The Detroit Lions Podcast

The Detroit Lions Podcast
  • 4.5 (517)
  • 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 Camp Notebook for Aug 4th: Winners and Losers - Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Daily DLP from the Detroit Lions Podcast breaks down all the observations and takeaways from the team’s second padded training camp practice. Tuesday, August 4th saw a few players rise and fall on the practice field at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park. Among the big winners was RB Jabari Small. With Sione Vaki out with a broken nose suffered in Monday’s practice, and with Jahmyr Gibbs still not practicing, Small stepped up on the depth chart and looked like he belonged. His quick footwork and nifty cuts created a couple of big gains for the Lions offense. Teddy Bridgewater had his best day of training camp. It was certainly his most accurate, though the final drive in team drills saw the veteran backup QB fall back a bit. This was the first practice of the summer where Bridgewater looked clearly better than undrafted rookie Luke Altymer. Devin White showed why the Lions signed the former All-Pro LB. He is fast and he closes hard on the ball in the run game. Coverage looks to be an issue, as he ran himself out of position on a couple of different routes. He had some nice reps with the first-team defense, better than when he played in the nickel package with some reserves. Ahmed Hassanein had his best day of the summer, too. The fan favorite EDGE worked well playing outside Mekhi Wingo in heavier packages. Hassanein did appear to suffer a minor groin or upper leg injury late in the practice that caused him to take to the turf a couple of times, but he didn’t seem distressed when talking to reporters after practice. His bull rush is getting better by the day. Hassanein also wasn’t shy about getting after some offensive linemen after plays, showing fire that the team needed. Hassanein’s fire was matched on the offense by WR Greg Dortch. The word “feisty” came up twice in the notes. It’s not all negative-tinged either; Dortch and rookie UDFA LB Erick Hunter started jawing a bit after a special teams rep. After Dortch threw Hunter the ball, the two came together and Dortch appeared to praise the youngster, tapping Hunter’s helmet and clapping. It was not a good day for Keith Abney, as the rookie CB struggled. Veteran Ennis Rakestraw also got victimized with a bad coverage lapse. It didn’t look like the best day for new starting center Cade Mays either, notably in the run game--though he did have a couple of nice reps. That’s training camp. Good players have bad days, and lesser players rise up at times. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #teddybridgewater #detroitlionstrainingcamp #lionscamp #gregdortch #isaacteslaa #keithabney #rockya-sin #trevornowaske #devinwhite #anthonyfirkser #jabarismall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 1d ago

    Lions Training Camp Notes: 1st Day in Pads Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Daily DLP goes through the news and notes from the first day in pads in Detroit Lions training camp this summer. There were some strong performances, with rookie RT Blake Miller standing out on a good overall day. He looks the part. Tyler Lacy stood out amongst the defensive linemen, winning several reps in both pit drills and team drills. TE Anthony Firkser was having a great day before leaving with a leg injury. Wideout Lawrence Keys suffered the same fate, unfortunately. We don't know the severity of their injuries yet. Coach Dan Campbell offered injury updates on Jimmy Rolder, Derrick Moore and others, too. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #blakemiller #tylerlacy #aidanhutchinson #djwonnum #jaredgoff #christianmahogany #mekhiwingo #levionwuzurike #devinwhite #dancampbell #anthonyfirkser #sionevaki #ennisrakestrawjr #samlaporta #dominiclovett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 3d ago

