listener Calls The final voice belongs to Lions fans. Live listener calls give the audience a chance to react to the result, challenge the analysis and raise the biggest questions from Week 4. Bring your strongest takeaway from Lions vs Panthers and be ready to defend it. Join Jeff Risdon and Michael Grey for the Detroit Lions post game show immediately following the game. Subscribe, turn on notifications and take part in the live conversation about the 2026 Detroit Lions. #DetroitLions #Lions #DetroitLionsPodcast #LionsPostGame #DetroitLionsPostGame #LionsVsPanthers #CarolinaPanthers #NFL #NFL2026 #OnePride #Week4 #LionsReaction #LionsAnalysis #JeffRisdon #MichaelGrey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 2d ago

    Bish & Brown: Detroit Lions Vs. Carolina Panthers Preview

    The Detroit Lions beat Carolina by running straight at a defense allowing 5.7 yards per carry and by leaning on a four-man rush that creates pressure on 46.5 percent of dropbacks. Add clean fourth-and-1 decisions and sharper answers versus zone, and those 31-point outings finally become a wire-to-wire win. How should Detroit attack Carolina's defense? Pound the rock, then punish zones. Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Detroit’s motion-heavy approach, 56.5 percent usage, fit perfectly against a unit that sits thirty second against the run at 5.7 yards per carry allowed. Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta can work the seams, while Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams threatens vertically to keep safeties honest. Carolina leans on zone, including cover 3 at 48.7 percent and split-field looks at 12.2 percent. Expect more middle-field help, which means Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff must get to throws outside the numbers and to outlets on time. As Russell Brown noted, Detroit has scored 31 points in three straight games and is 2-1, but sharper situational calls, especially on fourth-and-1, finish drives. Did the Lions blow it by not landing Joey Porter Jr.? It was disappointing, not disqualifying. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2028 second-round pick and a conditional sixth. As Scott Bischoff said, “he would've made their secondary significantly better right now,” but he also flagged Porter Jr.’s grabby tendencies and penalties and the fact no extension was in place, which puts risk on the buyer. Detroit invested at corner, including Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed, and must coach up the current room. The window matters, but not at any price, and you do not control when another club takes a take-it-or-leave-it offer. Will Detroit’s defense level up with safety help and four-man pressure? Yes, and it already started. Better safety play showed up last week, and Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch is “really close,” with Russell Brown expecting a post-bye return around Week 7 after Dan Campbell’s update. Detroit’s front leads the NFL in pressure without blitzing at 46.5 percent, but that heat must finish with sacks and pass breakups. Against Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and a heavy RPO menu, 10.8 percent, Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and the linebackers must stay square and disciplined on the perimeter. That limits pull reads and forces longer third downs where four rushers can win. What do the numbers say about Jared Goff and Detroit’s passing plan? Trust the answers. When blitzed on 44.4 percent of his dropbacks last week, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff went 14 of 14 for 148 yards and a touchdown. If Carolina sends pressure, the ball will go to the first read. If the Panthers sit in zone, Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa and the backs can move the sticks while Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta attack soft spots. Detroit’s defense must tighten in the red zone after allowing nine passing touchdowns so far, 7.9 yards per attempt, but the blueprint is clear: run the ball, finish drives, rush with four, and close. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #peneisewell #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #jamesonwilliams #jaredgoffblitzstats #aidanhutchinson #brianbranchreturn #d.j.reed #bryceyoungrpos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 3d ago

