Information Sourced From: PFN, FTN, NFL, ESPN (2), SumerSports on X

The Lions face their most difficult test of the 2026 season this Sunday as they host the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in their second divisional matchup of the year. Digging into the stats shows a tale of two inverse teams. In many ways, the Lions and Vikings are the antithesis of one another. One team with a hot offense, and an unclear defense. One team with the best defense, and an unproven and questionable offense. Let’s dig in on what this means for the Lions chances of eeking out a win.

The Lions Offense vs Vikings Defense

Minnesota has the number 2 defense per FTN DVOA, and many other sites have them listed as the number 1 overall. Minnesota currently blitzes the most of any defense in the NFL, with a blitz rate of nearly 69.9% per ESPN. This has worked exceptionally well against the opponents on the beginning of their schedule. However, there is one key that must be considered. Currently Jared Goff leads the NFL against the blitz, per SumerSports. This is going to lead to a chess match between Brian Flores and Jared Goff. Historically, when the Lions have been able to run the ball, Goff has thrived against Flores. However, let’s not forget about the Max Brosmer Christmas game last year. This matchup will truly be close, and could go either way.

I expect Jared Goff to get his yards, but I also expect him to take some punishment. Cade Mays will need to stay strong in the middle, and Blake Miller is going to be up for a fight in keeping things clean for Goff. The name of the game is probably going to be short dink and dunk passes with the hope of YAC. St. Brown, Gibbs, Jamo, and LaPorta should be targeted regularly and often.

The Vikings Offense vs Lions Defense

The Vikings Offense has been uneven, up and down, and has featured multiple starting quarterbacks. It has crazy playmakers like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson. It also has a hobbled Aaron Jones, who had a season low 3.25 YPC in last Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Kyler Murray has been alright, but he is no Jordan Love, and the Lions defense comes off of a game where they at minimum limited Love’s production. However, I have one big concern…

Can the Lions Contain?

Last week, Jordan Love didn’t run a whole lot. He is just as threatening in the pocket as he is with his legs. However, I would argue Kyler Murray is more dangerous right now with his legs than he is with his arm, and I am concerned about that. Should we worry about Justin Jefferson? Absolutely! He is a top 5 WR in the NFL, if not the top. He’s going to get his yards. If I were the Lions I would be looking at bringing 4 regularly, and doing very few sell out blitzes with the personnel they have. I believe if the Lions can limit Jefferson and contain Murray, they can win the game. It simply is a matter of IF they can do it and improve on defense for a third week in a row.

Don’t Forget Hockenson

Be careful not to forget Hockenson. To date, Jack Campbell has been tasked with covering tight ends often. Against Trey McBride, he did fine, and limited McBride heavily. Against Tucker Kraft he allowed every pass, and a passing rating of 146 when targeted. This is bad news. While Hockenson may not be quite what he once was, he still is a capable target. Campbell needs to step up and shut him down, and if he can’t Sheppard needs to try Nowaske or Rolder. Tight Ends simply cannot be allowed to run wild.

Special Teams

The Lions are getting better in Special Teams, and the Vikings have been solid in the last few games. I don’t expect a ton of field goals in this game, rather working to make the most of the return game. For the Lions I expect DeAndre Carter to be a key part of trying to put away a very capable Vikings team.

This game could go a lot of ways. However, if the Lions can stay disciplined and keep pushing to be just a bit better on defense, they do have the ammunition to beat these Vikings. Don’t count these Vikings out. This is by far the most unsure I have been about a game thus far, and I don’t think anyone should think that this will be an easy matchup. To quote Silver & Blues reader Cryxion “The only stat that matters is a W”.

Information Sourced From: Detroit Lions Official Website, Detroit Lions on X, PFN, FTN, NFL, Pro Football Reference, RAS, ESPN / Sam LaPorta

Lions fans, we are back and out of the Bye week!! This week marks arguably the most important game played by the Detroit Lions this season, given it is their first divisional matchup. With it a lot of questions. Let’s take a look at a few key stats below, and try to look at how things could work out for the Lions this Sunday.

