The Detroit Lions Podcast

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Daily DLP: Live Takeaways the Morning After Lions Win Over Saints Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

The Detroit Lions won because their defense suffocated the New Orleans Saints early and Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs delivered 29 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns. The first six Saints possessions produced almost nothing, then Detroit capitalized with takeaways before hanging on through fatigue and late-game turbulence.

How did Detroit's defense take control early?

Detroit dictated the game with an attacking plan and quick wins. As Jeff Risdon detailed, the Saints’ first six drives went 6 plays, 20 yards, punt; 3 plays, 3 yards, punt; 5 plays, 25 yards, punt; 6 plays, 12 yards, punt; 5 plays, 20 yards, interception; 9 plays, 31 yards, punt. That is dominant defense.

Lions linebacker Derek Barnes read tendencies for a takeaway, then Detroit turned it into points. Blitzes and creative fronts let Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and the line stress protections while forcing quarterback Tyler Shuck to speed up. The Saints adjusted to quicker throws after halftime, and volume became a factor when the defense logged 90 snaps.

Why did the offense stall after a 21-0 lead?

Execution and game management slipped. Detroit led 21 nothing off a great script, Barnes’ interception and another takeaway, but drives devolved into quick punts and a costly fumble. Wide receiver Jameson Williams had two drops and Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown missed a contested catch he often secures.

Clock handling at the end of regulation compounded it. As Jeff Risdon said, “You have to get the Saints to burn their timeouts… You can’t throw a pass there.” Quarterback Jared Goff must be protected by play calls that keep the clock moving and possessions in Detroit’s control.

What does Jahmyr Gibbs' 29-156-2 mean for usage?

Jahmyr Gibbs carried the offense, but Detroit needs a steadier RB2 to preserve him. He turned poor blocking into gains and finished with 29 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns, a monster line that cannot be his weekly burden.

Sione Vaki struggled on offense and special teams, including missed assignments in protection and on returns. Jeff Risdon expects more from Jacob Sailors to balance touches. Lions right tackle Penei Sewell needs a clean protection picture from backs when Detroit leans into its under-center and heavy looks.

Who stood out and what changes come next?

Derek Barnes had an interception, a sack, and a decisive final-play read. Lions linebacker Jack Campbell played all 90 snaps, and Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and DJ Reed each logged 89, highlighting the strain outside when the rush does not arrive. Lions tight end Sam LaPorta played a ton despite a back issue and reemerged late.

As an extra lineman, tackle Larry Borom-heavy sets produced mixed results. Guard Ben Bartch stepped in after Christian Mahogany’s injury and, aside from one tough holding call, held up, while center Juice Scruggs looked tentative at times. The overtime drive returned to varied plays from the same looks, a positive sign. Lions head coach Dan Campbell and the staff must pair that creativity with end-game discipline before a Thursday trip to Buffalo, where Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen punishes slow adjustments.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #neworleanssaints #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #peneisewell #jackcampbell #samlaporta #dancampbell #aidanhutchinson #derekbarnes #rockya-sin #juicescruggs #benbartch #buffalobills

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Detroit Lions & New Orleans Saints Post Game Show - Detroit Lions Podcast Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

The Detroit Lions are back, and the first real answers of the 2026 season arrive Sunday afternoon at Ford Field. Detroit opens against the New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m. ET, and the Detroit Lions Podcast post game show goes live immediately after the final whistle with Chris and Michael Grey breaking down everything that mattered.

This is more than a final-score reaction. Week 1 is the first meaningful look at what Dan Campbell's retooled Lions actually are after an offseason of change. Detroit enters the year with Jared Goff still directing one of the NFL's deepest collections of offensive weapons, but with Drew Petzing now calling the offense and a reshaped offensive line protecting Goff. Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta give Detroit enough firepower to dictate games, but the opener will show how quickly the new structure comes together.

Detroit Lions Post Game: What Decided Lions vs. Saints?

Chris and Michael will go beyond the box score to identify the plays, matchups and decisions that determined Lions vs. Saints. How comfortable did Goff look in Petzing's offense? Did Detroit create explosive opportunities without sacrificing rhythm? How did the revamped offensive line hold up when New Orleans forced obvious passing situations?

