The Detroit Lions Podcast

Jack Campbell received positive news after his injury, per Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, and Detroit paired that relief with a signature, problem-solving win over the Minnesota Vikings. The staff pivoted personnel and formations to unlock the run game and quarterback Jared Goff closed it out in winning time.

What is the latest on Jack Campbell, and who replaces him at linebacker?

Dan Campbell said Jack Campbell’s status is positive, and Detroit will lean on in-house depth while evaluating additional help. Dan Campbell said, "It’s positive," thanked fans for prayers, and noted he visited Jack Campbell’s family and that the linebacker’s leadership is revered in the locker room. He acknowledged they "may need a little bit of help" and will adjust with general manager Brad Holmes this week. Expect Detroit Lions linebackers Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes to see elevated roles as the plan crystallizes before Miami.

How did the offense crack Brian Flores’s Vikings defense?

Detroit abandoned its usual 11 personnel and leaned into 12 and 13 groupings, using condensed and muddle-huddle looks to run the ball and spring explosives. As Michael Grey noted, this was "the least 11 personnel since Dan Campbell got to Detroit," with heavy sets driving the second-half surge. Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown even aligned about 20 yards off the line to hit the snap at a sprint, a motion wrinkle that stressed leverage and assignment. Michael Grey also highlighted that the backfield "was able to get 65 solid yards and a 5.9 average out of him," crediting the design and persistence. Michael Grey credited Drew Petzing and quarterback Jared Goff for patient problem solving, sticking with concepts until the run game and play-action finally broke Minnesota’s answers.

Why the shift worked

More tight ends forced lighter boxes to declare, simplified protection rules, and created angle advantages at the point of attack. Dan Campbell said the package had been "simmering" on the back burner, fit their rules, and let them "play fast" while giving Minnesota something different.

Is the Detroit Lions defense turning the corner?

Yes, the last three games show a clear climb in performance and efficiency. Michael Grey cited scoring allowed of 21, 17, and 15, and yards allowed of 329, 299, and 274 in consecutive weeks. Since Week 5, he noted the defense at seventeenth in EPA and twelfth in success rate, and over the last two weeks at twelfth in EPA and ninth in success rate. The secondary played more man coverage, which fits Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch and the room’s strengths. Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson set the tone immediately after the team returned to the field, a snapshot of the unit’s edge and urgency.

What does this mean heading into Miami?

Detroit carries a championship-caliber formula into the Miami Dolphins game, even while managing linebacker changes. Jared Goff’s ability to reset after adversity, the staff’s on-the-fly solutions, and a defense trending to league-average or better are a winning blend. Michael Grey called it a signature win that gives the NFL copycat answers against Brian Flores’s pressure menu, and Detroit Lions fans saw proof of concept for January football in a gritty, divisional road map.

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The Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 19-15 by pairing a suffocating defense with a downhill, duo-and-power rushing plan that produced 230 yards. Detroit stacked a third straight week of step-forward defense and rode running back Jahmyr Gibbs. An emotional Jack Campbell injury paused play, then leaders steadied the group and closed it out.

Did the Detroit Lions win with defense again?

Yes. Detroit limited Minnesota to 15 points and 81 rushing yards, and opposing running backs managed only 46 yards on 14 carries. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast, for the third straight game the Lions allowed their fewest yards, fewest points, and fewest first downs in a game.

The pass rush finished with three sacks, including one by defensive tackle Aleem McNeill and one by linebacker Jimmy Rolder. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson set the tone and led on-field after the Campbell injury. Detroit’s coverage benefited from a let-them-play officiating approach downfield and tightened late, punctuated by a key diving interception that stood after review.

How did Detroit’s run game take control?

By ditching early stretch looks and hammering inside with duo and power, aided by tight end motion and backfield alignments that changed blocking angles. The Lions ran 39 times for 230 yards, with Next Gen Stats showing 4.7 yards after contact per carry and 19 broken tackles on runs.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs carried 23 times for 153 yards and a touchdown. Another back added 11 carries for 65 yards by hitting prescribed lanes at full speed. Quarterback Jared Goff sparked linemen by sprinting to block downfield on a Jahmyr Gibbs score, then sealing safety help later. Jared Goff threw one interception on a route where Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams slipped, and he absorbed a couple sacks while otherwise distributing on-time throws and timely deep shots.

What is the latest on Jack Campbell and other injuries?

As of 7:17 a.m. Monday, Jeff Risdon said there was no official update on Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell after he was placed on a neck board, carted off, and taken to the hospital. The stadium fell silent and teammates were visibly shaken, then regrouped to finish.

Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch was placed in the concussion protocol after a hit that also concussed Minnesota Vikings edge rusher DJ Wonnum. Jimmy Rolder left briefly before returning later. An update from head coach Dan Campbell was expected later in the day.

Did coaching and special teams swing key margins?

Yes. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s second-quarter and halftime tweaks, including moving tight ends and shifting alignments, defanged Minnesota’s swarming fronts and let the line take control. Defensive coach Kelvin Sheppard tailored the defensive plan to this opponent, not a copy of the prior week.

Head coach Dan Campbell declined a penalty at the two-minute warning to gain an extra offensive snap and bled the clock to the finish. Punter Jack Fox pinned three inside the 20 and coverage units played the Vikings’ elite return game to a draw. Detroit is 5-2 with tangible, week-over-week improvement on defense and a clear, physical run identity.

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Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Week 8 post game reaction, analysis and live calls with NFL fans.

Detroit Lions Post Game: Week 8

Chris and Michael Grey host this live Detroit Lions post game show for Week 8 of the 2026 Lions season. The matchup is Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings, played Sunday, November 1, with a 1:00 pm ET kickoff at Ford Field. Detroit is home for this regular season NFL game, and the show covers the game result once it is official.

Whether you watched every snap or are catching up after the game, this is the place for a focused Lions vs Vikings recap. Chris and Michael will react to the result, establish the biggest developments and put the performance into the context of Detroit’s 2026 season. No score will be assumed before the game is final.

