The Detroit Lions Podcast

The Detroit Lions placed offensive lineman Ben Bartch, wide receiver Tom Kennedy, and linebacker Devin White on injured reserve. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell had already indicated Kennedy and White were headed to IR, and Friday made it official. As Jeff Risdon explained, Detroit can cover punt returner, linebacker and offensive line from within.

What exactly changed on the Detroit Lions roster?

Detroit placed Ben Bartch, Tom Kennedy and Devin White on injured reserve. Jeff Risdon noted Barch is dealing with a foot issue and has battled injuries throughout his career. He added that...

The bye week is a good time for reflection on the Detroit Lions and the first five weeks of the NFL season. To help digest the bye and offer a different look at the team, the Daily DLP welcomes Brett Whitefield to the show. Whitefield is, among other things, the COO of Fantasy Points. The site goes beyond fantasy football and deeper into analytical analysis and team/player tendencies. Formerly the Pro Football Focus rep for Detroit, Whitefield served as both credentialed media and had access to the front office during his time with PFF. Starting with a recap of...

The Detroit Lions are a real contender because they pair the NFL’s No. 1 offense with a league-leading pass rush and the NFL’s best tackling, leaving third-down defense and coverage communication as the focus areas. At 3-2 and trending up, Detroit’s path is clear, defined by data and fixable issues.

Are the Detroit Lions actually a contender through five weeks?

Yes, the data backs it up. Detroit owns the No. 1 overall team grade through Week 5 and sits 3-2 heading into the bye. As Jeff Risdon noted, the volatility of small samples is real, highli...

The Detroit Lions stabilized their season by cranking up man coverage to 31 percent against the Arizona Cardinals after 15.5 percent through four weeks, and by riding Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff’s elite form. That defensive shift steadied Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s unit into the bye and aligned with Jared Goff’s 12 TD, 0 INT, 1,485-yard five-week surge.

Did the Detroit Lions fix the defense with more man coverage?

Yes, the Lions shifted to 31 percent man coverage in Arizona after sitting a tick above 15.5 percent through four weeks, and it changed the game. Pressed releas...

The Detroit Lions flattened the Arizona Cardinals 45-21 to move to 3-2, turning a disastrous first quarter into a blowout. A fourth-down strike to Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta ignited seven straight scoring drives, and Detroit’s defense delivered five consecutive three-and-outs while holding Arizona to 37 rushing yards on 16 attempts.

What flipped the game after the ugly start?

A fourth-down conversion to Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta changed everything and sparked the avalanche. Detroit opened with three drives of three plays for minus-7 yards, three plays for minus-3 yards, and three plays for 1 ya...

Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals Week 5 post game reaction, NFL analysis, live presser, and calls.

Detroit Lions Post Game: Week 5 in Arizona

The Detroit Lions face the Arizona Cardinals in a Week 5 road test at State Farm Stadium during the 2026 Lions season. This live Detroit Lions post game show begins after the game, with Chris and Michael Grey sorting through what happened and what it means. They will start with the game result, then identify the decisive sequences, momentum swings, and situational football that shaped Lions vs Cardinals.

The focus will stay on...

The Detroit Lions will beat the Arizona Cardinals and enter the bye at 3-2. Arizona owns the NFL’s worst pass defense by yards per attempt at 8.6 and a 114.9 opponent passer rating, and its offense averages only 4.5 yards per play. Detroit holds the per-play advantage and a cleaner injury outlook.

Will the Detroit Lions beat the Arizona Cardinals before the bye?

Yes, the matchup favors Detroit and the Lions will win. As Jeff Risdon noted, Arizona has allowed at least three touchdown passes in each of its last three games and has surrendered the most po...

The Detroit Lions are 2-2 because defensive coordinator Collins Sheppard’s scheme is broken, not because the roster lacks talent. The defense has ignored opponent tendencies, surrendered 11 passing touchdowns and 127 points in four games, and forced the offense to play perfect, as the hosts made clear.

What is actually wrong with the Detroit Lions defense?

It is a rules, alignment, and game-plan problem, not a talent problem. As Russell Brown detailed, Carolina repeatedly created free-access throws by motioning to formations Detroit never adjusted to, gifting the slot four uncontested catches in the first half, three in...