On defense, the spotlight starts with Aidan Hutchinson and Detroit's ability to disrupt Saints quarterback Tyler Shough. Hutchinson enters the season as the centerpiece of the Lions pass rush, and his matchup with New Orleans left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is one of the game's defining battles. Detroit also has to account for Chris Olave, the Saints' most established receiving threat, particularly if Shough is able to stay on schedule.

The show will break down the turning points, coaching decisions, personnel usage, situational football and anything that looked meaningfully different from what Detroit showed during the preseason.

Dan Campbell Press Conference, Player Reaction and Live Lions Fan Calls

The Detroit Lions post game show will also carry Dan Campbell's post game press conference as the head coach reacts to the opener and explains the decisions that shaped the game. When available, the show will also feature a Lions player press conference, typically Jared Goff, giving fans a direct look at how Detroit's locker room viewed the afternoon.

Then the phones open.

Lions fans can call in live to react, celebrate, vent, challenge the hosts and tell us what they saw. Week 1 always creates strong opinions because it is the first time offseason expectations collide with actual NFL football. Whether Detroit starts the 2026 Lions season with a statement win or leaves Ford Field with questions to answer, this is where Lions fans can process it together.

Join Chris and Michael Grey immediately after Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints for complete Lions post game analysis, press conference coverage, live fan reaction and the first real verdict on the 2026 Detroit Lions.

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Lions-Saints Preview W/ Adam West of Saints Block Podcast - Detroit Lions Podcast Sep 12, 2026

Show notes

Ahead of the Week 1 matchup between the Detroit Lions and the New Orleans Saints, the Daily DLP welcomes Adam West of the Saints Block Podcast to preview the game. West provides a nice overview of where Saints fans are at with their team, noting that many see some parallels between Year 2 under head coach (and former Lions QB) Kellen Moore and where the Lions were with Dan Campbell back in 2022. There is promise but reserved optimism after a 6-11 finish in Moore's first year. Then it's time for the Xs and Os. Where can the Saints find success in Ford Field, if at all? Can Tyler Shough grow his game in his second year as the New Orleans QB? Does the Saints offensive line have any chance against Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell and a mighty impressive Lions defensive front? The Saints replaced all their specialists this offseason; is that an area where Detroit might have a big advantage playing at home? #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #jahmyrgibbs #jonassanker #chaseyoung #clarkgranderson #blakemiller #choicescruggs #christianmahogany

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Daily DLP: Tom Kennedy is back, injury updates and reaction to Rams-49ers Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

The Detroit Lions finalized the 53 by naming wide receiver Tom Kennedy the primary punt returner, with kick-return work also in his hands for Week 1. That stabilizes special teams and clarifies the RB2 rotation with Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki. Detroit opens against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field as a seven point favorite.

Is Tom Kennedy really the Lions’ primary returner in Week 1?

Yes, the Lions installed Tom Kennedy as the fifth wide receiver and primary punt returner, and he will share kick-return duties. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said earlier in the week that Kennedy would handle punts, and he reinforced that trust by noting Kennedy’s fielding, fair-catch decisions and situational awareness. Kennedy also pairs with running back Jacob Saylors on kickoffs, with Sione Vaki working as a point blocker on return units. Kennedy predates head coach Dan Campbell on the roster and now has a fully guaranteed veteran salary after years bouncing between the practice squad and active roster. Expect limited offensive snaps, but a steadying hand on returns.

Who joined the practice squad, and what does it say about cornerback preferences?

The Lions added cornerback Natron Brooks to the practice squad. He played at Southern Miss, entered the 2023 draft class, and spent time with the Atlanta Falcons. Southern Miss listed him at 168 pounds and the Falcons at 170, and he profiles as an undersized outside corner with special teams experience who can take some slot snaps. The move fits a broader trend Jeff Risdon highlighted of Detroit targeting feisty, undersized outside corners. Brooks is a depth and teams piece for now, but he fits the prototype.

What did the latest injury updates actually change for Sunday roles?