    Lions Sign Veteran LB to Replace Injured Rookie - Detroit Lions Podcast

    Some unfortunate injury news on one of the team’s draft picks has forced the Detroit Lions to make a move as August begins. The Lions have signed veteran LB Devin White as a free agent. White is best-known for his All-Pro years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the beginning of the decade. He spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he led the team in tackles and finished in the top five in the league. White is now on his fourth team in a little under three years, bouncing from Tampa Bay to Philadelphia, which cut him ahead of the 2024 season. He played as a reserve in Houston later in 2024 before becoming a full-time starter in Las Vegas last year. White is known for his speed and prolific tackling numbers, but also for lapses in coverage and poor run game discipline throughout his career. The Lions are offering White a chance to prove himself once again due to an injury to rookie LB Jimmy Rolder. Detroit’s fourth-round pick from Michigan exited Friday’s practice session with a leg injury. While Rolder’s exact injury is still not public knowledge, sources indicate it is not a season-ending injury. White brings a little more speed and some veteran presence to the room, but the missed time will hurt Rolder’s ability to contribute more in his first season with the Lions. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamo #lionsinjuryupdate #devinwhite #jimmyrolder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 4d ago

    Daily DLP: Mahogany Returns, Inside the Den Talk and More - Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Daily DLP breaks down several of the Detroit Lions training camp updates from Friday, July 31st. First up, some good news. Left guard Christian Mahogany was activated from the non-football injury list. Mahogany practiced for the first time, earning starter reps. Mahogany also addressed the media after practice and indicated that he knows he needs to get better, especially in pass protection. He’s in a position battle and he knows it. The Lions made a pre-practice change to the TE room. Out goes Zach Horton, and Horton’s departure makes way for a return by veteran Anthony Firkser. With Tyler Conklin still out for at least another week, Firkser brings a familiar presence to the room. Horton’s departure appears to be positive news for rookie UDFA Miles Kitselman’s status, too. There were a couple of players who left practice early with injuries. Alim McNeill seemed no worse for the wear after practice following a neck injury, while rookie LB Jimmy Rolder departed with a leg injury that appeared as if it could be a little more prominent. With no practice until Sunday, we’ll have to wait and see for any injury updates. Finally, Daily DLP host Jeff Risdon offers his takeaways from the Lions’ Inside the Den episode that debuted on Thursday night. It was a lot of validation and confirmation of the presumed pre-draft love for both Blake Miller and Derrick Moore. Definitely worth your watch as a Lions fan. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #insidetheden #christianmahogany #nfilist #passprotection #anthonyfirkser #zachhorton #mileskitselman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 5d ago

    Daily DLP: Live Training Camp Notebook Day 2 - Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Detroit Lions defense owned Day 2 of training camp. The offense intentionally worked short-game installs, which muted explosive plays, and Dan Campbell placed Detroit Lions offensive tackle Giovanni Manu on NFI with a previously undisclosed summer injury that will sideline him for a period of time. Why did the defense win Day 2? The defense executed, communicated and finished. Detroit Lions linebacker Derek Barnes baited and intercepted quarterback Jared Goff by bluffing a blitz then dropping into the passing lane. Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum repeatedly disrupted plays, including blowing up a run and compressing the pocket even through contact. Detroit Lions defensive back Nick Whiteside stacked another strong day with a sharp pass breakup, which is how camp risers separate. As Jeff Risdon noted, the environment was quiet without fans, which made communication from leaders pop. Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark directed traffic pre-snap and handled single-high responsibilities when Detroit worked base nickel. The overall theme was keep the ball in front, rally and end drives. How did the quarterbacks look in the short-game install? Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff was efficient within the plan, hitting timing throws and moving the ball underneath. Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had an underwhelming day overall, including a hospital ball, but he also ripped a veteran hole shot to Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch between zone layers. Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer looked like a clean operator for the quick game, a baseline fit to run the Goff-style offense at a rudimentary level. The team period emphasized dink-and-dunk by design, not a lack of ambition. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, context matters in camp, because the offense was installing specific concepts rather than chasing chunk gains. What did Dan Campbell say about Giovanni Manu and early-camp sloppiness? Dan Campbell said Giovanni Manu is on NFI after disclosing a prior summer injury post-practice, and he will be out for a period of time. Campbell even floated twelve or fourteen weeks as placeholders, then stressed he did not know the exact timeline. Risdon read Campbell’s tone as notably negative, and he added that you would struggle to find anyone in the media room who expects to see Manu in a Detroit uniform again. Campbell’s on-field priorities remained clear, run the ball, stop the run and master situational football at the end of halves and games. With new voices, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, passing game coordinator Mike Kafka and tight ends coach Steve Hatten, early misalignments happened, including a re-huddle on the second team-play, which is acceptable on Day 2 without pads. Who flashed and what were the standout moments? Detroit Lions wide receiver Cedric Wilson delivered the play of the day, a one-handed snag over Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey with perfect timing and toe-tap control. Wonnum’s surge included beating Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom when Borom checked in as an extra tackle, and walking back Detroit Lions offensive tackle Devin Cochran on a rush rep. Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller had a mixed day against top competition, which is part of the growth curve. On special teams, Dortch took the first return rep and looked decisive, while Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa also rotated in. Detroit Lions defensive end Peyton Turner did not practice with a minor back issue. Barnes stood out in drills and at the podium, a composed, articulate presence after practice. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #teddybridgewater #lukealtmyer #giovannimanu #djwonnum #derekbarnes #khalildorsey #cedricwilson #gregdortch #chuckclark #peytonturner #amon-rast.brown #blakemiller #larryborom #mikekafka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. 6d ago