Live Post Game Presser and Immediate Reaction

The Detroit Lions Podcast will cover the post game presser live. Chris and Michael will listen as the press conference unfolds, respond to the most important comments and separate immediate emotion from the information that matters. The live format allows listeners to follow the official post game reaction alongside informed Lions analysis.

The presser is only part of the conversation. This episode also examines how the game developed, where Detroit gained or lost control and which moments had the greatest influence on the result. Every takeaway will be grounded in what happened during the matchup at Ford Field.

Lions vs Vikings Game Analysis

The game analysis will sort through Detroit’s execution, coaching decisions, situational football and overall consistency. Chris and Michael will identify the sequences that changed the direction of the game and discuss what the performance means moving forward in the 2026 Lions season.

Expect a direct assessment without empty hot takes. The goal is to explain why the result happened, which parts of Detroit’s approach were effective and what requires more attention after Week 8. The discussion will stay centered on the evidence from Lions vs Vikings.

Live Listener Calls

Live listener calls bring the audience into the Lions post game show. Fans can share their immediate reactions, raise questions about the game and challenge the hosts on the night’s biggest talking points. Chris and Michael will work through those calls while continuing to track the post game conversation.

Join the Detroit Lions Post Game Show

Join the Detroit Lions Podcast for the game result, live post game presser coverage, detailed game analysis and live listener calls following Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings. Subscribe and take part in a live NFL Week 8 discussion built for Lions fans who want substance immediately after the game.

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The Detroit Lions have the edge over the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings because quarterback Jared Goff will punish Brian Flores' all-out blitzes behind Detroit’s improved pass protection. The Vikings have not faced an offensive line of this caliber, and a one-score game tilts to Detroit if the Lions stay on schedule and protect the ball.

What will decide Lions vs Vikings in Week 8?

Jared Goff versus Brian Flores' pressure is the hinge. The Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is blitzing at a historic rate, and the Detroit Lions' pass protection is playing very well this year. As Jeff Risdon noted, last season’s pass pro issues are gone, and Detroit’s line presents a test Minnesota has not seen yet.

The Vikings blitzed Daniel Jones on 83 percent last week and, per the show, are at more than double the blitz rate of the next-highest team, Washington. That chaos works when the opponent’s line and quarterback timing crack. It looks different against Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who has previously shredded heavy blitz looks when his protection held up.

How dangerous and sustainable is Brian Flores' blitz?

It is dangerous, and Minnesota is committed to it. Guest Andrew Harbaugh emphasized that Flores will "blitz all night" because he has depth and versatile chess pieces. Vikings safety Harrison Smith, linebacker Blake Cashman, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and rookie Dallas Turner rotate through roles that disguise pressure and coverage.

Up front, Minnesota is getting snaps and production from defensive lineman Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez, and the back end has veteran continuity. The hosts agreed the depth makes the approach sustainable, but the Vikings have not yet faced a strong offensive line group, which is why this matchup with Detroit is so revealing.

Can Jared Goff beat pressure, and what changed from last year?

Yes, if Detroit keeps its rhythm throws and hot reads on time. Two years ago Jared Goff torched Flores’ blitz, last year the script flipped when Detroit’s line was injured and disjointed. This year, as Jeff Risdon said, pass protection is very strong, and the Vikings have not faced a line close to Detroit’s level.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs punished Minnesota last year, and the Lions can again stress the second level with quick game, screens and play-action. Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is surging, and defensive back Brian Branch returning matters on the other side, tightening Detroit’s middle-of-field response to Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson and the intermediate routes.

Where can Minnesota find answers, and what are the X-factors?

The Vikings offense must leverage quick throws to tight ends and selective deep shots. Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has been more cautious scrambling after a Week 1 concussion, so timing to T.J. Hockenson and play extensions to wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are key. As Jeff Risdon noted, Detroit has been vulnerable to tight ends, so volume to Hockenson is the cleanest lever.

Andrew Harbaugh highlighted Andrew Van Ginkel as the defensive X-factor who studies Jared Goff well. Minnesota’s special teams are a field-position asset with strong punting and returner Miller Price. Expect a tight, 20-17 type finish. Harbaugh leaned Lions because Minnesota’s offense has not kept pace against quality defenses.

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Detroit Lions 2026 analysis: Packers fallout, Kerby Joseph and a Minnesota Vikings preview.

Packers Win and the Reaction

Episode 621 is live tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET with Chris and Jeff Risdon leading the weekly Detroit Lions Podcast roundtable. The Lions are coming off a win over the Green Bay Packers, and the conversation did not end with the final whistle. We’ll review the performance, sort through the controversy that followed and examine why the reaction became a full Packers fan meltdown.

What did the win reveal about the Detroit Lions roster and the direction of the 2026 Lions season? Chris and Jeff will separate meaningful developments from rivalry noise while considering what Detroit can carry into the next stretch of its schedule. This is the long-form Lions analysis that goes beyond the immediate reaction and focuses on the bigger NFL picture.

Kerby Joseph and Jahmyr Gibbs

Kerby Joseph is practicing, creating one of the most important Lions roster discussions of the week. What should Detroit reasonably expect from him? Practice participation does not answer every question, so the conversation will focus on expectations, possible impact and what his progress could mean for the defense moving forward.

The show also tackles the concern surrounding Jahmyr Gibbs’ usage. Is Detroit asking too much of one of its most dynamic offensive players, or is the workload appropriate for a team driving toward the top? Chris and Jeff will consider the balance between maximizing Gibbs now and managing his role across the full 2026 Lions season.

Bears Trade and Brad Holmes

The Chicago Bears made an expensive trade for Jeffery Simmons, adding another major NFC North storyline. We’ll discuss whether Chicago can receive enough value to justify the cost and whether the move creates any pressure on Lions general manager Brad Holmes. A division rival making a splash does not automatically mean Detroit must respond, but it does invite a closer look at the Lions roster and their current approach.