Linebacker Jimmy Rolder returned as a full participant with a hamstring and is tracking to play in Week 1. As Jeff Risdon noted, three straight limited practices usually precede a doubtful tag, and no player listed as doubtful in the five years under Dan Campbell has ever been active. That context matters for late-week designations.

Role-wise, Rolder offers Detroit’s best pure coverage at linebacker right now, which matters against a middle-field passing attack. Devin White remains a downhill force but is not a coverage asset, Malcolm Rodriguez is limited in space, and Jack Campbell’s least-strong area is still coverage even as he plays well overall. Expect Trevor Nowaski to be the designated blitz backer and a core special teamer. Thomas Harper will be on the field a lot, rotating at slot, free safety and box safety in three-safety looks. Christian Isian’s status remains to be finalized. Cornerback Keith Abney is attempting to play through a hand issue.

How do the Saints match up, and what are Detroit’s Week 1 keys?

New Orleans, with Kellen Moore calling plays, runs concepts that target the middle of the field. Quarterback Tyler Shuck thrives on short and intermediate timing, play-action and tight end involvement. Per Jeff’s conversation with a Saints analyst, Alvin Kamara is set to play, while first-round pick Jordan Dion is out 4 to 6 weeks with a hamstring.

On special teams, new kicker Daniel Carlson could drive touchbacks. Given Detroit’s uneven kick-return results last year and in the preseason, the Lions will accept touchbacks, start at the 25 and let the offense work. Up front, watch left guard: Christian Mahogany’s highs are impressive, but coaches want fewer low moments, while Ben Bartch offers solid veteran reliability. Jared Goff benefits most if Detroit avoids a rotation and settles the spot.

Does defense usually start faster than offense?

Yes. As Jeff Risdon observed after watching early NFL action, defenses are ahead of offenses in Week 1. Detroit can win the situation game by protecting the ball, leveraging special teams field position and squeezing the middle where the Saints aim to operate.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #tomkennedy #jacobsaylors #sionevaki #jimmyrolder #jackcampbell #jaredgoff #dancampbell #thomasharper #trevornowaski #christianmahogany #benbartch #natronbrooks #neworleanssaints #kellenmoore #alvinkamara

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Bish & Brown: Lions Vs. Saints Week 1 Preview Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

The Detroit Lions will open Week 1 by attacking the New Orleans Saints with aggressive, overloaded pressure looks and a clean, timing-based offense under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Expect multiple-front packages on defense and early, easy touches for running back Jahmyr Gibbs while quarterback Jared Goff operates behind a steady line.

Will the Detroit Lions defense get aggressive with multiple fronts?

Yes. Scott Bischoff said Detroit should dial up overloaded looks, walk-up rushers and NASCAR packages to force the Saints to declare protections and create confusion on third-and-long. The emphasis is on communication in the secondary and coordinated rush plans that change from even to odd fronts without substituting.

Detroit can pair interior movement with edge stress, letting Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson win on islands while interior rushers attack gaps created by simulated pressure. If the Saints quarterback extends plays, the Lions want disciplined rush lanes and back-end communication to eliminate busts. Nickel-heavy groupings and two-high shells remain in the toolbox to tighten windows on intermediate throws.

Who starts at left guard, and does the Detroit Lions offensive line stay cohesive?

The battle is guard Christian Mahogany versus guard Ben Bartch, and head coach Dan Campbell admitted it is not ideal. Cohesion is the Week 1 priority. As Scott Bischoff noted, last season’s Week 1 had disjointed moments up front, and Detroit cannot afford protection or assignment errors to derail early drives.

Right tackle Penei Sewell anchors the group, and the objective is a steady pocket for quarterback Jared Goff with clean run fits to keep Detroit on schedule. Locking down left guard, even if by committee, must not come at the expense of communication across the interior.

How will Jared Goff and Drew Petzing deploy Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs?

Expect quarterback Jared Goff to work the intermediate middle, with tight end Sam LaPorta involved if active, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown featured, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs schemed as a frequent passing outlet. Bischoff expects 12 personnel to show up and for Detroit to manufacture easy touches to Jahmyr Gibbs early.

