The Detroit Lions Podcast

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Daily DLP: Lions vs. Panthers Week 4 matchup preview Detroit Lions Podcast Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Daily DLP: Joey Porter Jr. traded, but not to the Lions Detroit Lions Podcast Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Daily DLP: Top Lions D takeaways from Week 3 vs Jets Detroit Lions Podcast Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

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.

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The Grey Area - the Lions Down the Jets Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Lions vs Jets: Morning after recap and Week 3 game breakdown Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Detroit Lions vs New York Jets Post Game Show - Detroit Lions Podcast Reacts Sep 27, 2026

Show notes

Detroit Lions vs New York Jets Week 3 post game coverage, analysis, live presser, and calls.

Chris and Michael Grey go live after the Detroit Lions host the New York Jets at Ford Field in Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season. This Detroit Lions post game show begins with the game result and an immediate reaction to what unfolded in Detroit. No waiting for the next morning and no rehearsed takes. The discussion starts when the game ends and continues as the biggest moments, decisions, and performances come into focus.

Whether you watched every snap or need a complete account of Lions vs Jets, this live episode delivers the context behind the result and what it means for the 2026 Lions season.

Detroit Lions vs New York Jets Game Analysis

Chris and Michael will break down how Detroit performed on both sides of the ball. Did the Lions defense show meaningful improvement? Did Detroit establish Jahmyr Gibbs and the running game? How did the offensive line hold up against New York, and did its performance allow the offense to stay balanced?

The defensive conversation will focus on whether Detroit contained Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, limited explosive plays, and handled critical situations. The hosts will also examine the key drives, turning points, coaching decisions, situational football, and individual performances that determined the game result.

Beyond one afternoon at Ford Field, the show asks the larger question: What did Lions vs the New York Jets teach us about the 2026 Detroit Lions? Week 3 offers another important piece of evidence about the team's strengths, weaknesses, identity, and direction during the NFL regular season.

Live Post Game Presser and Immediate Reaction

The Detroit Lions Podcast will cover the post game presser live. Chris and Michael will react in real time, identify the most important explanations, and connect those comments to what happened on the field. The presser is part of the show, not a recap added later, giving listeners the full postgame picture as it develops.

Expect direct analysis of the result without empty hot takes. The goal is to separate repeatable strengths from one-game noise, identify problems that could carry into future weeks, and explain the tactical details behind Detroit's performance.

Live Lions Listener Calls

The phone lines open for live listener calls throughout the postgame conversation. Lions fans can share their immediate reactions, challenge the hosts, highlight overlooked plays, and raise questions about the offense, defense, coaching, and the outlook for the season.

Join Chris and Michael Grey for the Detroit Lions vs New York Jets post game reaction, live presser coverage, detailed NFL analysis, and a fan-driven Lions post game show after Week 3 at Ford Field.

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Bish & Brown: Detroit Lions Vs. New York Jets Preview Sep 26, 2026

Show notes

Detroit’s path to a get-right win over the New York Jets is clear, run heavy tempo to control the game, targeted help for rookie tackle Blake Miller, and simpler, cleaner coverage on defense. Scott Bischoff emphasized running it early, and Russell Brown stressed forcing New York into uncomfortable offense by sustaining drives.

Can Jared Goff control tempo against the Jets?

Yes, with a run-first script that drains clock and sets up play action. Scott Bischoff said the Lions should “run the ball real heavy in the first quarter” and even warned, “you don’t wanna score too fast.” That keeps the defense fresh and lets Lions quarterback Jared Goff work rhythm throws to Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Lions tight end Sam LaPorta.

Russell Brown cited Sam Hoppin’s clock data, noting Detroit’s clock-drain rate is 3.6 percent, 30th in the NFL, while the Jets sit at 21.6 percent, third-highest. Expect more carries for Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to increase Detroit’s control of pace and to avoid long stretches of defensive exposure.

How should Detroit handle Blake Miller vs David Bailey?

