Detroit Lions - A to Z Sports

A to Z Sports - Detroit Lions
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  1. 2d ago

    The Lions Have A MASSIVE Matchup Advantage Against Carolina...

    The Detroit Lions have a major opportunity against the Carolina Panthers — but there are a few things they absolutely cannot afford to get wrong. Mike Payton breaks down the Lions vs. Panthers matchup in the latest Weekly Lions Prediction Lab, including where Detroit can attack Carolina, where the Panthers can create problems, what ultimately decides the game and Mike's final score prediction. The biggest opportunity for the Lions could come against a depleted Panthers secondary. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are both out, meaning Detroit should have opportunities to attack Carolina's replacement cornerbacks with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Mike also explains why Jahmyr Gibbs could be a major part of that game plan by forcing Carolina's safeties to make difficult decisions. On defense, Detroit should have an opportunity to attack the middle of Carolina's offensive line with Alim McNeill, Tyler Williams and Skyler Gill-Harrell. But the Lions have to be disciplined. Bryce Young can still make plays when pressure arrives, and Detroit cannot afford to lose contain or allow him to extend plays. Another major concern is third down. The Lions are currently allowing a 59.1% success rate on third down, while Carolina is converting only 36.8% of its third downs. Mike explains why that contrast could ultimately determine who wins this game. Detroit also has to clean up the penalties that hurt the defense last week and avoid allowing Carolina's tight ends to control the middle of the field. Can the Lions' offense take advantage of Carolina's depleted secondary? Can Detroit's defensive line generate enough pressure without losing contain? And can the Lions finally improve their third-down defense? Mike Payton gives his complete Lions vs. Panthers breakdown and final prediction. Mike's prediction: Lions 31, Panthers 14. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, game previews, predictions, postgame reactions, roster updates and more. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 0:00 Lions vs Panthers Prediction Lab 0:22 Where The Lions Can Attack 0:42 Attack Carolina's Replacement Corners 1:24 How Jahmyr Gibbs Can Open Things Up 2:27 The Lions Can Attack Carolina Up The Middle 3:16 How To Pressure Bryce Young 4:47 Where The Lions Can Get Beat 5:10 Detroit's 3rd Down Problem 5:37 Bryce Young Is Still Dangerous 6:27 Stop The Run And Don't Lose The Tight Ends 7:38 The Lions Have To Stop Committing Penalties 8:30 Don't Take The Panthers Lightly 8:53 The Biggest Key Is 3rd Down 9:26 What Detroit Needs To Do 10:14 Mike's Final Prediction 10:58 Lions 31, Panthers 14 #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

  2. 4d ago

    Jared Goff Is Making His Biggest Critics Look REALLY Wrong...

    Jared Goff is doing something the biggest criticism of his game says he shouldn't be able to do. For years, the book on Goff has been simple: pressure him, blitz him, get him uncomfortable and force him off his spot. But through three games of the 2026 season, that hasn't been happening. Goff has completed 30 of 36 passes against the blitz for 304 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, he's completing 83.3% of his passes when defenses blitz him, while averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. And when defenses actually get pressure on him, the numbers are still impressive. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Goff is 19-of-29 for 238 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions under pressure, with a 102.4 passer rating. He's also completing passes 5.8 percentage points above expectation based on the circumstances of his throws. So does Jared Goff actually need to be a mobile quarterback? Mike Payton breaks down the numbers behind Goff's incredible start, why his pocket movement is more effective than it gets credit for, the role the Lions' offensive line is playing, and why the upcoming matchup with Minnesota could be the biggest early-season test of Goff's 2026 season. If Goff continues to play this way against pressure, the conversation around his game may need to change. And if he balls out against Minnesota? Maybe it's time to start talking about Jared Goff in the MVP conversation. Let us know what you think in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, film breakdowns, roster updates, game reactions and more. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 0:00 Jared Goff Is Doing Something He "Can't" Do 0:23 The Ben Johnson Comments 1:14 The Biggest Criticism Of Jared Goff 1:37 Goff vs. The Blitz 2:39 The Goff Narrative 3:24 Goff's Blitz Numbers Are INSANE 4:24 Zero Turnover-Worthy Plays 5:05 Blitz vs. Actual Pressure 5:28 Goff Under Pressure 6:25 Goff Is Beating Expectations 7:21 Goff Is Making Big-Time Throws 7:55 Does Goff Need To Be Mobile? 8:21 Goff's "Micro Movements" 10:34 The Lions Offensive Line Deserves Credit 10:56 Minnesota Will Be The REAL Test 12:01 Could Goff Enter The MVP Conversation? #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

  3. 5d ago

    The Lions Have A BIG Decision To Make At Center...