As Russell Brown emphasized, Amon-Ra St. Brown remains the consistent focal point, and Sam LaPorta’s return to practice points to meaningful usage in the seam and crossers, which fits Jared Goff’s timing. Dan Campbell’s staff continues to sort RB2 behind Jahmyr Gibbs, with Brown leaning toward running back Jacob Saylors over running back Dion Vaki for change-of-pace snaps. On special teams, wide receiver Tom Kennedy handles return duties.

Who is the key Detroit Lions player to watch, and why?

Sam LaPorta on offense and Devin White on defense.

Sam LaPorta, tight end, Detroit Lions

Sam LaPorta’s route volume in the intermediate middle aligns with Drew Petzing’s structure and Jared Goff’s strengths. The question is simple: does he look like himself and retain his burst on in-breakers and crossers while handling contact after the catch?

Devin White, linebacker, Detroit Lions

Russell Brown spotlighted linebacker Devin White next to linebacker Jack Campbell. White’s speed can impact blitz packages and rally tackling fits, and his downhill trigger must show up in crowded boxes. The staff will watch tackling consistency and how Detroit deploys him to affect the quarterback.

What is the two-leg Detroit Lions parlay the hosts built?

They built a simple two-leg parlay on FanDuel at +225: Jahmyr Gibbs over 30.5 receiving yards (-114) and Amon-Ra St. Brown over 77.5 receiving yards (-114). Bischoff noted Jahmyr Gibbs can clear his line on one play, while Brown trusts Amon-Ra St. Brown’s volume to stack catches and yards early.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionsvssaints #detroitlionsweek1 #neworleanssaints #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #aidanhutchinson #drewpetzing #devinwhite #peneisewell #scottbischoff #russellbrown

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Daily DLP: Lions 1st Injury Report and Lessons From NE vs SEA - Detroit Lions Podcast Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

The Detroit Lions enter Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints with an encouraging injury report. No player would have been sidelined on Wednesday’s estimated practice, and only three defenders were limited, positioning the defense to hunt takeaways that decide games. As Jeff Risdon explained, that is Detroit’s actionable edge.

Is the Week 1 Detroit Lions injury report actually good news?

Yes. The team listed only three limited defenders on the estimated Wednesday report and no one as out. Defensive back Christian Izien, groin, defensive tackle MacKay Wingo, groin, and edge rusher Dorsey Moore, hamstring, were limited. Because the Lions practiced Tuesday, Wednesday’s report was an estimation built around the Sunday-Thursday short-week cadence. As Jeff Risdon noted, the hamstring for Dorsey Moore is something to watch, but the summer showed he is ready to contribute right away.

Will Christian Izien and Thomas Harper stabilize the secondary vs the Saints?

Yes, both are tracking as meaningful boosts. Head coach Dan Campbell previously said Christian Izien was not expected for Week 1, but a limited tag now, and a limited or full go Thursday, puts him in play as the starting slot and top reserve across the secondary. Defensive back Thomas Harper is ready to play a lot after an ankle issue late in camp, which matters with safety Kirby Joseph and defensive back Brian Branch on PUP. Jeff Risdon emphasized Harper played well down the stretch last year and being healthy should let Detroit keep its safety rotation intact.

How should the Lions create the takeaways they need?

By marrying disciplined front-four pressure with timely heat and an opportunistic back end. Wednesday’s Seahawks-Patriots game showed the template: Sam Darnold left on the fifth play, Drew Lock managed the game, and Seattle mixed rushes to force mistakes as Drake Maye threw three interceptions. Dan Campbell is adamant Detroit does not “shoot gaps,” but when an assignment-created crease appears, defenders must attack on time. Last year’s data backs the urgency. Before the Week 8 bye, the Lions produced multiple takeaways in four of the first seven games and won all four, sitting at five and two. After the bye they logged one takeaway against Minnesota, then just one more across the next four weeks, with the lone multi-takeaway outing coming in the Dallas win, 44 to 30. The six-turnover Minnesota game was an anomaly. This roster’s upgraded front, featuring Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell anchoring the middle, DJ Wonnum as an upgrade over Marcus Davenport, and instant juice from Dorsey Moore, is built to stress quarterbacks and feed ball-hawking opportunities.

