Detroit Lions - A to Z Sports

A to Z Sports - Detroit Lions

Audio podcast feed from A to Z Sports - Detroit Lions

  1. 6h ago

    The Lions Defense Has Turned A MASSIVE Corner...

    The Detroit Lions defense looks like a completely different unit than it did earlier this season, and Mike Payton breaks down the numbers behind the turnaround after Detroit's third straight win. Through the first four games of the season, the Lions were allowing 31.8 points per game, the worst mark in the NFL. Over the last three games, that number has dropped all the way to 17.7 points per game. The improvement isn't just showing up on the scoreboard. Detroit allowed 41 explosive plays during the first four games of the season. Over the last three games, the Lions have allowed just 17. They're also allowing only 65.7 rushing yards per game during this three-game stretch, which has helped force opposing offenses to become much more one-dimensional. Mike explains why the Lions defense has suddenly started to look so much better, including the team's shift back toward more man coverage, better matchup decisions and defensive concepts that better fit the personnel on the roster. DJ Reed is a huge part of that turnaround. Over the last three games, Reed has been one of the highest-graded cornerbacks in the NFL and has not allowed a touchdown during that stretch. But there are still some major questions facing Detroit. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, Mike also explains why the Lions should still be looking for help at cornerback and linebacker despite the defense's recent improvement. Is this Lions defense actually fixed? Or is there still another piece missing? Mike breaks it all down and looks ahead to Detroit's matchup with the Miami Dolphins. Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: 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: 00:00 The Lions defense has completely changed 01:14 Jack Campbell injury update 02:47 Lions defensive injuries 04:18 The unbelievable defensive turnaround 05:56 Lions are eliminating explosive plays 06:49 Detroit is forcing teams to become one-dimensional 08:26 Is this defensive turnaround real? 08:47 What changed for the Lions defense? 09:37 Who replaces Jack Campbell? 10:07 The Lions still need to make a trade 11:09 Looking ahead to the Dolphins #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

  2. 3d ago

    The Lions Shouldn't Panic After The Bears' Big Trade + Will Kerby Joseph Actually Return?

    Detroit Lions fans don't need to panic just because the Chicago Bears made a blockbuster trade. Mike Payton breaks down the biggest storylines around the Lions in the latest edition of the Moon Man Show, starting with Chicago's massive move for Jeffery Simmons and why Detroit shouldn't feel pressured to respond with a blockbuster trade of its own. The Lions simply don't have the same needs as some of the teams making big moves, and Mike explains why trading multiple first-round picks for one player isn't necessarily the answer. He also breaks down the limited number of realistic starting cornerback options available to Detroit and why a major trade just isn't as simple as it looks. Mike also dives into the biggest piece of Lions news this week: Kirby Joseph has returned to practice. Joseph won't be rushed back, and Mike explains why Lions fans should expect this to be a process rather than an immediate return to a full workload. He also lays out a potential timeline for Joseph's return and why November 14 could be an important date to watch. Plus, the Lions have one of the easiest remaining schedules in the NFL while the Vikings, Bears and Packers all face much more difficult roads ahead. Mike also revisits the infamous Christmas Day matchup against Minnesota and explains why Lions fans shouldn't expect a repeat of that game with Detroit's current offensive line and roster. And, of course, the Moon Man Show ends with this week's Moon Stat for Lions vs. Vikings. Topics include: • The Bears' blockbuster Jeffery Simmons trade • Why the Lions shouldn't panic • Detroit's realistic trade options at cornerback • Kirby Joseph's return to practice • When Kirby Joseph could return to game action • The Lions' remaining strength of schedule • Vikings vs. Lions and the Christmas Day rematch • Jared Goff and Detroit's offensive line • This week's Moon Stat Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: 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: 00:00 Welcome To The Moon Man Show 00:51 Lions Fans Shouldn't Panic About The Bears 01:15 Why The Bears' Jeffery Simmons Trade Isn't A Reason To Panic 02:30 Lions Fans And The Grass Is Always Greener 03:53 The Truth About Blockbuster NFL Trades 05:22 Why The Lions Can't Find A Blockbuster Cornerback Trade 06:26 The Realistic Cornerback Trade Options 07:01 Why The Lions Don't Need Another Defensive Lineman 07:47 Why The Rams And Cowboys Should Make Lions Fans Think Twice 09:37 Kirby Joseph Is Back At Practice 10:17 When Will Kirby Joseph Actually Return? 11:14 The Lions Need To Be Patient With Kirby Joseph 12:26 What Kirby's Return Could Look Like 13:43 The Lions Have A Huge Schedule Advantage 15:27 Why Lions Fans Need To Calm Down 15:53 The Truth About The Christmas Day Vikings Game 17:33 Why The Lions Are A Completely Different Team 18:06 The Moon Man Show's Weekly Moon Stat 19:10 The Moon Stat For Lions vs Vikings 20:02 See You On The Next Moon Man Show #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