Overall and Offense Comparison

Overall, the Lions and Packers match up more evenly than I had expected before I ran the numbers. The Lions average out on top at overall rank 14, where the Packers rank out at 17. Pretty even overall. However, leaving it at an overall rank would do a great disservice. The offenses tell a story.

The Lions are currently putting up (on average) 394 yards a game, where the Packers are putting up 329 yards per game. The big difference here is the running game. The Lions have been able to effectively run the ball in most of their games, and when they can’t run, they lean into short screen passes. It has been quite effective. The Packers have struggled on the ground, which is attributed to a combination of having one of the worst offensive lines in the league, as well as missing Josh Jacobs.

Josh Jacobs will be the big question. What will he look like, and even if he looks good, how will the blocking look on the offensive line? Will Jacobs have the chemistry he normally would have with Love? Will there be rust, or a complete clean return to the starting lineup.

At the end of the day I think it will be somewhere in the middle, and I think that will even out the Lions and Packers offenses fairly evenly. Thus it will come down to the defensive battle.

Defense

The Lions are allowing over 100 more yards per game to opposing teams that the Packers are on average. The Packers have the edge up here, even if their defense hasn’t been stellar. However, the Lions defense is coming off a game where they increased their man coverage from around 15% of plays to 30% of plays, and the difference was palpable. The Lions will need to step it up in this game to achieve their first division victory of the year.

On the Packers defense, the loss of Javon Hargrave may lead to difficulty in defending the run. The Packers (with Hargrave) were allowing 114 rushing yards on average. Without Hargrave, defending the likes of Gibbs and Vaki could prove more difficult. The Packers passing defense will have its hands full with the Lions offense. However, I think the Lions need to be careful not to underestimate the Packers defense.

Prediction: A Shootout

I have no idea how this is going to play out. The Lions can’t afford to come out slow, the Packers need to keep their momentum they are building. At the end of the day, I am still very suspect over the Lions defense, and expect a good exciting shootout. The question in these games is always the same: who makes the least mistakes, as they will often come out on top.

Injury Report: Lions

The Lions continue to hold up well this year on the injury front. Since the move of a few injuries to Injured Reserve, the injury report is quite light. Given that Rock Ya-Sin has been relegated to relief and special teams duties, even if he can’t go it’s not that big of an issue.

Lions Punt Return Job Settled

After a short period of time, the questions at punt returner have been settled following the season ending injury to punt returners / depth receiver Tom Kennedy. The Lions signed veteran punt returner DeAndre Carter to the active roster today. Carter comes with a wealth of experience both on special teams and in game.

In his 8 years in the NFL Carter has gone 117/171 for 1331 yards and 6 touchdowns. Add on 16 rushes for another 99 yards on the ground, showing a little bit of versatility there. He also boasts 155 punt returns for 1508 yards. His veteran presence will help the Lions special teams situation in this regard.

He also boasts a great athletic profile, per RAS:

With elite speed and athleticism Carter should slot in nicely, and who knows. Perhaps adding a fresh set of legs in the punt return game will help supercharge the offense even more.

Sam LaPorta Comments

If you haven’t seen the Sam LaPorta interview over on Pardon my Take of Barstool Sports, or heard of the ensuing media frenzy you may want to check it out. ESPN has coverage linked at the beginning of the article.

In a nutshell, LaPorta made some poorly timed comments about his contract situation with the Lions. My understanding (from various podcasts and reading), is that the Lions and LaPorta have not been able to come to an agreement due to the question of guaranteed money.

I see both sides of the argument in this situation: the Lions want to ensure Sam’s back is sound and not pay too much guaranteed money to a player who has had a bad disc in his back. Conversely Sam LaPorta wants to do what is in his best interest. I just think it was poorly timed and toned. I would still welcome LaPorta on the team, as I think he is a baller. I am just concerned about his commitment to the Lions personally.

That’s all for this evening folks. More to come, and a return to video content shortly (perhaps as early as tomorrow), depending on how I continue to recover from my medical issues. Stay tuned to Silver & Blues, and as always, Let’s go Lions!