Mix the picture, help selectively, and run at him. With Christian Mahogany expected back and Blake Miller “Bachie,” while Ben Bartch deals with a concerning foot issue, Detroit can steady the left side with either Larry Borom or Mills Frazier if needed. Bischoff outlined the tackle plan, vary the pass set, use some jump sets, get hands on David Bailey, and at times attach a tight end so Miller can set short and protect his inside shoulder.

Running at the rookie edge rusher disrupts his rush plan and, as Brown noted, alters his path to the quarterback when protection slides or tight ends chip. That helps Jared Goff find Lions playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta downfield off play action.

Will Detroit fix the coverage busts and misalignment?

They must, with cleaner communication, better alignment, and fewer ineffective blitzes. Brown and Bischoff detailed the defensive shift toward more zone, but the back end suffered from misalignments and timing issues. The Lions have blitzed with cover zero at 9.9 percent, second only to Baltimore, while playing cover one man 7.9 percent and cover two man 1 percent. Their zone mix has been cover two 11 percent, cover three 47 percent, and cover four 10 percent.

Injuries stretch the secondary, with Avonte Maddox done for the year after foot surgery and Thomas Harper’s status unclear, so development from Chris Rakestraw, Keith Abney, and Dan Jackson matters. Up front, linebacker Jack Campbell, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, and defensive tackle Alim McNeill need pressure that finishes. As Russell Brown warned, this is a get-right spot, not a celebration, and failing here would force hard staff conversations.

Which Jets tendencies should Detroit attack?

Expect light boxes and heavy nickel, then punish them. Brown noted the Jets’ light-box rate is 62.6 percent, second in the NFL, with nickel at 77.8 percent, fifth-highest. They play more cover two than anyone at 35.2 percent and add cover six at 12.7 percent. That invites runs and middle-of-field throws to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta.

Personnel-wise, Detroit’s 12 and 13 usage sits at 30.4 percent, 19th, while New York is at 41.2 percent, 10th-highest. Detroit can toggle heavier groups to help the edges and still create play-action shots for Jared Goff when safeties widen. Force the Jets to abandon comfort and chase points, and the game tilts to Ford Field’s side.

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Daily DLP: Week 3 Injury Report and Replacements - Detroit Lions Podcast Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

The Detroit Lions enter Sunday relatively healthy, with only two players on the injury report and both already ruled out. Left guard Ben Bartch and safety Thomas Harper are out, while Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany returns to start at left guard, not listed at all. As Jeff Risdon noted, that is a clear boost before the New York Jets visit Ford Field.

Who is in and out on the Detroit Lions injury report?

Only two Lions appear on the report, and both are out. Left guard Ben Bartch is out with a foot injury and safety Thomas Harper is out with an ankle. Head coach Dan Campbell signaled this outcome in his Friday press conference, and the official report confirmed it.

The good news offsets the losses. Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany is not on the report, so he steps back in at left guard. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is also not listed, which removes any game-status ambiguity after his absence from the Thursday night debacle in Buffalo referenced on the show.

How will the offensive line look with Christian Mahogany and Blake Miller back?

Christian Mahogany starts at left guard, restoring the plan Detroit carried out before his injury. Rookie Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller is back and not even listed as questionable, which stabilizes the edge after a rough fill-in performance.

As Jeff Risdon explained, Miller brings a steady temperament and some outward nastiness that should help the run game, and his return reduces exposure in pass protection after tackle Larry Borom struggled. The continuity with Mahogany next to the center and Miller on the right should clean up both timing and physicality up front.

Who replaces Thomas Harper at safety, and what are the coverage adjustments?

The Lions will fill the starting safety spot from within, then lean on sub-packages to cover snaps. Jeff Risdon said he would strongly suspect an internal promotion at safety and emphasized a shift toward more three corner looks than three safety groupings.

Detroit Lions defensive back Jalen Mills is on the practice squad and, as Risdon put it, will in fact get called up. Safety Bishop Fitzgerald is an undrafted rookie on his third team in a month, and expecting him to master a communication-heavy system in four days is not realistic. Expect Detroit to mix personnel creatively to keep communication clean and limit busts.

Is linebacker help arriving too?