  3. 4d ago

    The Lions Have One HUGE Problem Against The Vikings They MUST Solve

    The Detroit Lions face one of their biggest tests of the season when they host the Minnesota Vikings in a massive NFC North matchup. Mike Payton of A to Z Sports Detroit and Tyler Forness of A to Z Sports Minnesota break down the biggest storylines heading into Lions vs. Vikings, including whether Jared Goff and Detroit's offense can finally solve Brian Flores' defense. The Vikings have allowed just three fourth-quarter points all season, and their defense has looked dominant through the first part of the year. But questions remain about the strength of Minnesota's schedule, making this Lions offense a massive test for the Vikings defense. The biggest question may be Jared Goff. Detroit has historically had success against Minnesota, but the Vikings found ways to make life extremely difficult for Goff last season. Mike and Tyler break down Minnesota's pressure packages, zone coverage, blitz tendencies and the ways the Vikings have changed their defensive structure. Goff is currently playing at an elite level against pressure, but Minnesota's defense is unlike anything the Lions have faced recently. The question is whether Detroit can find the quick-game answers necessary to get the ball out of Goff's hands and attack the Vikings before their pass rush takes over. The guys also discuss: • Brian Branch's impact on the Lions secondary • Whether Detroit's defense has finally turned the corner • Justin Jefferson vs. the Lions secondary • Jordan Addison and Minnesota's passing attack • Aidan Hutchinson and Detroit's pass rush • Why Alim McNeill and DJ Reader could be major factors • Jahmyr Gibbs' pass protection against Minnesota • The Vikings' historic defensive start • Kyler Murray and the struggling Vikings offense • Whether Minnesota's offense can finally break through • The biggest matchup that could decide the game And finally, Mike and Tyler make their predictions for Lions vs. Vikings. Mike has Detroit winning 17-14. Tyler has Minnesota winning 16-10. Who gets the win in this massive NFC North matchup? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, analysis, reactions and coverage from Mike Payton. 00:00 Lions vs. Vikings Is A Massive NFC North Test 00:42 Are The Vikings Really A Historic Defense? 02:17 Has Minnesota Actually Been Tested? 03:29 How The Vikings Are Attacking Jared Goff 04:34 Minnesota's Plan For Jahmyr Gibbs 05:58 Can The Lions Protect Their Running Backs? 08:01 Can The Lions Replace Ben Johnson's Answers? 09:40 Can Detroit Finally Solve Brian Flores? 11:13 Why The Lions Shouldn't Fear Last Year's Matchup 12:07 The Vikings Defense Is Doing Something Special 13:39 What's Wrong With The Vikings Offense? 15:47 Why Kyler Murray Isn't The Only Problem 18:22 Can The Lions Defense Stop Justin Jefferson? 20:02 Brian Branch Changes The Lions Secondary 23:46 Who Is Detroit's Second Pass-Rush Threat? 26:22 Why Jared Goff Is Having His Best Season 28:01 Jared Goff vs. The Vikings Blitz 30:14 How The Vikings Actually Generate Pressure 32:09 The Biggest Matchup Of The Game 33:42 Will The Lions Take Deep Shots? 35:06 Mike's Lions Prediction 36:09 Tyler's Vikings Prediction 38:57 Final Thoughts On Lions vs. Vikings Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: 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 #Lions #MinnesotaVikings #Vikings #NFL