Lions vs. Vikings Week 8 Preview

Detroit returns to Ford Field for a Week 8 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, November 1, at 1:00 p.m. ET. Chris and Jeff will preview the divisional game, identify the central questions and discuss what the Lions must prioritize against Minnesota.

Join the live conversation at 9:00 p.m. ET and bring your questions about the Packers win, Kerby Joseph, Jahmyr Gibbs, Brad Holmes, the Bears trade and Lions vs. Vikings.

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The Detroit Lions beat the Green Bay Packers 20 to 17 to move to 4 and 2, and Week 8 hinges on how Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff attacks Minnesota’s blitz. He has 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions when blitzed, and the defense tightened with Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch back and Detroit Lions safety Kirby Joseph returning to practice.

What did Detroit actually gain in the 20-17 win at Green Bay?

The Lions secured the game and reaffirmed their explosive pass-game answers, but they must eliminate negative runs and clean up situational execution. As Scott Bischoff noted, turnovers around halftime were massive swing moments, and too many negative run plays put the offense behind the chains.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs delivered volume, yet 29 carries is not sustainable across a long season without complementary help. Pass protection held up well, with Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell anchoring a strong day that gave Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff time to hit deep-overs and dagger concepts to Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The sixth offensive lineman package needs sharper execution, and the coaches must simplify some heavy-personnel run looks that invite errors.

How will Jared Goff handle Minnesota’s blitz-heavy defense?

He has been the NFL’s best quarterback against the blitz this season. As Russell Brown detailed, Jared Goff owns a plus 0.32 EPA per dropback when blitzed with 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions, setting up a favorable chess match against a scheme that brings pressure from multiple levels.

What are the keys for Detroit’s offense?

- Keep the ball coming out on time, prioritize rhythm throws, and always present a live checkdown in front of Jared Goff.

- Demand sturdy running back pass protection and clear protection IDs, especially with double A-gap looks.

- Avoid predictable hot routes that Minnesota can trap by dropping second-level defenders into quick lanes.

- Spread touches to Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, and reduce early-down negative runs that trigger pressure packages.

What changed on defense with Brian Branch back, and who is returning next?

Brian Branch’s return made coverage stickier and produced a game-changing interception. Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson affected Jordan Love by winning the arc without losing contain, and corner Khalil Dorsey punched out a catch downfield. The Lions leaned into more man coverage with better cohesion on the back end.

Kirby Joseph returned to practice, which Russell Brown reported during the show, a potential lift for the safety group. Scott Bischoff added that a coverage-oriented linebacker would help as Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell continues to develop. Hold scrambling lanes, keep pressure coordinated, and the unit’s recent improvement holds.

Will Brad Holmes add at the NFL trade deadline?

Expect cornerback help and a complementary back to be explored. As Russell Brown and Scott Bischoff discussed, recent league moves show action heating up, and the Lions could respond by targeting a starting-caliber corner to push roles down the depth chart and a veteran runner to ease the load on Jahmyr Gibbs. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s fourth-down aggressiveness also reinforced a locker-room message of trust in the offense, even if the specific call was debatable.

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The Detroit Lions fixed their pass defense by playing Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch next to Detroit Lions safety Keith Abney. The pairing cut miscommunications, created range, and produced on-ball plays, which, as Jeff Risdon emphasized, set the tone in the win over the Green Bay Packers and validated improvements seen since Arizona.

How big was Brian Branch's return to the Detroit Lions secondary?

Brian Branch changed the game, and the Brian Branch-Abney safety tandem was Detroit’s best look all season. As Jeff Risdon noted, Brian Branch high-pointed a throw in front of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson and delivered clean hits, strong run fits, and real range. With Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark rotating in, the communication with the cornerbacks finally synced. The result was fewer coverage busts and a coordinated back end that stacked positives from the Panthers and Cardinals games.

What is wrong with Jack Campbell in coverage and what should the Lions do?

Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell struggled in coverage and needs to exit some passing situations. He defended the run and blitzed well, but he was manipulated by play action and spacing. The third down to Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Craft showed the issue, with Campbell false-stepping toward Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes’ assignment instead of shading Craft. Risdon called for more Trevor Nowaski and even a look at Jimmy Rolder in the old nickel role Alex Anzalone once handled, because the linebackers’ second-level coordination is disrupting what the safeties are cleaning up.

Should the Lions ditch jumbo and condensed formations on offense?

Yes. The extra tackle look with Detroit Lions tackle Larry Borom has been a drag on the run game. As Jeff Risdon detailed, the first three rushes with Borom on the field went for negative five, negative three, and negative two yards, and team EPA on jumbo runs over the last three weeks is the worst of the Dan Campbell era. Spread sets were the antidote.

What worked instead for Detroit?

11 personnel spacing and timing. Detroit Lions slot receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa stressed coverage and created clean windows for Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Cade Mays' return at center had a shared hiccup snap with Jared Goff, but pass protection was superb overall, with just five QB pressures allowed all day. Detroit Lions guards Chris Mahogany and Tate Ratledge were perfect in protection, and Detroit Lions tackle Blake Miller was steady.

Are Jared Goff and Aidan Hutchinson playing at a star level?

Yes. Jared Goff operated with mastery, standing in and attacking downfield to Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Risdon put him in the MVP conversation based on this performance. Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson was dominant again, adding a sack and nearly housing a deflection for a pick six. Around them, Detroit’s run defense clicked, with Detroit Lions defensive lineman Dorsey Moore and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyler Lacy stacking edges and squeezing lanes, and special teams popped with a DJ Wonnum field goal tip and Detroit Lions special teamer Eric O'Neil flying down coverage. DeAndre Carter replacing Tom Kennedy added return juice, and with the Minnesota Vikings blitzing 92.7 percent last week, this clean pass-pro look travels.

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The Detroit Lions will beat the Minnesota Vikings if Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Lions center Cade Mays nail the protection calls against Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ pressure. Detroit’s defense is surging since Week 4, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s trust-first approach is working. Clean run-game execution will unlock Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and finish drives.

Was Dan Campbell’s fourth-down gamble reckless or right?