    Daily DLP: Campbell speaks, Gibbs holds out to open Lions training camp

    Detroit Lions training camp is underway at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park. The Daily DLP explores some of the primary statements and themes from head coach Dan Campbell’s press conference to open training camp. Injury updates Campbell led off with some mixed news on the starting safeties, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Bad news first. Joseph will remain on the PUP for at least a couple of weeks, and Campbell offered that having the All-Pro available for Week 1 would be “a bonus” and looks unlikely at this point. Campbell had better news on Branch, who is recovering from a December Achilles injury. Branch could be cleared to practice by the end of training camp. That would accelerate his timeline for playing up from the current expectation of around Halloween. There was also good news on guard Christian Mahogany. Campbell indicated Mahogany will be back shortly, as early as Friday’s practice. Defensive back Christian Izien is down with a minor illness and will also be back very soon. On TE Tyler Conklin, he’s dealing with a calf injury that will sideline the free agent acquisition for at least two more weeks. Jahmyr Gibbs There was no word on Jahmyr Gibbs being injured, and the Daily DLP ended with the news that Gibbs was not participating in today’s opening practice session. He’s looking for a contract extension and his absence should be viewed as a holdout until otherwise directed. It’s not an unexpected development with Gibbs, and Campbell praised the star RB in his remarks. Both sides are working to get a deal done, Campbell noted. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #kerbyjoseph #brianbranch #jahmyrgibbs #dancampbell #chuckclark #christianizien #christianmahogany #tylerconklin #brockwright #jacksonmeeks #aidanhutchinson #aleemmcneill #levionwuzurike #djwonnum #j.t.tufele Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Jul 28

    Daily DLP: EDGE Preview, Plus Lions Add Another LB - Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Daily DLP offers up the final pre-camp position preview for the Detroit Lions. Today hits the EDGE group, which has a superstar at the top, followed by some newcomers with higher-end potential than what Detroit has seen in recent years. Before the EDGEs, the Lions did add another player to the den. The Lions signed veteran linebacker Troy Reeder on Monday. Reeder has spent his entire 7-year NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams. He’s thrived on the Rams’ special teams units, playing on all types of special teams. Defensively, Reeder does have some starting experience. He offers the same kind of straight-line athleticism and attacking style that the Lions have in players like Trevor Nowaske and Damone Clark. Rams fans were openly hostile towards Reeder in coverage and in getting fooled on play action, so expectations for the new Lions LB are probably best kept in check. The EDGEs Aidan Hutchinson headlines a group that made quite a few changes this offseason. Hutch is a threat to lead the NFL in sacks after topping all players in QB pressures a year ago. He’s an alpha dog capable of first-team All-Pro status. Beyond Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum and Derrick Moore each bring some power, length and durability to the EDGE room. Wonnum is known for his run defense and ability to crush the can from his days with the Panthers. Moore, Detroit’s second-round pick, plays better in space than Wonnum and bends the corner well. This year’s wild card is Payton Turner. The former Saints first-rounder is the new Marcus Davenport. If he’s healthy, Turner’s length, strength and athleticism demand respect. He’s fully capable of being a starter opposite Hutchinson, and ahead of Wonnum and Moore. Alas, Turner has--like Davenport--been far more known for his injuries than his production in the NFL. Players like Ahmed Hassanein, Anthony Lucas and Eric O’Neill are all competing to raise their profiles and rosters statuses, too. Hassanein’s energy and desire to grow his game are fun to watch develop in Detroit. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #aidanhutchinson #peytonturner #djwonnum #derrickmoore #troyreeder #lionstrainingcamp #edge #ahmedhassanein #paytonturner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Jul 27