    The Detroit Lions may have suddenly created one of the most interesting position battles on their roster. Cade Mays could return to practice next week, but Juice Scruggs has made the decision at center MUCH more difficult. Scruggs stepped into the starting center role after Mays went down in training camp, and he has played extremely well during the first three games of the season. According to Pro Football Focus, Scruggs is currently the second-highest graded center in the NFL. That creates a fascinating problem for Detroit. The Lions signed Mays expecting him to be their starting center, but how do they take Scruggs out of the lineup after the way he has played? Mike Payton breaks down Cade Mays' potential return timeline, Juice Scruggs' incredible start to the season, the possibility of moving Scruggs to guard, and why the Lions may want to keep both players rather than looking to trade one of them. The Lions also have a bye week before Green Bay that could play a major role in when Mays ultimately returns to the starting lineup. Who should start at center for the Lions when Cade Mays is healthy? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, roster updates, game reactions and more. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

  4. 6d ago

    The Lions Finally Have The Pass Rush They've Been Waiting For...

    The Detroit Lions are 2-1 after beating the New York Jets, and there's one massive defensive development that may be getting overlooked. The Lions' pass rush is finally doing what fans have wanted to see for years. Through three weeks, Detroit has 57 quarterback pressures, which ranks third in the NFL. The Lions also have 12 sacks, good for second in the league. But the biggest change might be their time to pressure. Last season, Detroit's 2.92-second time to pressure ranked 31st in the NFL. This season, that number has dropped to 2.46 seconds — second in the league. And it isn't just happening early in games. Mike Payton breaks down Detroit's third- and fourth-quarter pressure numbers and explains why the Lions are consistently getting home late in games. So why hasn't the defense looked dominant? The secondary continues to have problems, including costly penalties that have helped opponents extend drives. Mike also explains why the Lions' offense deserves some responsibility for allowing opponents to stay in games after Detroit has taken control. The Lions' defensive line may be much better than the overall defensive performance suggests. Mike also discusses Ennis Rakestraw, the secondary's struggles, the possibility of Detroit pursuing Joey Porter, and what the Lions need to do next. Are you buying the Lions' pass rush? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, film breakdowns, game reactions, roster updates and more. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

  5. Sep 26

    The Lions Need To Trade For A Safety Before It's Too Late...

    The Detroit Lions may have a new problem before the NFL trade deadline. Detroit has been connected to cornerback help, but after losing Avonte Maddox for the season and uncertainty surrounding Kirby Joseph's return, Mike Payton believes safety could become another position Brad Holmes needs to address. In this video, Mike breaks down five realistic safety trade targets who could fit the Lions: • Isaiah Pola-Mao • Andrew Wingard, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson • Geno Stone • Budda Baker Could the Lions make multiple trades before the deadline? Mike explains which players make sense, what each could cost and which option could actually help Detroit's defense right away. The Lions are trying to compete at the highest level, and adding another proven defensive back could be a major move heading into the second half of the season. Who should the Lions trade for? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, trade rumors, roster updates and daily coverage. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 0:00 The Lions May Need TWO Trades 1:36 Safety Trade Targets Begin 1:55 Isaiah Pola-Mao 3:17 Andrew Wingard 4:56 Geno Stone 5:56 The Big Swing: Budda Baker 8:19 Could Bishop Fitzgerald Be The Answer? #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

  6. Sep 25

    The Lions' Offense Could Finally Break Out Against The Jets...

    The Detroit Lions face the New York Jets on Sunday, and Mike Payton has his final prediction for the game. The Jets defense has been impressive through the first two games of the season, but Detroit presents a completely different challenge. The Lions have an offense capable of creating explosive plays through Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams and Jared Goff, and Mike believes this could be the game where Detroit finally opens things up. In this Lions Prediction Lab, Mike breaks down exactly how Detroit can beat the Jets, how the Jets can beat Detroit, what will ultimately decide the game and his final score prediction. The biggest opportunity for Detroit could come in the explosive passing game. The Jets are dealing with the absence of Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Mike believes that could give Jameson Williams and the Lions offense opportunities to attack downfield. Detroit also needs to establish the run. The Jets have not allowed 200 total yards to either of their first two opponents, but Mike believes facing Jahmyr Gibbs represents a completely different test. If Gibbs can consistently create chunk plays, Detroit could force the Jets defense to adjust and open opportunities in the passing game. But there is also a clear path for New York. The Jets have been excellent at controlling the clock and keeping opposing offenses off the field. If New York can dominate time of possession, prevent turnovers and force the Lions into long, difficult drives, Detroit's defense could be under pressure for most of the afternoon. That makes the Lions defense one of the biggest questions entering this matchup. Mike believes this game could become a 60-minute battle rather than a traditional shootout. Detroit needs to maximize every offensive possession while preventing the Jets from controlling the game with long drives. Ultimately, Mike believes the deciding factor will be explosive plays. Can the Lions create enough big runs and big passes without abandoning the run game? Mike's final prediction: Detroit Lions 31, New York Jets 24. What is your final score prediction? Do you think the Lions offense will have a breakout game against the Jets? And what is the biggest thing Detroit needs to do to win? Let Mike know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, predictions, game reactions, roster updates and coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season. ***** Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: **** 0:00 Lions Prediction Lab: Lions vs Jets 0:52 How The Lions Can Beat The Jets 1:15 Jameson Williams Could Be A Major Factor 1:56 Can The Lions Run Against The Jets? 2:45 The Jets Have A Tough Defense 3:16 How The Jets Can Beat The Lions 4:10 The Jets' Time Of Possession Advantage 4:48 Why This Could Be A 60-Minute Brawl 5:53 The Biggest Factor: Explosive Plays 6:47 Mike's Lions vs Jets Prediction 7:36 Why The Jets Will Still Score 7:58 Final Score Prediction #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

  7. Sep 23

    The Lions Should NOT Trade A 1st-Round Pick For A Star...