It was right. Dan Campbell said he knew the risk, trusted his defense to get the ball back with time, and trusted his offense to answer.

Michael Grey admitted he initially called the decision “coaching malpractice” in real time, then changed course after Campbell explained the clock and possession calculus. Campbell emphasized he understood what he was conceding if the try failed, but he had zero doubt Detroit would have time to rebut whatever Green Bay produced. That conviction has become a feature, not a bug, of this team’s identity.

Is the Detroit Lions defense genuinely improving?

Yes, the trend is real and it is dramatic.

As Michael Grey said, he “looked up the numbers” and laid out the swing: through four weeks, Detroit allowed 327 passing yards per game, then only 286 per game over the last two against the Cardinals and Packers. Rush defense improved from 119 rushing yards per game in the first four weeks to 58 per game in Weeks 5 and 6 combined. Against the Packers, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love went 1-for-6 on passes over 20 yards. Lions safety Brian Branch added an interception, and coverage adjustments tightened the deep windows. This improving unit earned its flowers and changed the game script.

What must the offense fix before Brian Flores arrives?

Eliminate miscommunications and sharpen one-on-ones up front while finding explosive runs for Jahmyr Gibbs.

Dan Campbell cited “one-on-one losses,” bad footwork, and targets not being on the same page. He also noted Cade Mays logged “68 reps or whatever that was,” a critical workload to get his legs and eyes right before Flores’ league-leading blitz looks arrive. The line pieces matter, from Lions right tackle Penei Sewell playing great to Lions tight end Sam LaPorta’s reliability. With better efficiency, Jahmyr Gibbs needs only a crease to house one, and Campbell flatly said Detroit must be more efficient and find explosive runs.

Protection IDs at center will decide the day

Detroit has handled Flores before with Jared Goff’s command and the line’s calls, a job previously anchored by Lions center Frank Ragnow. Now it is on Cade Mays to pair with Jared Goff and set the answers versus pressure.

Can Jared Goff carry Detroit past Minnesota?

Yes, and he must.

Michael Grey noted Jared Goff is the only quarterback with at least 200 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions through six weeks, and one of two ever with 14 touchdowns and no interceptions through six weeks. His pre-snap mastery and fast answers are the antidote to Flores’ waves of pressure. With Lions guard Graham Glasgow, Lions left tackle Taylor Decker, and Cade Mays syncing protections, Tom Brady back in the house or not, Detroit can dictate terms, jump ahead, and force Minnesota to play uphill.

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The Detroit Lions beat the Green Bay Packers 20-17 on Jake Bates's walk-off field goal because the defense controlled the game and Jahmyr Gibbs executed winning situational football. Green Bay went 5-for-15 on third downs with only four rushing first downs and 274 passing yards on 45 attempts. Detroit improved to 4-2.

How did the Detroit Lions close out a 20-17 win in Green Bay?

The defense set the terms and special teams finished it with Jake Bates at the horn. Detroit limited Green Bay to 17 first downs and 324 total yards, allowed just one sack on defense but consistently won situational downs, and then managed the clock to set up the walk-off.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff stayed poised through red-zone adversity and an early flurry of points, then leaned on the ground game and defense as the contest tightened. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Packers went 5-for-15 on third downs and mustered only four rushing first downs, the kind of situational control that travels.

Did Brian Branch change the defense?

Yes, Lions defensive back Brian Branch brought back edge and ball production. He delivered the tone-setting physicality Jeff Risdon emphasized and came up with an interception as Detroit clamped down after the early series.

Khalil Dorsey jumped in and made timely plays on the perimeter, and the run defense held firm. Green Bay finished with 274 passing yards on 45 attempts, a trade-off Detroit took while moving quarterback Jordan Love off spots. The Lions notched one sack, tackled better, and forced the Packers into long fields and longer third downs.

What went wrong on Dan Campbell’s two fourth-down calls?

Execution married to call design failed both times, and Jeff Risdon said Dan Campbell chose the wrong option twice. On the first, a fourth-down shot to Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams in the back of the end zone, Detroit passed up a field goal in a low-scoring game and came away empty when Williams could not get two feet down.

The second was the ill-fated fourth-and-two that analytics originally modeled at 74 percent before being corrected to 52 percent. Detroit condensed the formation, took Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown off the field, telegraphed a run to Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and created no space. As Risdon detailed, you must pair the decision with a play that can get the yardage. He added that play caller Drew Petzing had his worst game of the year outside the opening drive, a six-play, 80-yard march with four first downs.

How good was Jahmyr Gibbs and what swung special teams?

Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs delivered 116 yards on 29 carries and made the winning play by stopping short to set up the game-winning field goal. That endgame decision maximized time control and trusted the defense and kicker.

Special teams swung the margin. The Packers missed two field goals, including a chip shot, and the last attempt was tipped. DeAndre Carter contributed in the return phase. Despite two Detroit lost fumbles, including a Jahmyr Gibbs fumble and a Jared Goff exchange, the Lions overcame mistakes while Green Bay stacked theirs.

What does this mean heading into the Vikings game?

The Lions are 4-2 and hosting the league’s final unbeaten, the Minnesota Vikings, as early three-point favorites. Over the last three games, Detroit’s defense is trending middle-of-the-pack, sitting sixteenth in third-down conversions and sixteenth in scoring defense, better than the Houston Texans over the last month, per the figures Jeff cited.

Clean up fourth-down process and red-zone ball security, keep Brian Branch healthy, and let Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown drive efficiency. The path is clear and the formula traveled in Green Bay.

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Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers post game coverage for Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season starts here.

Chris and Michael Grey go live after Detroit’s home matchup with Green Bay at Ford Field. This Detroit Lions post game show starts with the game result, then puts the biggest moments, turning points and tactical decisions into context. No guesswork and no waiting until the next day. The reaction begins when the game ends.

Lions vs Packers Week 7 Reaction

The Lions return from their bye looking to avenge last season’s sweep by Green Bay and open NFC North play with a win. With significant implications for the division race, this Week 7 matchup gives Detroit an immediate test against a familiar rival.