  4. 6d ago

    The Lions Could Fix 2 Big Problems With One Trade Partner

    The Detroit Lions could have a very interesting trade partner in the Indianapolis Colts. Mike Payton takes a look at several Colts players the Lions could realistically target at the trade deadline, including three players who could help address areas Detroit has struggled with this season. The biggest name is Charvarius Ward. Mike believes the Lions could potentially acquire Ward from Indianapolis for a fifth-round pick, giving Detroit a starting-caliber cornerback to play opposite D.J. Reed. Ward is 30 years old and may not be a long-term answer, but that could actually make him a perfect fit for what Detroit needs right now. Mike also looks at Cam Taylor-Britt, a younger cornerback who could potentially compete for a starting role in Detroit. The Lions have shown interest in Taylor-Britt in the past, and the A to Z Sports Trade Simulator values him around the same range as Detroit's sixth-round pick. Then there's Akeem Davis-Gaither. Detroit has dealt with plenty of uncertainty at weakside linebacker, and Davis-Gaither has been playing well for Indianapolis. Mike believes the Lions could potentially acquire him for a seventh-round pick and add another starting-capable player to the defense. Could Detroit potentially acquire BOTH a starting cornerback and a starting linebacker from Indianapolis for a fifth- and seventh-round pick? Which Colts player should the Lions target at the trade deadline? Let us know in the comments. Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: 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: 00:00 The Lions May Have A Perfect Trade Partner 00:31 Which Teams Could Actually Make Trades? 01:14 Why The Colts Could Be Sellers 02:25 The Lions Don't Need Another Safety 03:20 The First Colts CB The Lions Should Target 04:11 Why A Short-Term CB Could Make Sense 04:51 Lions Could Get Ward For A 5th-Round Pick 05:48 Another Colts CB To Consider 06:35 Why Cam Taylor-Britt Could Fit Detroit 07:40 Could The Lions Get Him For A 6th? 08:28 The Lions' Underrated Linebacker Problem 09:15 Akeem Davis-Gaither Could Be The Answer 10:13 Could Detroit Get Him For A 7th? 11:04 The Lions Could Fix Two Problems 11:26 Players The Lions Should NOT Trade For 12:35 The Colts Players Detroit Should Target #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

  5. Oct 26

    The NFL Is About To Screw Over The Lions AGAIN...

    The Detroit Lions could be in line for another ridiculous NFL fine after their huge Week 7 win over the Green Bay Packers. Mike Payton explains why he believes Lions players could get fined for the celebration that took place after Green Bay committed a neutral zone infraction late in the game. Detroit was facing a huge third down on its final drive when the Packers were flagged for the neutral zone infraction, giving the Lions a first down. The Lions offensive linemen, receivers and running backs immediately celebrated together, dancing and going crazy after the massive moment. And here's the problem Mike has with it: The NFL's own social media account appeared to celebrate the moment. Now, with the NFL increasingly cracking down on taunting and player celebrations, Mike believes the Lions could potentially be fined for the exact celebration that the league itself appeared to enjoy. The NFL has handed out 25 taunting fines totaling $247,408 over the last few months, according to the figures discussed in the video. Detroit has already been fined more than any other team this season, with 16 fines totaling roughly $250,000 through the Lions' first five games. Mike also explains where he believes the NFL's line should actually be when it comes to player celebrations. There's a difference between a celebration that becomes excessive or intentionally provokes another player and a group of teammates simply celebrating a huge moment together. The Lions' celebration against Green Bay, in Mike's view, was the latter. He also addresses the reaction from Packers fans who believe the Lions should have been penalized for taunting and compares the situation to Detroit's complaints about officiating against Green Bay in the past. So will the Lions actually get fined? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, analysis, opinions, postgame reactions and coverage from Mike Payton. #DetroitLions #Lions #NFL #GreenBayPackers #LionsVsPackers #NFLFines Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: 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