    Daily DLP: Lions vs. Panthers Week 4 matchup preview Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Detroit Lions should dominate the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Ford Field. Carolina’s offense is shorthanded up front and at receiver, and its defense is thin at cornerback and soft against the run. With Detroit ranking third in total pressures and second in sacks, as Jeff Risdon noted, the matchup tilts hard toward the Lions. Will the Detroit Lions defense control Bryce Young and the Panthers offense? Yes, the Lions defensive front has the advantage and will dictate this game. The Carolina Panthers run the ball just 34% of the time and their protection is compromised by injuries. Quarterback Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers starter, is operating more from the pocket and not running much. Guard Damian Lewis, their best lineman, is out with an elbow injury and is likely out for the season. Rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling remains in the concussion protocol; if he cannot go, journeyman Steen Ford would start. Inside, they have not replaced Lewis effectively and are giving up pressure without blitzing. That is prime work for Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, edge rusher DJ Wonnum, and the power end rotation of Derrick Moore and Tyler Lacy. Dan Campbell also indicated safety Brian Branch should return after the bye, which further steadies the secondary. Key Panthers offensive numbers Completions at 59%, 7.7 yards per pass, and 97 rushing yards per game with 4.3 per carry underscore a pass-leaning attack that will struggle behind a depleted line and with banged-up targets. How should Detroit attack Carolina’s defense? Run the ball and stress their undermanned corners. Carolina is 32nd in yards allowed per carry at 5.7, and they allow 5.5 yards per carry to running backs. Starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson both went on IR this week. They are replaced by Akayleb Evans, rookie Will Lee, and Chau Smith-Wade. The Panthers sit 19th in pressure rate and 13th in sack rate, so quarterback Jared Goff should find rhythm throws to Detroit Lions slot receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, wide receiver Jameson Williams, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs out of the backfield. Interior disruptor Dorsey Brown is a real problem, so Detroit Lions guards Tate Ratledge and Cade Mays must anchor. Edge Jalen Phillips and rusher Umang line up opposite right tackle Penei Sewell at times, but Penei Sewell’s side should hold firm. Matchups to watch Aidan Hutchinson versus a rookie or journeyman right tackle, and Detroit’s interior rush against Carolina’s Lewis-less guard-center group, are game-shapers. What do the Panthers’ first three games actually show? Strip away Week 1 and you get a clearer picture. In Week 1, the Panthers were blown out by the Chicago Bears 59 to 37, allowing 552 yards of offense and 291 rushing yards. In Week 2, they beat Atlanta 34 to 3, aided by five turnovers and, as Jeff Risdon said, Cooper Rush starting for Atlanta. In Week 3, they lost at Cleveland 21 to 18. Their production in Weeks 2 and 3 is more representative: 340 and 360 total yards on offense. Defensively they allowed 286 yards and 17 first downs to Atlanta, then 259 yards and 17 first downs to Cleveland. Overall they are fifth in offensive scoring, seventh in yards per game on offense, 26th in defensive scoring, and 28th in yards allowed at 365.7. How confident should Lions fans be? Very. As Jeff Risdon stated, he is burning the Detroit Lions as his survivor pick this week, reflecting strong confidence. The final Detroit injury report looks clean, with Ben Bartch unlikely to play but guard Chris Mahogany coming off the best game of his career, and DJ Wonnum practicing Thursday after a back issue. With Carolina’s run defense leaking, corners on IR, and an injured line in front of Bryce Young, Detroit controls the matchups across the NFL board. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #aidanhutchinson #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown #jahmyrgibbs #peneisewell #brianbranch #bryceyoung #damianlewis #monroefreeling #jchorn #mikejackson #jalencoker #djwonnum #cademays #tateratledge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 4d ago