Brian Branch’s return headlines the defensive storylines. We will examine how Detroit approached Jordan Love, whether the Lions generated enough pressure and how effectively the defense limited Green Bay’s dangerous deep passing game. The breakdown will also cover Detroit’s offensive rhythm, the running game, pass protection and the unit’s ability to sustain drives.

Every major conclusion will be tied to what happened on the field. Chris and Michael will identify the matchups that shaped the result, the adjustments that mattered and the areas that Detroit can carry forward into the rest of the 2026 Lions season.

Live Post Game Presser and Lions Analysis

The show will cover the post game presser live. We will listen to the immediate reaction from Ford Field and provide context around the most important comments as they happen.

After the presser, the analysis continues with a closer look at situational football, coaching decisions, personnel usage and execution on both sides of the ball. Which moments changed the game? Did Detroit control the line of scrimmage? How did the Lions handle Green Bay’s vertical passing threat? What does the result mean for the NFC North race? Those questions will drive a detailed, direct postgame discussion.

Live Listener Calls

Lions fans are part of the show through live listener calls. Bring your reaction to the game result, questions about Detroit’s offense or defense, and your assessment of where the team stands after Week 7. Chris and Michael will take calls throughout the broadcast and respond to the issues listeners care about most.

Join the Detroit Lions Podcast for immediate Lions vs Packers reaction, live post game presser coverage, game analysis and fan calls. This is the lions post game show for supporters looking for an informed, independent breakdown of Detroit Lions football.

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The Detroit Lions win Sunday by controlling the ball with heavy personnel and running directly at the Green Bay Packers’ thin defensive line. Green Bay is blitz-happy and built to create free rushers, not defend 12 and 13 personnel for four quarters. Detroit’s physical offensive line and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs give them the clearest edge.

How should the Detroit Lions attack the Packers defense?

Run the ball, stay out of obvious dropbacks, and punish light boxes. Green Bay’s pressure plan is about scheming free rushers, not winning straight up. As Justice Mosqueda explained, the Packers will send seven and disguise coverage to bait quick-game reads, so make them tackle and defend gaps instead of dictating protections.

Why Green Bay’s D-line depth is a target

Mosqueda said the Packers have only four defensive tackles for a three-four front and signed Mozzie Smith to the practice squad this week, underscoring how thin they are. He added that Dallas lived in 11 personnel and never tested that depth, and warned that by mid third quarter the Packers’ defensive line legs can be shot if forced to defend heavy sets.

Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell and Detroit Lions center Cade Mays set a more physical tone up front, with Juice Scruggs having been a capable fill-in. As Jeff Risdon noted, Detroit backed off the early-season blitzing in the Arizona game and let the front four work. Offensively, that same patience applies now: commit to 12 and 13 personnel and own time of possession.

What will Jordan Love and Green Bay test downfield?

Explosives over a non-existent run game. Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is attacking vertically and living off deep shots, even while absorbing hits behind what Mosqueda called a thirty third-ranked offensive line and with the league’s highest drop rate. As Jeff Risdon relayed from Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, there are YOLO balls, and they draw flags or hit for chunk gains.

Green Bay leans on condensed formations and quick game to survive second-and-long. With Jaden Reed out, Savion Williams is the slot, and Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft works the middle. Expect crossers and slants to complement go routes for Christian Watson and company. Detroit must disrupt timing with four-man pressure and tackle the catch.

Which Lions stars tilt this matchup for Detroit?

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff must be decisive versus disguises, but the matchup swings with Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and the line in front of him. Mosqueda agreed that Jahmyr Gibbs can reach the second level and bounce runs outside, especially with injuries and rotation issues at Green Bay’s second level.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta give Jared Goff blitz-beater outlets, while Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch makes his season debut this week to help on the back end. Green Bay Packers cornerback Keyshawn Nixon is playing his best ball, so Detroit should use motion and stacks to free releases and avoid isolation into disguised pressure.

What game flow should fans expect in Week 7?

Contrasting styles. Detroit’s best path is to hold the ball, wear down a thin front, and force Green Bay out of its pressure comfort zone. Green Bay will hunt explosives because it lacks a functional run game. This is the Lions’ first NFC North game after the bye, and Mosqueda said “Lions by three” matches the line, declining a formal prediction. The mandate is clear: control tempo and make the Packers tackle for four quarters.

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The path to a Detroit Lions win in Week 7 is clear: deny Green Bay the double dip, cap vertical shots, and let the middle-of-the-field passing game set the tone. Detroit is first in the NFL with 20 sacks to this point, and its outside-zone run game and play-action answers are in position to punish heavy zone.

How do the Lions stop Green Bay’s double dip and deep shots?

Win the opening sequencing battle and keep everything in front. As Russ Brown detailed, the Packers have double dipped five of six times and are 3-2 in those games, teams that double dip are 19-9 this season, and from 2008 to 2025 those teams won 74 percent of their games per Ray Carpenter.

Green Bay has eight passing plays of 40 plus yards in six games, so limit explosives with two-high and force long drives. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, and the front must finish with four-man pressure while corners squeeze go routes. Linebacker Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions, helps erase crossers, and safety Brian Branch, Detroit Lions, can work in the box on a pitch-count to rally and tackle. As Scott Bischoff said, the Packers will take shots, so Detroit must concede nothing over the top and make their quarterback earn it underneath.

What changes with center Cade Mays back?

Communication tightens in pass protection and the run game needs a brief timing reset. As Scott Bischoff noted, center Cade Mays, Detroit Lions, should stabilize interior calls and protection while the run game could take a small early step back as timing resets.

Guard Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions, is playing at a high level despite an elbow issue, while guard Christian Mahogany, Detroit Lions, has stacked better weeks. Interior lineman Juice Scruggs, Detroit Lions, gives Detroit a sixth-lineman option, letting tackle Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions, flex as a perimeter hammer in heavy sets. That cohesion matters against a defense that has mixed moving parts without leaning on exotic pressures.