  6. Oct 23

    The Lions Should ATTACK This Packers Weakness On Sunday

    The Detroit Lions are finally entering divisional play, and their first NFC North matchup of the season is a huge one against the Green Bay Packers. Mike Payton breaks down the biggest keys to Sunday's Lions vs. Packers matchup, including where Detroit can attack Green Bay, where the Packers can give the Lions problems, the return of Brian Branch and Mike's final score prediction. The first place the Lions need to attack is on the ground. The Packers are expected to disguise their defensive looks and make Goff work through the defense. Detroit needs to create manageable down-and-distance situations so Goff isn't constantly facing third-and-long. The Lions' offensive line has been playing at an elite level, and Mike believes this is the game where Detroit needs to prove it. But the Packers have a clear way to hurt Detroit. Green Bay's disguised coverages, particularly the way safety Evan Williams is being used, can create hesitation for opposing quarterbacks. The Packers can make a quarterback think a throwing lane is open before taking it away after the snap. His final prediction: DETROIT LIONS 35 GREEN BAY PACKERS 31 Will the Lions win their first divisional game of the season? Let Mike know your score prediction in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, game previews, postgame reactions, analysis, trade rumors and coverage from Mike Payton. #DetroitLions #Lions #Packers #LionsVsPackers #NFLTry the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: 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: 00:00 Lions vs Packers Prediction Lab 00:47 How The Lions Can Attack Green Bay 01:36 The Lions Need To Get Jahmyr Gibbs Going 02:25 Put Jared Goff In Manageable Situations 03:28 The Lions' Offensive Line Must Dominate 03:51 How The Packers Can Beat Detroit 04:11 Watch Green Bay's Defensive Disguises 05:24 The Lions Must Stop Tucker Kraft 06:24 Watch Out For Packers DPI Calls 07:12 Jordan Love And The Deep Ball 07:59 How Green Bay Can Neutralize Detroit's Pass Rush 09:33 What Will Decide The Game? 09:53 Mike Payton's Lions vs Packers Prediction #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

  7. Oct 21

    The Lions Need To Answer These BIG Questions...

    Detroit Lions fans have questions — and Mike Payton has answers. For the first time, Mike takes the Lions mailbag to video, answering questions from Lions fans about everything from potential trades and Brian Branch's return to Jahmyr Gibbs' MVP chances, Tyler Lacy's role and whether Detroit's defense is good enough to win a Super Bowl. One of the biggest questions is who the Lions could potentially trade for. Mike believes Tampa Bay cornerback Zion McCollum would be his ideal target because of his age, recent play and the possibility that he could become Detroit's long-term CB1. Mike also explains why he expects a more modest trade involving a veteran such as Dante Jackson to be more realistic. Mike also discusses whether Detroit could make a blockbuster trade. His answer? Don't expect a massive star acquisition. With so few elite players actually available, Mike believes the Lions could make one or even multiple trades, but a true blockbuster is unlikely. Another major topic is Brian Branch's return. How quickly can Branch change the Lions' defense? Mike believes the impact could be immediate because of Branch's versatility. He can play safety, nickel and other roles, allowing players like Chuck Clark and Keith Abney to play more naturally within the defense. Mike expects Branch's first game back to potentially involve around 35-40 snaps, but believes his return will be invaluable moving forward. Mike also explains why Tyler Lacy continues to get defensive-line snaps despite Lions fans wanting to see more of Alim Hassanein. The answer is simple: Detroit values Lacy's ability to stop the run and his versatility to play both outside and inside. And then there's the biggest question of all: Can the Lions win a Super Bowl with a middling secondary? Mike points to the 2011 New York Giants and 2022 Kansas City Chiefs as examples of teams that won the Super Bowl without having dominant pass defenses. But he also explains why Detroit's defense cannot continue playing at the level it showed against Carolina, New Orleans, New York and Buffalo if the Lions want to make a deep playoff run. Plus, Mike answers questions about whether Jahmyr Gibbs could win NFL MVP if he breaks LaDainian Tomlinson's touchdown record, whether the Lions will add an outside linebacker and what the future could look like for players returning from injury. What do YOU think? Drop your questions and opinions in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, analysis, trade rumors, roster breakdowns and daily coverage from Mike Payton. #DetroitLions #Lions #NFL #LionsNews #DetroitLionsNews 00:00 Welcome To The Lions Mailbag 00:56 Can Jahmyr Gibbs Win NFL MVP? 03:13 Who Will The Lions Trade For? 06:46 Will The Lions Add An Outside Linebacker? 08:22 How Much Will Brian Branch Change The Defense? 10:02 Why Does Tyler Lacy Keep Playing? 12:06 Can The Lions Win A Super Bowl With This Secondary? 14:26 Will Mike Make More Lions Mailbags? ***** Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: 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