Yes. Detroit Lions linebacker Jimmy Rolder is going to play, certainly on special teams and possibly on defense. He was the Lions best coverage linebacker all summer. Risdon added that former Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, now in Tampa, is drawing heavy criticism there, reinforcing Detroit’s decision to move on as Rolder grows into the role.

What did Green Bay’s loss and the ticket update tell us about Sunday vs the Jets?

Green Bay’s collapse is a reminder to take nothing for granted. Atlanta scored 35 points after previously failing to score more than one touchdown in a half all year and having scored only three against Carolina. As Risdon noted, things can turn fast in the NFL.

The Detroit Lions host the New York Jets at Ford Field on Sunday. Standing room tickets are available for about $130, and those fans need to be loud. With health trending up and the offensive line reinforced, Detroit has a clear runway to handle business at home.

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Daily DLP: Kelvin Sheppard Talks, Fixing His Lions Defense - Detroit Lions Podcast Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

The Detroit Lions must throttle back their blitz rate, simplify coverage rules, and let the front four win against the New York Jets. Detroit has allowed 15 explosive plays of 20-plus yards in two games, more than any NFL team, because frequent blitzing exposes an injury-thinned secondary. Rotate the line and play sound, not cute.

Are the Detroit Lions blitzing too much to win right now?

Yes. As Jeff Risdon noted, Detroit blitzed on over half of the snaps against Josh Allen, the highest of the Kelvin Sheppard era, and it backfired. That trades coverage for pressure and it has not worked.

The Lions have surrendered 15 explosive plays of 20-plus yards in two games, while no other team has allowed more than 11. Context matters, and Jeff pointed out the Buffalo Bills offense is humming, while the Seattle Seahawks have yet to allow a 20-plus yard play. None of that excuses Detroit’s approach. Over-blitzing has directly stressed the weakest unit on the roster, the back end.

What coverage mix makes sense given this roster?

Play more man, less zone, and simplify. Detroit has dropped to the middle of the league in man usage, about 16th by Jeff’s cited chart, a clear shift from prior Dan Campbell seasons that consistently ranked top five in man.

The roster is built to win outside with man coverage, then rally underneath. Shifting to more zone assigns greater stress to safeties and linebackers and lengthens throws behind blitzes. That is the opposite of what this defense needs while it stabilizes. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, simplify the asks, reduce coverage handoffs, and stop creating free voids with unnecessary pressure.

How do injuries at safety change the call sheet?

They demand fewer blitzes and cleaner rules. As Jeff Risdon said, both starting safeties are out, he does not expect Detroit Lions safety Kirby Joseph back, Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch is also out, and safety Thomas Harper is injured and in a boot.

When extra rushers vacate zones, corners and linebackers must cover longer and wider, which is exactly how explosives have happened. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell and the second level can play faster if the coverage shell is intact and the rush comes from four, not five or six.

What must the Lions do against the Jets this week?

Rush four, vary the four, and win up front. Jeff detailed that the Jets use very little 12 personnel and just three snaps of 13, often flexing the tight end. That lets Detroit match in nickel, close windows, and let the line dictate.

Feature Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill, rotate more to keep Alim McNeill from playing 145 snaps in two games, and mix in occasional zone blitzes and three-edge looks without sacrificing coverage integrity. As Dan Campbell said, many breakdowns are one-man errors, but Jeff Risdon countered that if perfection is required on every snap, the scheme is asking too much. Dial it back, cut explosives, and let the front win.

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Detroit Lions Pose More Questions Than Answers Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

The Detroit Lions are 1-1, and two weeks have created more questions than answers.

What Does 1-1 Actually Tell Us?

Episode 619 brings Chris and Jeff Risdon together for the weekly Detroit Lions Podcast roundtable, live at 7:30 p.m. ET. After two full weeks of the 2026 NFL season, the Lions have delivered enough evidence to start asking serious questions, but not nearly enough to support sweeping conclusions.

A 1-1 Detroit Lions record can be interpreted several ways. It can be viewed as an ordinary start in an unpredictable league, or as an early sign that important areas of this team still need work. Chris and Jeff will sort through what matters, what might be noise and which concerns deserve attention before the schedule gets deeper.