What did Wednesday’s game say about QB depth and Detroit’s plan if Jared Goff misses snaps?

It reinforced that defense and one explosive play can carry a game when a backup enters. Jeff Risdon admitted he asked the same question fans did, if quarterback Jared Goff goes down, are the Lions ready for Josh Dobbs to play right away? The answer is that takeaways shorten the field and one shot can be enough when playmakers deliver. With wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit has that explosive punch. Add encouraging depth news, like cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. logging a full participation and linebacker Jimmy Rolder trending toward his NFL debut, and the formula for Sunday, then a quick-turn Thursday, is clear: defend on schedule, steal possessions, and let the stars finish drives.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #christianizien #thomasharper #dorseymoorehamstring #mackaywingogroin #aidanhutchinson #jackcampbellinthemiddle #djwonnumovermarcusdavenport #jaredgoffbackupplan #joshdobbsreadiness #amon-rast.brown

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Detroit Lions 2026 Season Preview Roundtable - Detroit Lions Podcast Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Detroit Lions 2026 Season Preview Roundtable

The waiting is over. The NFL season opens tonight, and by Sunday afternoon the Detroit Lions will finally begin answering the questions that have followed them through an unusually eventful offseason.

On the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris, Jeff Risdon, and Michael Grey come together for the Detroit Lions 2026 Season Preview Roundtable, a full examination of what this team is, what it could become, and what Lions fans should watch as the 2026 season begins. Detroit opens Sunday at Ford Field against the New Orleans Saints, but the bigger conversation is about the next 17 games and whether this roster can put the disappointment of 2025 behind it.

What Should Lions Fans Expect From the 2026 Offense?

The offense still begins with Jared Goff, but it will not look exactly like the unit Lions fans have grown accustomed to watching. Drew Petzing takes over as offensive coordinator, bringing a different voice and fresh concepts to an offense that still possesses some of the best skill talent in the NFL.

Jahmyr Gibbs enters the season as the unquestioned centerpiece of the backfield, with Isiah Pacheco unavailable to begin the year. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams give Goff two proven difference-makers outside, while Sam LaPorta remains capable of punishing defenses that devote too much attention elsewhere.

The biggest question is up front. Penei Sewell has moved to left tackle, rookie Blake Miller opens at right tackle, and Juice Scruggs steps into the middle while Cade Mays recovers. Detroit is also still sorting through its options at left guard.

If that reconstructed offensive line settles quickly, the Lions have enough firepower to remain one of the NFL's most difficult offenses to defend. If it does not, everything becomes harder.

Defense, Injuries, and the Players Who Must Step Forward

Detroit's defense may ultimately determine the ceiling of the 2026 Lions season.

Aidan Hutchinson remains the player every opposing offense must account for first, and Detroit has invested in creating more help around him. The challenge is turning that depth into consistent pressure rather than relying on Hutchinson to manufacture disruption by himself.

The secondary enters September under greater strain. Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch will miss the opening portion of the season, forcing Detroit to lean on its veteran depth while waiting for two of its most important defenders to return. That puts added pressure on the corners, the pass rush, and the communication throughout the back end.

Sunday's matchup with New Orleans provides an immediate test. Chris Olave gives the Saints a legitimate problem for Detroit's secondary, while New Orleans brings a defensive front capable of testing the rebuilt Lions offensive line.

How Confident Should We Be in the Detroit Lions?

That is where the roundtable gets interesting.

Is this a playoff team? Can Detroit reclaim the NFC North? Which young player makes the leap? What position group carries the most risk? What has to happen for the Lions to become a serious January threat?

Chris, Jeff, and Michael will make their predictions, identify breakout candidates and potential trouble spots, discuss the floor and ceiling of the Lions roster, and put their confidence levels on the record before the first snap of the season.

The roster still features Goff, Gibbs, St. Brown, Williams, Sewell, Hutchinson and Alim McNeill. The talent is real. So are the questions.

Join us live for the Detroit Lions 2026 Season Preview Roundtable as we tell Lions fans what to expect, what to watch, and what will ultimately determine whether 2026 becomes the rebound season Detroit believes it can deliver.

#DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #DetroitLions2026, #LionsSeasonPreview, #LionsRoster, #JaredGoff, #JahmyrGibbs, #AidanHutchinson, #AmonRaStBrown, #JamesonWilliams, #DanCampbell, #NFL2026, #LionsVsSaints

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlions2026 #detroitlionsseasonpreview #lionsseasonpreview #2026lionsseason #lionsroster #detroitlionsroster #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #aidanhutchinson #drewpetzing #dancampbell #lionsvssaints #nfcnorth

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Daily DLP: Roster Moves, Captains, Defending vs 13 Personnel and More Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

A busy Labor Day in Detroit Lions land requires a few quick-hit takes from the Daily DLP for Tuesday, September 8th. First and foremost, the Lions made some roster moves. LB Joe Bachie is now on the active 53-man roster. Bachie fills one of the two openings and will likely play only on special teams, though he did have a decent training camp and preseason on defense, too. The Lions re-added RB Jabari Small and OC Seth McLaughlin back to the practice squad, while placing OL Mason Miller on practice squad IR. That effectively ends Miller's season, which is a disappointment for a player who showed some promise as a developmental center. Dan Campbell laid out the team's RB2 role, making sure that Sione Vaki was prominently featured in his answer. Vaki and Jacob Saylors will both earn reps, and Campbell called it a committee situation behind All-Pro starter, Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions named seven team captains. That's a lot of leadership and it reflects just how strong the high-end portion of Detroit's roster looks. Finally, a look at how the team fared defensively when facing 13 personnel. Spoiler alert: it wasn't pretty, especially against the pass. We offer reasons why that might change for the better in 2026 too. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #sionevaki #jacobsaylors #jahmyrgibbs #sethmclaughlin #masonmiller #jabarismall #13personnel #lionsrostermoves

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Daily DLP: Comparing Week 1 Starting Lineups 2025 vs 2026 Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

Today’s Daily DLP looks back at Week 1 of the 2025 season. We compare the Detroit Lions starting lineup in that game against the Green Bay Packers, a game we’d all rather forget, and the expected starting lineup for the Lions in Week 1, when Detroit hosts the Saints this coming Sunday. Some things are constant. The exceptional talent at the skill positions, led by QB Jared Goff, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and RB Jahmyr Gibbs, is back and arguably better than ever with the growth of WR Jameson Williams. The tight end room is deeper, and so is the overhauled offensive line. Trading out some starters up front opens some questions about just how good the line will be, but Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany should be better in their second year together as the starting guards. Defensively, the Lions dramatically improved along the front four. It’s a deeper group and a more dynamic pass rush room. The days of Marcus Davenport starting across from All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson are a distant memory. The biggest change on defense is at safety. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph entered the 2025 season as the NFL’s best safety tandem. Neither will be on the field until at least Week 5. The Lions will rely on veteran newcomer Chuck Clark and a combination of Avonte Maddox and Thomas Harper to fill the void. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #aidanhutchinson #djwonnum #tyleikwilliams #alimmcneill #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #jahmyrgibbs #righttacklequestion #safetygroupstepback

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[617] Detroit Lions 2026 Offseason Retrospective - Detroit Lions Podcast Sep 06, 2026

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Detroit Lions 2026 Offseason Retrospective

The NFL season is finally here, which makes this the right moment to stop looking forward for an hour and look back at how the Detroit Lions got here.

The 2026 offseason began with a 9-8 season that felt like a hard reset after two years of NFC North contention. Since then, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have reshaped the roster, changed the offensive leadership, rebuilt key parts of the line of scrimmage, and made several decisions that will define whether Detroit returns to January football.

On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon work through the entire offseason, from free agency and the draft to training camp, roster cuts, injuries, and the final tuning of the team that will open the regular season.

Free Agency Changed the Shape of the Lions

The biggest changes were not cosmetic. Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow were released, David Montgomery was traded to Houston, and Detroit began rebuilding an offensive line that had lost some of the stability that once defined the offense.

Penei Sewell moved to left tackle. Detroit used the 17th pick on Clemson tackle Blake Miller, added Cade Mays and Larry Borom in free agency, and acquired Juice Scruggs in the Montgomery trade. The result is a younger line with more athletic upside, but also one of the clearest early-season questions on the roster.