    Daily DLP: Joey Porter Jr. traded, but not to the Lions Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Detroit Lions were right to pass on trading for Dallas Cowboys cornerback Joey Porter Jr. at Dallas’s price. The compensation was manageable, but Detroit’s increasing zone usage and the contract dynamics made the fit inefficient. As Jeff Risdon stated, Detroit inquired after Week 1 yet did not match the Cowboys’ offer. The bigger question is, did they even try to match? Did the Detroit Lions miss by not matching Dallas for Joey Porter Jr.? No. The value was tempting, but the schematic fit and contract leverage argue against it. Joey Porter Jr. is a press man specialist, and the Detroit Lions have been moving to more zone every week, reducing the immediate return on a premium asset. As Jeff Risdon noted, Joey Porter Jr. thrives in straight man coverage and is less effective in zone or off alignments. Detroit has leaned into more zone in the last three games, so a high-cost man-only cornerback would narrow coordinator flexibility. The Detroit Lions still need cornerback help, but not at the expense of fit and future cap optionality. What exactly did Dallas send Pittsburgh, and what does the contract status mean? The Dallas Cowboys sent a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick back to the Pittsburgh Steelers, with no new contract agreed. Jeff Risdon relayed that the sixth-rounder is Pittsburgh’s own pick being returned. Pittsburgh’s impasse centered on guarantees and timing. According to Jeff Risdon, Joey Porter Jr. asked for $30,000,000 per year, and the Steelers offered $27,000,000 per year, then stopped negotiating in-season. Dallas now holds leverage because the premium asset, the 2028 second-rounder, sits far out on the timeline, and they did not commit to a new deal immediately. Would Joey Porter Jr. have fit the Detroit Lions defense right now? Only partially, and that partial fit lowers his impact in Detroit. The Lions are playing more zone each week, which diminishes a pure press man corner’s value. Detroit has invested in versatile young corners who can play match and zone. Cornerback Terrion Arnold, cornerback, Detroit Lions, must be part of that evolution, and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., cornerback, Detroit Lions, has already provided a lift. Joey Porter Jr. would have helped in man situations, but the defense’s week-to-week plan emphasizes disguise and zone spacing. That mismatch makes a rental-style acquisition less efficient, even at a palatable pick price. What are the Detroit Lions’ next steps at cornerback? Stay patient, keep building the zone packages, and use internal options before forcing a trade. Jeff Risdon emphasized that Detroit’s staff knows they still need cornerback help, which is why they inquired. Practice-squad option Nick Whiteside, cornerback, Detroit Lions, was mentioned by Jeff Risdon as a possible call-up if struggles persist. Detroit’s emerging nickel looks with their young outside corners are trending up, and that continuity matters with Carolina ahead. For context, Jeff noted that Dallas’s defense often gets uncoordinated, while Detroit’s communication has improved, reinforcing why fit and cohesion should guide any move. Week 4 note Detroit’s approach will be stress-tested against the Carolina Panthers. Wide receiver Jalen Coker, wide receiver, Carolina Panthers, was indicated as unavailable, which tilts matchups toward Detroit’s current plan. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #joeyporterjr. #dallascowboys #pittsburghsteelers #terrionarnold #ennisrakestrawjr. #nickwhiteside #jalencoker #detroitlionsdefense #pressmancoverage #zonecoverage #2028second-roundpick #2027sixth-roundpick #cornerbackdepth #nflweek4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. 5d ago