  8. Oct 20

    The Lions Should Target THIS Chargers CB Before The Trade Deadline...

    The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-6, and that has Lions fans wondering whether Detroit could take advantage of a potential roster reset in Los Angeles. Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: Mike Payton breaks down the Chargers' secondary and uses the A to Z Sports Trade Simulator to see which defensive backs could realistically make sense for the Detroit Lions. There are several names worth discussing, but not all of them make sense for Detroit. Mike starts with Tarheeb Still, the Chargers' 24-year-old cornerback who has played well despite being a fifth-round pick. Still currently carries a 71.6 PFF grade and a 76.6 coverage grade, making him one of the more intriguing players on the Chargers' defense. The problem? Los Angeles would probably have little interest in giving up a young corner who is playing well. Then there's Cam Hart. Hart was a player Mike liked coming out of Notre Dame in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he believes Hart could be an especially good fit for Detroit's man-coverage scheme. The Trade Simulator puts Hart at 161 points, with a fifth-round pick representing a reasonable potential trade package. Of all the Chargers defensive backs discussed, Mike says Cam Hart would probably be his main target for Detroit. Dante Jackson represents the other end of the spectrum. The veteran cornerback is 30 years old and currently dealing with a hamstring issue, but Mike believes Detroit could potentially acquire him for as little as a seventh-round pick. Jackson isn't the splashy move Lions fans would necessarily want, but the low cost could make him an interesting depth option. Mike also addresses the name Lions fans keep bringing up: Derwin James. Detroit does need safety help, but Mike does NOT believe the Lions should trade for James. He's 30 years old, carries a significant contract and is currently ranked 51st among safeties according to the metrics discussed in the video. Mike explains why Detroit would be better off looking elsewhere at safety — including continuing to evaluate Keith Abney — rather than giving up significant draft capital for James. So which Chargers DB should the Lions actually target? Mike has a clear answer. Let us know what you think in the comments: • Would you trade for Cam Hart? • Would you give up a seventh-round pick for Dante Jackson? • Is Tarheeb Still worth pursuing? • Would you trade for Derwin James? Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, trade rumors, roster analysis and coverage from Mike Payton. 00:00 The Lions Could Target The Chargers' Secondary 00:45 Using The A to Z Sports Trade Simulator 01:34 Tarheeb Still To Detroit? 03:37 Cam Hart Is An Intriguing Lions Target 06:06 Dante Jackson Could Be The Cheap Option 08:56 Should The Lions Trade For Derwin James? 10:31 Keith Abney Could Change The Equation 11:11 What Happens If The Chargers Become Sellers? 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

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