The backfield changed just as dramatically. Isiah Pacheco arrived to complement Jahmyr Gibbs, only for injuries to interrupt that plan before Week 1. Gibbs, meanwhile, went from an offseason hold-in to a long-term extension through 2030. What looked like a committee in March now begins the season with Gibbs carrying even more responsibility.

Drew Petzing also takes over as offensive coordinator, giving Jared Goff another system to master while Campbell looks to restore the offensive identity that slipped during 2025.

The Draft, Defense, and an Offseason Full of Complications

Holmes used the draft to attack the trenches. Miller arrived in Round 1, Detroit moved up for Michigan edge Derrick Moore in Round 2, and the class added more defensive depth behind them.

That mattered because the defense spent the summer absorbing its own turbulence. The Terrion Arnold situation forced Detroit to rework the cornerback picture. D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin enter the season as the likely outside starters, while the club continues sorting through nickel and depth options.

The bigger immediate concern is safety. Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch will begin the season unavailable, forcing Detroit to rely on veteran depth until two of its best defensive players can return. Cade Mays and Pacheco are also sidelined, meaning the roster Holmes assembled in March is already different from the one Campbell will take into September.

So How Good Are the 2026 Detroit Lions?

That is where the retrospective becomes a confidence check.

The stars are still stars. Goff, Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill give Detroit a legitimate championship-level core. The defensive front looks deeper, the rookie class has produced real contributors, and the roster survived cutdown with difficult decisions at multiple positions.

The question is whether the rebuilt offensive line and temporary holes on defense can hold together until reinforcements arrive.

Join Chris and Jeff for the Detroit Lions 2026 Offseason Retrospective as they grade every phase of the offseason and decide whether this team enters the new NFL season stronger, weaker, or simply different from the one that walked off the field in January.

#DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #DetroitLions2026, #LionsRoster, #NFLOffseason, #BradHolmes, #DanCampbell, #DrewPetzing, #JaredGoff, #JahmyrGibbs, #BlakeMiller, #AidanHutchinson, #NFLNews

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlions2026 #detroitlionsoffseason #lionsroster #nfloffseason #bradholmes #dancampbell #drewpetzing #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #blakemiller #derrickmoore #detroitlionsfreeagency #detroitlionsdraft

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How did Detroit's defense take control early?

Why did the offense stall after a 21-0 lead?

What does Jahmyr Gibbs' 29-156-2 mean for usage?

Who stood out and what changes come next?

Detroit Lions Post Game: What Decided Lions vs. Saints?

Dan Campbell Press Conference, Player Reaction and Live Lions Fan Calls

Is Tom Kennedy really the Lions’ primary returner in Week 1?

Who joined the practice squad, and what does it say about cornerback preferences?

What did the latest injury updates actually change for Sunday roles?

How do the Saints match up, and what are Detroit’s Week 1 keys?

Does defense usually start faster than offense?

Will the Detroit Lions defense get aggressive with multiple fronts?

Who starts at left guard, and does the Detroit Lions offensive line stay cohesive?

How will Jared Goff and Drew Petzing deploy Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs?

Who is the key Detroit Lions player to watch, and why?

Sam LaPorta, tight end, Detroit Lions

Devin White, linebacker, Detroit Lions

What is the two-leg Detroit Lions parlay the hosts built?

Is the Week 1 Detroit Lions injury report actually good news?

Will Christian Izien and Thomas Harper stabilize the secondary vs the Saints?

How should the Lions create the takeaways they need?

What did Wednesday’s game say about QB depth and Detroit’s plan if Jared Goff misses snaps?

Detroit Lions 2026 Season Preview Roundtable

What Should Lions Fans Expect From the 2026 Offense?

Defense, Injuries, and the Players Who Must Step Forward

How Confident Should We Be in the Detroit Lions?

Detroit Lions 2026 Offseason Retrospective

Free Agency Changed the Shape of the Lions

The Draft, Defense, and an Offseason Full of Complications

So How Good Are the 2026 Detroit Lions?

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