How should Detroit attack the Packers’ zone-heavy defense?

Work the middle with tight end Sam LaPorta and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, then stress edges with wide receiver Jameson Williams and outside zone to running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Green Bay runs a ton of zone, including Cover 0 at 5 percent, Cover 1 at 10 percent, Cover 2 zone at 21 percent, and Cover 4 at 26 percent, with only Buffalo using more Cover 4.

Safety Evan Williams, Green Bay Packers, leads them in pass breakups and tackles, so he is the conflict defender on Detroit’s staples, dagger and dig. Quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, has not thrown an interception yet, but as Russ Brown warned, disguise can steal one in this matchup. Sam LaPorta is at 317 receiving yards and is averaging over 60 receiving yards a game, so early rhythm throws to Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown set up play action shots to Williams and the perimeter run game to Jahmyr Gibbs.

What from the Arizona tape actually carries over?

An uptick in man coverage, selective brackets, and a front that wins without gimmicks. Against Arizona, Detroit bracketed Trey McBride and Michael Wilson and pressed with cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, Detroit Lions, while avoiding unnecessary corner blitzes. Cornerback Roger McCreary, Detroit Lions, tied a franchise record with six pass breakups, though he was targeted 17 times and allowed seven catches for over 100 yards, a reminder to pair aggression with help.

Head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions, demanded a response and got it. With positive updates on safety Kirby Joseph, Detroit Lions, and Brian Branch returning in a limited role while Chuck Clark and Keith Abney continue to contribute, Detroit can again match an aggressive front with disciplined coverage rules. That same complementary formula translates to Week 7.

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The Detroit Lions are healthy out of the bye and Lions defensive back Brian Branch will return on October 25 to a full workload. Doctor Jimmy Liao said Detroit will start him and keep him near 90 to 100 percent of snaps, with cramps the only watch item. Depth pieces are trending up too.

Will Brian Branch play a full workload right away?

Yes. Doctor Jimmy Liao said the Lions do not ease players back and expects Brian Branch to start and play 90 to 100 percent of snaps. The Achilles recovery timeline hit exactly as projected, 10 to 11 months, with the late-October target now here.

As Jeff Risdon noted, Dr. Liao pegged Halloween as the window right after the injury, and Brian Branch lands squarely on that October 25 return. If his snap count dips well below expectations, Liao said that would signal fatigue, not re-injury. He added the only real in-game watch item is Brian Branch’s history of cramping.

What do the Lions expect from Cade Mays and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.?

Cade Mays is cleared to go without functional concerns. Doctor Jimmy Liao confirmed the right wrist fracture, on the snapping hand, was surgically addressed and does not limit him now, with only a small long-term arthritis risk to note.

Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is ascending. Jeff Risdon said Rakestraw is up to about 50 percent of defensive snaps and pushed for a full starter’s load. Both hosts welcomed the positive turn for Rakestraw and the broader health report coming out of the bye.

How should Detroit handle Sam LaPorta’s contract after back surgery?

Cautiously. Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had a microdiscectomy, which removes tissue and carries a recurrence risk of roughly five to fifteen percent, per Doctor Jimmy Liao. By contrast, Liao said an Achilles rerupture sits around two percent, underscoring why back history weighs more in extension math.

Liao explained the franchise tag is a blunt tool, with a projected 17,200,000 fully guaranteed hit for one year and modern “hold-in” risks if a player is unhappy. Jeff Risdon added that tagging to trade invites another hurdle, because the acquiring team must also meet Sam LaPorta’s contract demands. Liao also flagged future cap ripple effects, including potential 2027 dead money if Lions safety Kerby Joseph is released, as factors in Detroit’s calculus.

What is the outlook for Kerby Joseph and how should Dan Campbell manage snap counts?

For Lions safety Kirby Joseph, Doctor Jimmy Liao said ongoing knee pain and swelling indicate further cartilage damage, which is not fixable. He emphasized that shots like PRP or stem cells do not regrow cartilage, so repeated flare-ups signal harmful wear that has long-term consequences.

Liao also urged head coach Dan Campbell to trim workloads. He cited heavy snap counts for edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta, and called for pulling starters when up 31 points with two minutes left, or with a 24 lead late. As Jeff Risdon put it, if not then, when. Looking to Sunday at 4:25 against the Green Bay Packers, Risdon expects Detroit to win, but both he and Liao want fresher stars for December and January.

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Detroit Lions Week 7 preview: Green Bay Packers, bye-week returns, and the 2026 season outlook now.

Episode 620 of the Detroit Lions Podcast brings Chris, Jeff Risdon, Michael Grey, Scott Bischoff and Russ Brown together live at 7:30 p.m. ET. The weekly roundtable resets the Detroit Lions 2026 campaign after the bye and turns directly toward Sunday’s Week 7 visit from the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field.

What did the Lions get back during the bye?

Rest is only part of the post-bye equation. The panel examines the returns of Brian Branch and Cade Mays, along with the recent practice-squad movement. How much can those developments change the Lions roster entering an important divisional game? Which areas still need attention as Detroit moves into the next phase of the 2026 Lions season?

Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph and Cade Mays are among the names in the broader roster conversation. The group will also assess what has stood out about Kelvin Sheppard’s work and where the Lions must improve. This is a forward-looking Lions season preview based on what Detroit has shown through its opening stretch, not merely a review of the first several weeks.

Are the Detroit Lions turning a corner?

Detroit entered the bye after a convincing victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona followed that game by beating the LA Rams, adding another layer to the discussion about what the Lions’ performance meant. Was that win evidence of real progress, and did the result look even better after what Arizona did next?

Chris and the panel look back at the season so far to identify what is sustainable, what remains unresolved and whether Detroit is becoming a more complete team. The central question is straightforward: What does this team truly have as it breaks out of the bye?

Lions vs. Packers Week 7 preview

Green Bay had a shaky start, but the Packers suddenly look like a difficult matchup. Detroit will be tested immediately after its week off when Green Bay arrives at Ford Field for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday. The roundtable breaks down the pressure points, the players who matter most and what Detroit must establish to control the game.