Information Sourced From: Ian Rapoport, Woodward Sports, SFData9ERs, Detroit Lions PR, Tom Pelissero, Al Karsten, Detroit Lions on X, Pro Football Reference

Thank you all for your patience as I continue to navigate some tricky health issues. Let me quickly echo (before we get into the Lions), to please pay attention to your health. Your body ages before you know it! Anyways, let’s get into it and review and number of pieces of news that have dropped while the Lions have been taking a well deserved week of rest, recuperation, and retooling.

The Packers are Coming: With Josh Jacobs

Let’s start by talking about the elephant in the room. Given that Josh Jacob’s situation is still in flux, the NFL has decided to lean on the league’s personal conduct policy standard exemption from playing for 6 weeks. This means that when the Lions play the Packers, Jacobs may suit up. Personally, I welcome it from a competition standpoint. The Lions have been shaky on defense, and they need to be challenged. However, this game no doubt would have been an easier task without Jacobs.

The pressing question that comes to my mind is, is he game ready? Is his conditioning to par? Does he have any limitations from injuries sustained during personal training? I never hope for players to get hurt, however these are legitimate questions which should become clear as we head into the upcoming week. Tom Pelissero has reported that Jacobs will play, but the question is, how will he play?

A New Return Man in the House

With the injury to Tom Kennedy, the Lions have added veteran wide receiver / return specialist DeAndre Carter to their practice squad. Per Al Karsten, Carter spent a short amount of time with the Philadelphia Eagles at the same time that Lions Special Teams Coordinator Dave Fipp was with the Eagles. Expect Carter to immediately compete for the return job, as Dan Campbell has stated that he does not want to have Amon-Ra St. Brown returning punts in the long term. Though the job will not be un-contested, nothing is given on the Lions, it is earned.

It is notable to state that per Pro Football Reference Carter has amassed many more receiving yards than Kennedy ever amassed. However, he does have 8 years to Tom Kennedy’s 6 years. But the numbers are much higher (1331 yards for Carter, to Kennedy’s 231). Only time will tell if Carter will win the job, and if he will be able to fill Kennedy’s shoes.

3 Players to IR, Net One Spot

The Lions announced this week that Ben Bartch, Tom Kennedy, and Devin White have been placed on injured reserve. Word around X and other sites is that Kennedy and Bartch are done for the season, with White likely returning in the week 12-13 range. The timing makes sense, with Brian Branch and Cade Mays coming back next week. The question is, what do the Lions do with their final roster spot? They can elevate DeAndre Carter from the practice squad for three weeks, so perhaps another DB joins the group?

Scruggs or Mays?

It would be a disservice not to talk about the return of Cade Mays, while Juice Scruggs is playing some of the best football of his career. The Lions offensive line has looked good. The question is, do you let the contract dictate the player who starts at the critical position of center? Sure, Cade Mays is paid a lot more. However, when you have an offensive line that is gelling like the Lions is, you often don’t want to mess that up.

If I were Dan Campbell, I would hold pat and make Cade Mays one of the most overpaid backup offensive linemen in the league. It will only allow Cade Mays wrist to get stronger and stronger, and seems to me to be the smartest move.

Trade Leverage

Everyone has been biting at the bit for the Lions to trade for someone on the bye week. However, I think this is where leverage is holding Holmes’ hand. You see, everyone knows the Lions need another player in their secondary right now, making prices high. However, the closer we get to the week 8 trade deadline, the more leverage Holmes gains. Teams who are struggling and have players on one year deals will be more inclined to move those players for less. I expect to see Holmes do something before the deadline, the question is what?

Also, given that Joey Porter Jr. has not yet played a game as a Cowboy, and that he did not sign a contract with them, I think we can all agree that the Lions dodged a bullet on that trade.

The Defense is Hurting, but Pressure is Not the Problem

A couple of feel good stats from the wonderful people over at Woodward Sports. Not only do the Lions lead the NFL in sacks currently, but D.J. Wonnum holds the highest pressure-to-sack conversion rate in the NFL at 45.5%. Alim McNeil has returned to, and exceeded previous form. Tyleik Williams is working out very well. Skyler Gill-Thomas is doing his part. The Lions finally have a formidable pass rush.