    Daily DLP: Top Lions D takeaways from Week 3 vs Jets Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Detroit Lions defense progressed by leaning into more Cover 3 zone against the New York Jets. That structural shift stabilized the back seven, let safety Christian Izien thrive, and paired with a breakout from cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., it produced tighter coverage and a takeaway for safety Chuck Clark. Did the Lions’ shift to more Cover 3 zone work? Yes. Detroit mixed more Cover 3 and even a few zone blitz looks, and the timing, spacing, and tackling improved. As Jeff Risdon noted, the defense looked more in phase and more comfortable with their landmarks, a critical step as the team plays more zone. The Lions also sprinkled in simulated pressures that had edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions briefly dropping to slow the quarterback’s processing. That helped force quicker checkdowns that Detroit largely tackled well, even if the game book showed their most missed tackles of the year. Two of the three Jets touchdowns were elite throw-and-catch plays despite tight coverage, the kind you also see from quarterback Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions or tight end Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions. How good was Ennis Rakestraw Jr. against Garrett Wilson? Outstanding. Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. allowed one completion for six yards on four targets to New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. He stayed in phase throughout, read routes cleanly, and looked especially comfortable playing Cover 3 on the outside. As Jeff Risdon pointed out, Rakestraw’s eyes and breaks stood out, and he even chopped away a ball at the catch point against Garrett Wilson. He is not a straight-line burner, but his technique and anticipation carried the day. That is a meaningful development as Detroit increases its zone usage. What is going on with Jack Campbell in coverage? It remains a concern. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell struggled with zone discipline, freezing on pass keys, missing depth, and occasionally flowing with the quarterback rollout without awareness of routes behind him. This was his best game so far, but it still was not good, per Jeff Risdon. The ripple effect showed up behind him, where safeties hesitated because Campbell was not at his landmark. The staff has discussed passing-down solutions, but the expectation, as Risdon emphasized, is that a smart, passionate player like Campbell improves with reps. This week’s opponent, the Carolina Panthers and quarterback Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers, presents a rebound opportunity in zone. Did Trevor Nowaske and Christian Izien change the back seven? Yes. Linebacker Trevor Nowaske of the Detroit Lions stepped into the downhill role, took on blocks, tackled decisively, and made sound space decisions. He is not a coverage linebacker and drew a special teams penalty, but his run fits helped steady the front. Safety Christian Izien of the Detroit Lions was a clear upgrade on the back end versus playing the slot. Short, not small, he was physical, alert, and anticipatory at safety, which freed safety Chuck Clark of the Detroit Lions for the game’s strip sack. With safety Brian Branch of the Detroit Lions expected back after the bye and defensive tackle Alim McNeill of the Detroit Lions disrupting up front, Detroit has a path to a top-20 defense that generates a takeaway or two while the offense sits around 31 points per game. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #ennisrakestrawjr. #garrettwilson #jackcampbell #trevornowaske #christianizien #chuckclark #aidanhutchinson #alimmcneill #brianbranch #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #bryceyoung #carolinapanthers #newyorkjets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. 6d ago

    The Grey Area - the Lions Down the Jets

    Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is shredding the NFL through three games, posting 802 yards, 8 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and 70.6 percent completions. He went 14-for-14 against the blitz for 148 yards and a score on Sunday. Detroit is 2-1 with a 31 points-per-game offense, and the mandate now is stabilizing the defense. Is Jared Goff running the NFL’s most efficient offense? Yes. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is operating the attack with total command and precision. As Michael Grey emphasized, Jared Goff is getting teammates aligned, draining the play clock to three, two, one, and punishing pressure, including a 14-for-14, 148-yard, 1-touchdown line versus the blitz. The production matches the eye test: 802 yards, 8 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 70.6 percent completions. Detroit averages 31 points per game despite only one first-quarter touchdown in three games. With Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing settling in, the structure and sequencing are elevating the entire unit. Is Jahmyr Gibbs being deployed the right way? Yes. Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is dictating games as the featured back, and he handled 20 carries on Sunday. As Jeff Risdon noted, calling him the best offensive football player in the NFL is not hyperbolic based on how he is winning between the tackles and in space. Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki added 6 effective carries, which helps preserve Jahmyr Gibbs without dulling the edge. Questions about Houston Texans running back David Montgomery fade when you consider the net effect of the trade that delivered Detroit Lions center Juice Scruggs, who is playing really well. What about the offensive line? Detroit Lions offensive tackle Blake Miller stayed out of the headlines, which is ideal for a lineman. Pass-pro assignment clarity still needs tightening, and Jahmyr Gibbs should not be asked to be a human doorstop in protection. Keep him as the playmaker, not the protector. Did the defense improve, and what still breaks? Up front, yes. On the back end, not enough. Detroit posted five sacks and held the New York Jets to 58 rushing yards, then Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark sealed the game with the pivotal late play. But the Jets threw it all over the yard, exposing a thin secondary that needs more consistent answers. If the front does not hit home, the back seven wobbles. Michael Grey said he believes Detroit is third or fourth in sacks right now, but you cannot allow Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith to post 31-of-37 type efficiency with only six incompletions and expect comfortable outcomes. What numbers demand urgency? As recorded, Detroit is allowing 31.6 points per game, the third-highest output behind Buffalo and San Francisco. The Saints and Jets logged season-high passing yards, and the Bills had season-high points and total yards. The realistic target, as discussed with Chris, is finishing around the 15th-to-20th range defensively. What is the plan at corner and linebacker? A splash for cornerback Joey Porter Jr only makes sense at the right price. He is not currently playing, which carries soft-tissue risk on arrival and complicates future assets. The long-term fix mirrors the offensive line rebuild, with multiple investments across the secondary. Near term, develop Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr after he battled New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, keep Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark involved, and clean up zone drops with Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, who must stop stressing the safeties behind him. Stack wins now against the Carolina Panthers and then Arizona by starting faster on offense and tightening coverage. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #jackcampbell #davidmontgomery #juicescruggs #sionevaki #ennisrakestrawjr #chuckclark #genosmith #garrettwilson #newyorkjets #buffalobills #neworleanssaints #carolinapanthers #arizonacardinals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Sep 28