    Should the Detroit Lions trade a first-round pick for a star player? Mike Payton went down a rabbit hole to find out. After the Lions' loss to Buffalo, Mike argued that Detroit should consider trading a first-round pick for Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. After doing more research into how often teams trade premium draft capital for established star players, Mike has changed his mind. The Lions still need to make a trade. Mike makes that very clear. But he doesn't believe Detroit needs to sacrifice a first- or second-round pick to make that happen. In this video, Mike looks back at trades involving first- and second-round picks going back to 2017 and examines how often those deals actually resulted in a Super Bowl. His research leads him to a different conclusion than the one he had immediately after the Buffalo game. Mike also addresses one of the biggest arguments Lions fans make when discussing trades: why shouldn't Detroit follow the examples of teams like the Rams, Eagles and Chiefs? The answer, according to Mike, is that those teams have also built much of their rosters through the draft, and the blockbuster trades people remember may not be as common or as successful as they appear. That leads back to the Lions. Detroit needs help, particularly on defense, and Mike believes Brad Holmes should still be willing to make a trade. But instead of giving up a first- or second-round pick, Mike believes the Lions should look for opportunities that can be made with a lower level of draft capital. Mike specifically revisits his Joey Porter Jr. proposal and explains why he would still like Porter in Detroit, but would no longer give up a first-round pick to acquire him. Should the Lions make a major trade before the deadline? And if they do, how much draft capital are you willing to give up? Let Mike know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, roster updates, trade coverage, game reactions and daily coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season. #DetroitLions #OnePride #Lions #NFL **** Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 0:00 Should The Lions Trade A 1st-Round Pick For A Star? 0:38 The Lions' Trade Debate 1:36 Do Star Trades Actually Work? 2:25 How The Eagles Built Their Roster 4:15 Mike's Trade Research 5:11 How Often Did These Trades Produce Super Bowls? 6:43 The Problem With Trading Premium Picks 7:32 Mike Takes Back His Joey Porter Jr. Take 8:32 What Should The Lions Give Up? 9:20 Why Mike Still Thinks Detroit Should Make A Trade 9:46 Final Thoughts #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

  8. Sep 22

    The Lions Have 4 Defensive Players Nobody Is Talking About...

    The Detroit Lions' defense has taken plenty of criticism through the first two weeks of the 2026 season, but Mike Payton believes there are four defensive players who aren't getting nearly enough attention for how well they've played. Tyleik Williams is the first name on the list. Through two games, Williams has played 82 defensive snaps and owns an 81.3 Pro Football Focus grade, according to Mike. He's been strong against the run while also generating pressure as a pass rusher. Mike then breaks down sixth-round pick Skyler Gill-Howard, who has already played 71 snaps and has been thrown into a much larger role than expected. Gill-Howard has four pressures and a quarterback hit, and Mike expects the rookie to start producing more as a pass rusher. Derrick Barnes may be the biggest surprise of the group. Barnes currently has an 83.6 coverage grade, an interception, a pass breakup, five pressures and two sacks through the first two games. Mike explains why Barnes is playing like the linebacker Lions fans hoped he would become. The final player is D.J. Reed, who Mike knows will be a controversial inclusion. After a difficult Week 1, Reed was targeted just once against Buffalo. Mike explains why he believes the Bills intentionally stayed away from Reed and why the Week 3 matchup against Reed's former team, the New York Jets, will be an important test. Mike also explains the bigger picture for Detroit's defense: he believes the defensive line and linebackers are in a good place, but the secondary still needs more help. Which Lions defensive player deserves more attention? Let Mike know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, roster updates, game reactions, film breakdowns and daily coverage throughout the 2026 season. #DetroitLions #OnePride #Lions #NFL Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 0:00 The Lions Have Defensive Bright Spots 1:35 Tyleik Williams Is Flying Under The Radar 2:15 Williams' PFF Grade & Pass Rush 3:07 The Play That Won The Saints Game 4:25 Williams Needs More Pass-Rush Opportunities 5:06 Skyler Gill-Howard Is Being Thrown Into The Fire 6:18 Gill-Howard's Biggest Area To Improve 7:32 Derrick Barnes Is BALLING 8:00 Barnes' Incredible Coverage Numbers 9:28 D.J. Reed Is Better Than Lions Fans Think 10:03 Why Buffalo Avoided D.J. Reed 10:57 Reed Gets His Former Team Next 11:36 The Lions Still Need Secondary Help #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

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