Look for the Lions to try to heavily pressure a shaky Packers offense. Yes, they did just lay one on the Bears. However, they have had their share of struggles, and I expect we will rush four a lot against the Packers. Given our staffing, it could prove a problem. On top of that if Jacobs returns, this line should be capable of helping to (sometimes) prevent him from getting to the second level of the defense.

… The Defense Also Isn’t Missing Tackles

To build on the good the defense has done, the Lions boast the lowest missed tackle rate in the NFL currently at 3.0%. This shows the discipline that some of the defense is playing with. Personally it gives me a bit of hope that if the secondary can get their stuff together, this defense can really be something. We’re just missing a couple of pieces. I don’t think it is as bad as it looks on paper.

So Can The Secondary Stack Performances?

The Lions secondary took a big step in Arizona. I have heard a number of people state that “oh this is the Cardinals, that’s the reason they did well”. Now I’m sure that has some to do with it. However, the space between a good team and a bad team in the NFL isn’t quite as big of a dearth as you might think. Brissett is a decent QB, and the Lions had his number, as they should have. Look to the Packers game to see if the changes implemented in the Cardinals game can hold up and at least calm things down.

The Glaring TE Problems

You don’t need stats for this one. You simply need eyes. The Lions are struggling to defend tight ends. Now, that did improve in Arizona against a strong TE in Trey McBride. The Packers have a good TE room. It will be important for the Lions to be able to handle the Packers TEs if they are to even sniff a victory in this game. The hope is that Jack Campbell will be able to limit them as he did with Trey McBride.

Give Goff and Gibbs Their Flowers

I found an interesting post this week from Detroit Lions PR stating that the “Lions are the first team in NFL history to produce the following through the first five games of a season. A QB with 1,400 passing yards and 12 passing TDs and a RB with 500 rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs”. I couldn’t shy away from this offense. The reason I am so focused on this defense is that if the Lions can just get a bit more capable on defense, they can be right in the heat of the playoff race with their more than capable offense.

That’s all I have for you folks, look for more returning content this week as I bounce back!

The Lions need a win badly. They have an offense that is hot and will want revenge for their coordinator, and they have a defense hungry to look capable and functional. I am actually coming around on this game, I think this can be the springboard for the Lions to come back (the optimist in me is back). So let’s dig in on 5 things to watch during this game in hopes the Lions can seal a victory and head into the bye week 3-2.

Jalen Mills

Coach Campbell stated that the Lions would be playing Jalen Mills, 10 year veteran safety, more this week. With Branch not returning until the next game at earliest, Mills will need to step up. Keep an eye on Mills and if he is providing a more veteran presence to the defense. Perhaps he can help the Lions not look so confused in the defensive backfield. Watch his coverage versus his tackling: the Lions sorely need a safety who can cover a bit better than Clark or Izien, but need to keep the strong tackling in place.

Jack Campbell

Jack Campell has been playing poorly this year, really poorly. It’s not that he is not trying. It’s not that he got his contract so he is going to give up on the Lions. If you listen to his press conferences, he cares about this team and is harder on himself than we are. Watch Jack Campbell, and hope for a comeback game, more tackles, perhaps a PBU in coverage.

Bishop Fitzgerald

Since the Lions poached Bishop Fitzgerald off of the Steelers practice squad, I have wanted to see him in action. I just understand that he needed time to understand the Lions defense. I am hopeful with the Lions looking for answers they will turn to the rookie Fitzgerald out of USC. He has ball hawk skills this team badly needs right now, even if his tackling leaves a bit to be desired.

Kelvin Sheppard

The Lions defense has been bad in the back 2 levels, the only thing working is the defensive line. This may truly be Kelvin Sheppard coaching for his life. The Lions defense has to step up, or Coach Campbell may decide to fire him at the bye. Alternatively he may be stripped of playcalling duty. We simply have to watch for Kelvin Sheppard to try to pull it all together this week. Out of potential necessity. Some people thrive in these situations, and some fall flat.