Can the refreshed Lions capitalize on being home? How should Detroit approach a Packers team that appears more dangerous than it did early in the season? Join the live show for Detroit Lions analysis, NFL discussion and a complete Week 7 Lions vs. Packers preview.

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The Detroit Lions exited the bye with 100 percent practice participation, and safety Brian Branch’s return restores a physical, tone-setting edge to the defense. This health reset arrives ahead of back-to-back home games against the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, a stretch Jeff Risdon said can launch the Lions to NFC favoritism.

Are the Detroit Lions finally healthy after the bye?

Yes. As Jeff Risdon noted, Tuesday’s practice had 100 percent participation from the active roster. That full attendance underscores a clean bill of health as the team ramps into a nationally televised Packers week at Ford Field.

What changed on the practice squad?

The Lions made a minor bottom-of-roster move: Chris Smith is out, and Detroit Lions practice squad nose tackle Aidan Keanaaina is back in that spot. It does not signal a pending elevation, but it reinforces depth for the interior.

How will Brian Branch change the defense right away?

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch brings energy, physicality, and versatility that offenses must account for every snap. He can play slot corner, heavy safety, over the top, and blitz, and his presence makes receivers think twice crossing the middle.

Via Justin Rogers, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Aleem McNeill described Brian Branch as a "shadow forces" player, echoing Dan Campbell’s team-meeting message about receivers flinching because they know a hit is coming. Detroit Lions linebacker Derek Barnes told Rogers that Brian Branch "sets the tone," starts fast, and makes an early impact play that lifts the whole unit. That intimidation element, alongside the existing front with Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, gives the back seven a needed enforcer. Brian Branch must avoid the personal fouls he has drawn before, but the attitude and disruption he adds are undeniable and immediate.

Will Kerby Joseph play this season, and when?

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he expects safety Kerby Joseph to play this year, saying "I do" when asked directly, but he declined to give a timeline. That keeps the door open without committing to a return date.

Jeff Risdon emphasized caution, noting he needs to see Kirby Joseph on the field before believing in any impact. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff added useful context, saying work against Kerby Joseph in practice sharpened his preparation for the unexpected, which underscores how Joseph’s instincts stress offenses when he is right.

What do the next two games mean for the NFC race?

They are decisive. As Jeff Risdon said, if the Lions win these next two at Ford Field against the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, they will be viewed as favorites across the NFC. National outlets already recognize how strong this Detroit Lions offense is, and Brian Branch’s return strengthens the defense’s tone and flexibility. The local skepticism about the defense is understood, but this healthy reset, plus Brian Branch’s presence and linebacker Jack Campbell’s continued adaptation in the middle, positions the unit to complement the offense. The Detroit Lions Podcast roundtable will tackle these stakes, but the path is straightforward, win the next two and seize NFC positioning.

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The Detroit Lions must start stacking wins out of the bye, beginning with a home win over the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Dan Campbell says the team is ascending, and the path is clear, fix the back-seven coverage, get defensive back Brian Branch on the field, and keep quarterback Jared Goff’s turnover-free heater rolling.

Are the Detroit Lions ready to stack wins out of the bye?

Yes, and Dan Campbell set the tone. He said the team is on the rise and emphasized back-to-back wins as the standard. Campbell put it plainly, “you gotta win back to back games... you start stacking wins,” and that starts with Green Bay at home.

The timing matters. The bye splits the schedule, players reset, and reinforcements return. The opponent magnifies it too, division rival, home field, and a chance to change the win one, lose one pattern. As Michael Grey noted, the locker room confidence depends on stacking wins, not starting and stopping.

What must change on defense, and how big is Brian Branch’s return?

Detroit must tell the truth about its coverage and lean into what worked, then let defensive back Brian Branch impact the entire back seven. Through four games, Detroit used 15.6 percent man coverage, then jumped to 30 percent against the Arizona Cardinals, which tightened the corners and helped linebacker Jack Campbell.

Dan Campbell confirmed they will push Brian Branch immediately, saying they practiced early this week “so we can push some of these guys a little bit,” and getting 32 on the field is “big.” As Michael Grey said, Brian Branch is a force multiplier who changes how offenses attack the middle. Even if Brian Branch ramps up in stages, any snaps raise the ceiling of this defense and settle the zone-man balance.

How must quarterback Jared Goff attack the Packers?

Quarterback Jared Goff has to stay mistake free and start faster. He has 12 touchdowns and no interceptions, and Detroit is tied for first in points per game, but the Lions have just one first-quarter touchdown through the first five weeks, which puts stress on the defense.

Dan Campbell praised Green Bay’s disguises and back-end production, noting if it turns into a pressure game it strains your offense. That spotlights timing and answers from Jared Goff behind right tackle Penei Sewell and with his core of weapons, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta, wide receiver Jameson Williams, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The urgency is non-negotiable, get on schedule early and keep the Packers out of their blitz looks.

Why does this October game matter in a stacked NFC North?

The NFC North is 16-6, and Minnesota is 5-0, so every margin is thin and every division win swings the race. A home win over Green Bay checks multiple boxes at once, division, home, and post-bye momentum, and it breaks the sinusoidal pattern.

As Michael Grey put it, “For the love of Jared Goff, this team is good enough to do it.” The roster, coaching, and quarterback play are in place. Now the Lions must stack wins, fix the back end with Brian Branch, and let Jared Goff close the door on Green Bay.

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The Detroit Lions are good enough to win the NFC right now. Week 6 volatility underscored that the league is wide open, and Detroit advanced in key defensive metrics without playing. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Lions improved three spots in QB passer rating allowed on their bye while maintaining an explosive offense.

Are the Detroit Lions built to win the NFC today?

Yes, the NFC path is open and Detroit has the firepower to take it. The Seattle Seahawks, last season’s champions, are 3-3 after a loss where their offense stalled, and the Los Angeles Rams are in last place after losing to the Arizona Cardinals. Parity is everywhere, which elevates a team with Detroit’s offense and coaching continuity.

Quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, leads an attack that forces opponents to chase points. Around the conference, teams with bigger preseason hype stumbled, while the Lions’ foundation held through the bye. As Jeff Risdon put it, Detroit can win multiple playoff games in this NFL.

What did Week 6 around the NFL reveal about Detroit’s path?

Parity and inconsistency define the field, which benefits Detroit. On Thursday, the Denver Broncos won in Seattle even though quarterback Bo Nix, Denver Broncos, threw 12 passes in the second half that totaled 10 air yards, beating quarterback Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks, because Seattle’s offense faltered. The Houston Texans, now 2-4, beat the Jacksonville Jaguars behind quarterback C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans, being miraculous, per Risdon.

In a 33-30 shootout between contenders in the late window, the Buffalo Bills jumped Detroit for the league’s top scoring offense by about a half point. Both teams in that game fell below the Lions in QB passer rating allowed, and Detroit climbed three spots while idle. The Cowboys now have the worst pass defense in football. The Cardinals and New Orleans Saints both posted strong wins, and the Rams fell to Arizona. This is any given Sunday, every Sunday.

Where must Detroit improve after the bye?

Clean up pass defense, start faster on offense, and juice the return game. Risdon was blunt that the defense is not good enough yet, though it flashed in the Arizona win and in the first half against the Saints before garbage time. Head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions, must sharpen game management, and the special teams return phase needs a spark.

There is real upside on defense. Cornerback Kyler Gordon, Chicago Bears, returned, played 14 snaps, and forced two fumbles, which Risdon used to illustrate impact playmaking. As Jeff Risdon noted, defensive back Brian Branch, Detroit Lions, can be that kind of difference-maker.

What is next, and what is the bar?

Stack wins immediately. Risdon said the Lions have to win the next two games and have to beat the Green Bay Packers. The broader NFL is volatile, but Detroit’s combination of explosive offense and fixable flaws places them among the most stable contenders.

Expect the Lions to tick up in power rankings, which do not decide anything but reflect league volatility. With discipline on defense, cleaner special teams, and sharper early offense, Detroit converts an open NFC race into January home games.

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It's the bye week for the Detroit Lions. That means mailbag time for the Daily DLP! DLP host Jeff Risdon fielded many good questions from the Detroit Lions Podcast Patreon Slack channel as the team rests for the NFL Week 6 on a bye. Many of the questions involved similar themes are were merged together for brevity. Among the questions: --What defensive backs can be realistic trade targets for the Lions to help the defense? --What's going on with Sam LaPorta and the Lions in terms of a new contract? --Was the Arizona game real, legit improvement from the defense or just a case of the Lions taking advantage of a bad team? --Why so many slow starts on offense under Drew Petzing? --Is Jared Goff making Petzing successful, or vice versa --Where is Jeff's spot on Woodward Ave for the Lions' Super Bowl victory parade? And quite a few other Detroit Lions topics, too. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #peneisewell #brianbranch #jackcampbell #samlaporta #dancampbell #aidanhutchinson #buddabaker #juicescruggs #cademays #tyleikwilliams #minnesotavikings #greenbaypackers

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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 Dan Campbell did not sound like Tom Kennedy was coming back at all, while he left the door open for Reed White to return.

Risdon also reminded listeners that this was a late Friday news drop during the bye week, with the team away from Allen Park until Monday when Dan Campbell is scheduled to speak again. Expect clarity then on timelines and corresponding moves.

Who returns punts now that Tom Kennedy is out?

Detroit will choose between practice-squad options Dominic Lovett or Lucky Jackson, or use cornerback Khalil Dorsey, who has NFL return experience. As Jeff Risdon outlined, Lovett or Jackson can be elevated to handle the role, while Dorsey offers an in-house veteran option on game day.

If Khalil Dorsey handles punts, how do the Lions cover defense?

Risdon suggested devoting Khalil Dorsey specifically to special teams and making a separate defensive call-up to backfill snaps on defense. That approach keeps the return operation stable without stressing the cornerback rotation.

How do the Lions replace Reed White at linebacker and on special teams?

Sign practice-squad linebacker Joe Bachie back to the 53. Jeff Risdon called this an easy one, noting Joe Bachie was on the active roster earlier and fits as a core special teams player more than a traditional backup linebacker, which mirrors Reed White’s role.

On Reed White’s injury, Risdon referenced the same injury that Alex Anzalone suffered, saying it was six weeks with a broken forearm a couple years ago. That precedent creates a path for White to return if needed once he heals, depending on roster needs later in the season.

Do the Lions need another offensive lineman after Ben Barch goes to IR?

No, the return of offensive lineman Bates Mays covers that spot without an external signing. According to Jeff Risdon, with Bates Mays coming back after the bye, there is a natural opening to activate him, so Detroit does not have to chase outside help to replace Ben Barch right now.

The timing across all three moves is manageable during the bye. As Risdon added, watching the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos delivered some perspective, and the Detroit Lions offense can outscore either of those teams. Detroit exits the bye with internal answers and a clear plan at punt returner, special teams, and the offensive line.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #benbarch #tomkennedy #reedwhite #batesmays #dominiclovett #luckyjackson #khalildorsey #joebachie #alexanzalone #dancampbell #seattleseahawks #denverbroncos #puntreturner #injuredreserve #practicesquad

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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 how the Lions got to 3-2 at the bye, Whitefield and host Jeff Risdon hit on a variety of topics. Among them: --Jared Goff as a viable MVP candidate --Jack Campbell's slow start --How much can be gleaned from beating a bad Arizona team? --Where can the Lions defense improve? --Adjusted season outlook for the Lions now It's a fast-paced show that hits on a lot of things that Lions fans want to know about. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #aidanhutchinson #jackcampbell #brianbranch #peneisewell #arizonacardinals #carolinapanthers #buffalobills #joshallen #kellenmoore #kelvinsheppard #benjohnson #drewpetzing #tomkennedy

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