The overtime game against the New Orleans Saints drew plenty of criticism because Detroit was pushed beyond regulation. Through two weeks, however, the Saints look like a talented team. That does not erase the Lions’ issues or settle the debate, but it provides needed context for evaluating the performance. NFL results can change meaning quickly when the opponent proves stronger than the original perception.

Lions Roster Questions and Kelvin Sheppard

This is not the time to force final answers about the Lions roster, but it is fair to examine how the pieces are fitting together. Chris and Jeff will identify the areas creating uncertainty and discuss how Kelvin Sheppard fits into the early evaluation after two games. Which developments feel sustainable? Which problems might be correctable? What remains impossible to know with such a limited sample?

That distinction matters during any Lions season preview or early-season reset. Two games can reveal tendencies, but they can also produce misleading narratives. The conversation will focus on balancing urgency with patience while keeping the expectations surrounding the 2026 Lions season in view.

Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets Week 3 Preview

The next test comes Sunday, September 27, when the Detroit Lions host the New York Jets at Ford Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET. New York enters the matchup after an overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers, another reminder that Week 3 cannot be treated as a routine assignment.

Chris and Jeff will examine what the Jets game could reveal about Detroit, where the Lions need greater clarity and why the matchup carries significance beyond the possibility of moving above .500. It is an early checkpoint for a team still trying to establish what its 2026 identity will become.

Join the live show at 7:30 p.m. ET and bring your Detroit Lions questions to the chat. Episode 619 delivers direct analysis, measured perspective and a full look at where the Lions stand entering Week 3 of the NFL season.

#DetroitLions #Lions #DetroitLionsPodcast #OnePride #NFL #LionsNews #LionsRoster #DetroitLions2026 #KelvinSheppard #LionsJets #NewYorkJets #NFLWeek3 #FordField #JeffRisdon #LionsPodcast

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Will the Detroit Lions defense control Bryce Young and the Panthers offense?

Key Panthers offensive numbers

How should Detroit attack Carolina’s defense?

Matchups to watch

What do the Panthers’ first three games actually show?

How confident should Lions fans be?

Did the Detroit Lions miss by not matching Dallas for Joey Porter Jr.?

What exactly did Dallas send Pittsburgh, and what does the contract status mean?

Would Joey Porter Jr. have fit the Detroit Lions defense right now?

What are the Detroit Lions’ next steps at cornerback?

Week 4 note

Did the Lions’ shift to more Cover 3 zone work?

How good was Ennis Rakestraw Jr. against Garrett Wilson?

What is going on with Jack Campbell in coverage?

Did Trevor Nowaske and Christian Izien change the back seven?

Is Jared Goff running the NFL’s most efficient offense?

Is Jahmyr Gibbs being deployed the right way?

What about the offensive line?

Did the defense improve, and what still breaks?

What numbers demand urgency?

What is the plan at corner and linebacker?

Are the Lions winning the way they are built?

Who changed the game on defense?

How real is the Jack Campbell coverage issue?

What did we learn about the offense and line?

Detroit Lions vs New York Jets Game Analysis

Live Post Game Presser and Immediate Reaction

Live Lions Listener Calls

Can Jared Goff control tempo against the Jets?

How should Detroit handle Blake Miller vs David Bailey?

Will Detroit fix the coverage busts and misalignment?

Which Jets tendencies should Detroit attack?

Who is in and out on the Detroit Lions injury report?

How will the offensive line look with Christian Mahogany and Blake Miller back?

Who replaces Thomas Harper at safety, and what are the coverage adjustments?

Is linebacker help arriving too?

What did Green Bay’s loss and the ticket update tell us about Sunday vs the Jets?

Are the Detroit Lions blitzing too much to win right now?

What coverage mix makes sense given this roster?

How do injuries at safety change the call sheet?

What must the Lions do against the Jets this week?

What Does 1-1 Actually Tell Us?

Lions Roster Questions and Kelvin Sheppard

Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets Week 3 Preview

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