    Lions vs Jets: Morning after recap and Week 3 game breakdown

    The Detroit Lions beat the New York Jets 31-24 to move to 2-1, delivering a third straight 31-point game and closing it with timely pressure. Detroit’s offense flowed under Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, and the defense produced the decisive blitz to finish a competitive game at Ford Field. Are the Lions winning the way they are built? Yes, they are winning behind a 31-point offense and timely stops. Detroit has scored 31 in three straight, and after a slow start the offense stacked four sustained drives in a row: 9 plays for a field goal, 12 plays for a 53-yard touchdown, 7 plays for an 80-yard touchdown, and 11 plays for a 72-yard touchdown. Lions quarterback Jared Goff kept the pace and the play sequencing echoed the Ben Johnson era. As Jeff Risdon noted, this was “the best in-game adjustment day for Dan Campbell and his coaching staff in a long time.” The lone offensive blemish was a failed fourth down with an illegal formation and poor execution, a spot where Dan Campbell needed a timeout. Who changed the game on defense? The game ended on a smart pressure call that sprung Lions safety Chuck Clark free off the blitz with Lions linebacker Jack Campbell also coming. Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum finished with 2 sacks, repeatedly challenging Jets offensive tackle Olu Fashanu. Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson still logged 64 of 66 defensive snaps, 97 percent, which is too heavy but underscores his importance. Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr returned for his first action since 2024 and held up outside, while a pivotal tweak put Christian Izien at safety, where his quickness and processing popped. The Jets still hit some contested throws, including work by Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, but Detroit’s defense made the timely plays to close. How real is the Jack Campbell coverage issue? It is a problem until he fixes it. As Jeff Risdon said, Jack Campbell “did not have a good game again” and was “lost in coverage,” with Detroit’s increased zone usage stressing the linebackers. Trevor Nowaske provided a situational lift, but Campbell must clean up depth and landmarks so the back end is not forced to cover for voids between levels. What did we learn about the offense and line? Protection got smarter. Lions running back Sione Vaki delivered sturdy pass protection with effective cuts, an important counter because Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs allowed two sacks in protection despite being Detroit’s most dangerous offensive weapon with the ball. Inside, Lions center Juice Scruggs played a strong game and Lions guard Christian Mahogany put together his most consistent outing as a Lion. Lions right tackle Penei Sewell appeared to finish fine, and Detroit reported no new major injuries after the game. Role players contributed as Lions tight end Brock Wright joined the passing mix. Looking ahead, a Sunday night trip to the Carolina Panthers sets up a defensive rebound opportunity, and Brian Branch’s return is coming soon. The takeaway is simple: this Detroit Lions team is designed to win NFL games by getting to 31 and keeping opponents from matching it, and that is exactly what they did against the Jets. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #peneisewell #aidanhutchinson #jackcampbell #djwonnum #chuckclark #ennisrakestrawjr. #juicescruggs #christianmahogany #sionevaki #newyorkjets #olufashanu #garrettwilson #dancampbell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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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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