Brian Branch returned to practice for the Detroit Lions, and his post-bye return resets the secondary and the defense tone. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell highlighted his instinctive, violent play and alignment reliability. Nobody expects him to play against Arizona, setting up Green Bay as the natural target.

How big is Brian Branch’s return for the defense?

It is the week’s biggest defensive development because he adds playmaking and restores order in the secondary. Dan Campbell said it is twofold, there will be some rust, yet Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch stil...

The Detroit Lions must lean on a four-man rush on defense and chase 35 points on offense every week. Jeff Risdon's tape study shows Detroit's coverage holds up best in base with four rushing and three linebackers, while Dan Campbell explicitly challenged the offense to hit 35 a game. Brian Branch's return after the bye should help stabilize the slot.

Should the Detroit Lions stop blitzing and play more base?

Yes. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast, when Detroit rushed four with three linebackers on the field, coverage was the cleanest. Blitzes from depth...

Dan Campbell must change how the Detroit Lions run their defense now, up to and including a coordinator change, to save a 2-2 season. Detroit has allowed 1,695 yards in four games and players admitted they have no answers. The offense must start fast, but the crisis is preparation and communication.

What is Dan Campbell’s immediate move to save the season?

He must own the defense and deliver clear answers weekly, not platitudes. That means reassessing Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and simplifying responsibilities. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said, “It’s not good enough right...

Dan Campbell did not have the Detroit Lions ready, and his game plan failed in a sloppy loss to the Carolina Panthers. Misaligned defense, unnecessary blitz calls, and a penalty-riddled offense squandered chances. As Jeff Risdon stated, this one falls on Dan Campbell, and the margin for error is gone.

What was the single biggest reason the Detroit Lions lost?

Dan Campbell’s game plan and preparation failed against the Carolina Panthers. Jeff Risdon said the head coach did not have his coaches or players ready, and the Lions ignored where Carolina was weakest. The of...

Detroit Lions vs Carolina Panthers post game reaction for Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season.

Jeff Risdon and Michael Grey go live after the Detroit Lions visit the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Week 4. This is the complete Detroit Lions post game destination for the result, the live post game presser, detailed game analysis and live listener calls. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 pm ET on Sunday, October 4.

Detroit Lions Post Game Result and Reaction

We begin with the game result and an immediate reaction to how Lions vs Panthers unfolded. Jeff...

The Detroit Lions beat Carolina by running straight at a defense allowing 5.7 yards per carry and by leaning on a four-man rush that creates pressure on 46.5 percent of dropbacks. Add clean fourth-and-1 decisions and sharper answers versus zone, and those 31-point outings finally become a wire-to-wire win.

How should Detroit attack Carolina's defense?

Pound the rock, then punish zones. Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Detroit’s motion-heavy approach, 56.5 percent usage, fit perfectly against a unit that sits thirty second against the run at 5.7 yards per carry allowed. De...

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...

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 pres...

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 st...

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-f...

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 pl...

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...

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 scor...

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...

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...

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...

The Daily DLP welcomes Dr. Jimmy Liao to the show to break down the Lions injury situations, plus a review of the experience of the Week 2 game in Buffalo's new station. Dr. Liao made the trip to Buffalo for Detroit's road game, and he reports on the perspective of being a Lions fan in the stadium for the blowout loss to Josh Allen and the Bills. The Highmark Stadium experience wasn't as impressive as hoped for from a stadium perspective, and that's before even talking about the terrible performance from the Detroit Lions defense. The unfortunate news on All-Pro safety...

The Detroit Lions must overhaul how their defense is coached and coordinated to contend. Dan Campbell said "we are responsible as coaches" and called the issues fixable and about basics, yet trust on defense has already cracked through two weeks. Detroit should handle the New York Jets in Week 3, but the defensive leadership question still defines the ceiling.

What is really holding back the Detroit Lions right now?

The problem is coaching and scheme on defense, not just personnel. Dan Campbell publicly put accountability on the staff, saying coaches are responsible and the issues are...

The Detroit Lions must simplify coverage and play their drafted defensive backs against the New York Jets in Week 3. Detroit allowed 71 points in two games, and working out veterans Jordan Fuller and Jalen Mills does not fix communication issues. Youth, clarity, and accountability win snaps and the game.

What is the single biggest defensive fix?

Simplify the coverage rules and play the young corners now. As Jeff Risdon noted, the defense’s primary issue is coordination between cornerbacks, safeties, and linebackers, not pure talent. That means giving snaps to Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, Detroit Li...