    Daily DLP: Lions Overuse of 3 Lbs Should End - Detroit Lions Podcast

    The Detroit Lions must phase out three-linebacker defense and scrap the 3-3 in 2026. They played 657 of 1,050 defensive snaps in 4-3 last season, 62.57 percent, and used the 3-3 front 243 times, far more than any other team. The defense improves when Detroit lives in nickel and dime with more speed on the field. Should the Detroit Lions ditch three-linebacker packages in 2026? Yes. They leaned on three linebackers far more than the rest of the NFL, and it invited speed mismatches against modern offenses in 11 personnel. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Lions were in 4-3 on 657 of 1,050 defensive snaps, 62.57 percent, with only one other team above 50 percent at 52.88. Playing bigger and slower on passing downs made the second level late to space and created exploitable coverage targets. Risdon also said the quarterback rating allowed was almost the same whether Detroit had three linebackers on the field or not, which must change with a truer nickel and dime identity. What fronts should replace the 4-3 and 3-3 for Detroit? Detroit needs a heavier dose of 4-2 nickel, selective 5-1, and DB-heavy 3-2-6. Last year’s baselines set the bar for improvement, not repetition. Usage facts that demand a shift As read by Risdon from Ryan Paganetti’s study: the Lions used a 4-2 front only 111 times, last in the league. They used 5-1 zero times. They led the NFL in 3-3 with 243 snaps, while the next team was at 131, another at 31, and 17 teams did not use it once. Those numbers underline how far Detroit drifted from the league’s nickel norms. Moving to 4-2 and sprinkling in 5-1 and 3-2-6 puts more speed and coverage on the field and better matches today’s route distributions. Why did Detroit lean so hard into three linebackers last year? Injuries in the secondary and strong linebacker play pushed them there. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, and Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes tackled well, and as Risdon emphasized, Detroit had the best missed tackle rate in football based on the data he cited. But even with quality play, a third off-ball linebacker versus spread looks concedes quickness. Think of how Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff shreds heavy linebacker looks with routes that stress the hook-curl and seams. Opponents did the same to Detroit when the Lions stayed big. Better health for Detroit Lions safety Kirby Joseph and Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch, plus a deeper secondary, should free the defense to keep an extra defensive back on the field. Will coaching changes accelerate the shift? Yes. Dan Campbell can reallocate more time to the defense because the offensive room is stronger, and that helps Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard refine personnel usage. As Jeff Risdon said, Sheppard must earn it by choosing fronts that keep speed on the field and by reserving three-linebacker looks for true run situations, not as a default. Expect to see more four- and five-man fronts paired with nickel in camp. Watch how often Detroit keeps two off-ball linebackers on the field, how Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is deployed, and how Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez or rookie depth are used situationally. Against division quarterbacks such as Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, forcing the mundane snap after snap with nickel bodies is the point. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jackcampbell #alexanzalone #derrickbarnes #kirbyjoseph #brianbranch #jaredgoff #aidanhutchinson #malcolmrodriguez #calebwilliams #chicagobears #greenbaypackers #arizonacardinals #kansascitychiefs #dancampbell #kelvinsheppard 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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