The Detroit Lions defense is broken, not banged up. Through two games it has allowed 72 points and over 900 yards, with 13 explosive plays of 20+ yards and 18 penalties compounding the damage. The issues are schematic, communication, and usage driven. Coaching adjustments and lineup changes must happen immediately.

What exactly failed on defense?

Cohesion and coverage integrity collapsed. Receivers attacked the space behind the linebackers and in front of the safeties all night. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell is triggering hard downhill and not gaining enough depth, and the secondary is miscommunicating leverage and help.

As...

Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills Week 2 reaction, analysis, live presser, and listener calls.

Detroit Lions Post Game Reaction

Chris and Michael Grey go live after the final whistle from Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season. This is the place for an immediate Detroit Lions post game reaction, a clear account of the game result, and a full breakdown of how the night unfolded at Highmark Stadium.

The show examines the biggest plays, decisive possessions, coaching decisions, momentum swings, and individual performances from the Thursday night matchup. Chris and...

The Detroit Lions defense has no identity and got exposed in a 41-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills, falling behind 21-0 before settling in. Detroit surrendered six touchdowns and has allowed 63 first downs in two games, a crisis that demands immediate scheme clarity and personnel adjustments before Week 3.

Why did Detroit fall behind 21-0 so fast?

Because the defense failed on early downs and the offense opened with consecutive three and outs, handing Buffalo all the momentum. In the first quarter alone, Buffalo posted 11 first downs to Detroit’s 1, outgained the Lions 169 yards to 10, and ra...

The Detroit Lions defense has no identity and got exposed in a 41-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills, falling behind 21-0 before settling in. Detroit surrendered six touchdowns and has allowed 63 first downs in two games, a crisis that demands immediate scheme clarity and personnel adjustments before Week 3.

Why did Detroit fall behind 21-0 so fast?

Because the defense failed on early downs and the offense opened with consecutive three and outs, handing Buffalo all the momentum. In the first quarter alone, Buffalo posted 11 first downs to Detroit’s 1, outgained the Lions 169 yards to 10, and ra...

Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills Week 2 post game reaction, live presser, analysis, and listener calls for the 2026 NFL season.

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Can Detroit run on Buffalo’s front without Blake Miller and Christian Mahogany?

Yes, the run game is there to attack, but losing two starters changes the approach. Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller and Detroit Lions left guard Christian Mahogany being out put more on Detroit Lions tackle Larry Borom and on the scheme.

The Bills show 3-4 defensive looks that Detroit has historically attacked with the run. When Buffalo goes nickel and effectively pulls the nose tackle, leaving two lighter ends inside, the middle opens. That is prime to hit with downhill and du...

The Detroit Lions beat the Buffalo Bills by capitalizing on Josh Allen’s turnover chances, matching Buffalo’s heavy 13 personnel with linebackers, and attacking inside on both lines. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Bills ran almost 50 percent of their offense in 13, and Detroit’s base answers that look while avoiding explosive, broken plays.

What is the one blueprint for a Detroit Lions win in Buffalo?

Win the middle, avoid third and long, and finish takeaways. The Bills edged the Houston Texans 36 to 31, but Houston left interceptions and drive-killers on the field. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, Detroi...

The Daily DLP for Tuesday, September 15th looks at some of the broad-stroke takeaways from the Lions Week 1 win over the Saints. We also delve into the PFF team scores and grades, and offer what we can on the Joey Porter Jr. situation with the Steelers. Detroit’s defense was dominant early in the game, but the Saints adjusted to the pressures and the spacing. New Orleans took advantage of some poor coordination in the Lions’ zone coverages. The pass rush from Skyler Gill-Howard, Aidan Hutchinson and others was still bringing it, but getting the ball out quicker and using thei...

The Detroit Lions are 1-0 after a messy overtime escape against the New Orleans Saints but the win is the bottom line. Detroit produced a needed late scoring drive, survived a two-point try in OT, and, as Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell stressed, now must clean up the sloppiness while banking the result.

Why does the Week 1 win matter more than the mess?

Because 1-0 is all that counts. Dan Campbell said it plainly, a win is a win, and Michael Grey agreed that style points do not carry over. The Detroit Lions finished...

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 do...

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...

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...

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 th...