Jared Goff / Lions Offense

I have a gut feeling that Jared Goff is going to eat this Cardinals defense alive. The rest of the offense should benefit. Look for all your favorite players to put up yards this week. I mean we always root for them to do so, but I truly feel the Lions offense will be good. The only question about the Lions is the defenses ability to hold Arizona less points than the offense can put up.

At the end of the day, all I have left to say is Let’s Go Lions!!!

We Shouldn’t Be Having This Conversation

This Sunday, the Lions head to face Lions Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing’s old team. By all accounts, the Cardinals are one of (if not the) worst teams in the NFL. So we shouldn’t have to ask this question. However, the Lions defense has not even come close to finding its footing. So let’s dig in on the stats and ask the question: Can the Lions stop the fluttering Cardinals?

By The Stats

The Lions offense is unquestionably better than the Cardinals offense. They are scoring more yards across the board on average, even coming off a down week. The Cardinals are being forced to settle for field goals more. With all the weapons the Lions have, and with Jared Goff playing some of the best football of his life, there should be no question that the Lions will win.

And then we look at the defense. The Cardinals hold the 23rd ranked defense right now, and the Lions average out to 30, but most rankings have them at 32nd. I am pretty sure the Lions would give anything for the 23rd ranked defense right now. However, the Lions defense has the same chance they did last week against the Panthers, and that is to take advantage of a struggling team.

The big difference this week is Jacoby Brissett isn’t anywhere near as mobile as Bryce Young in the pocket. As far as taking it and running it, he has tried to run 15 times this year and only gained 43 yards (that’s 2.9 yards per attempt per PFR). He will be slower and more immobile than Bryce Young and that should allow the one strength of the Lions defense, the defensive line, to feast. Maybe, just maybe the Lions defensive line can feast and can allow the secondary to find some confidence. Maybe they can find their footing: I am not holding my breath but these are the situations where they could bounce back.

Special teams have not changed week over week. Our special teams are still very good.

Let me be clear here, my key stat of the game is stops. If the Lions can stop the Cardinals just five times, I think the game is in the bag. Last week I talked about a curse that held up. This week I just want to see five third down / fourth down stops to get the ball back by the defense and get the ball back to that potent offense. That’s enough to win, and that’s enough to build on.

Let’s Talk About What Has Happened

Okay folks, I could take a bunch of time and break down what happened in the Carolina Panthers game last night. However, we all saw what happened. The Lions defense looked… exactly as it did during the Buffalo Bills game. Incapable. Terrible. Rough. Undermanned. Choose your adjective. I can tell, everyone is frustrated, confused, and asking why? Initially some writers stated that the Lions dearth of talent was the reason for our poor performance. However, that’s not what I am seeing. I could satiate my own thoughts around that initially by saying we just needed a corner. However, there is more going on here…

The Lions Defense Looks Lost

First and foremost the Lions defense looks lost, and without purpose. This falls back on two people, Kelvin Sheppard and Dan Campbell. We all know Dan Campbell has had issues with keeping coordinators, but he did lose both his OC and DC in the same offseason. I can give him a bit of grace here. Not saying I’m happy, but I can say that Dan had reason for his poor hire of John Morton, and then improvement with Drew Petzing. I can also give Dan a bit of grace for year one with Kelvin Sheppard, and seeing games like the “Legion on Whom” game which made it look like Sheppard was legit and would be able to hold up. I think we all had some hope. However…

Unfortunately, It’s Time For Another Change

Last night’s game puts the Lions squarely in last in a lot of defensive categories. I believe it slaps them into the bottom 5 on the ones that aren’t last. Furthermore, last night pulled the GRIT right out of this team. This year we have seen moments of GRIT, where we have stood up and pushed through and succeeded. However, it’s inconsistent. And so I ask you where has the GRIT gone?

I would argue that it is being drained by Kelvin Sheppard and his inability to lead the players we have on defense. Do I think the players we have are perfect and going to give us a top 10 defense? Absolutely not. However, this team CAN make do with lower end players and has done so before. What is out there is unacceptable. Why did the offense lose its steam last night? Wouldn’t you?! You go out there and fight, and the defense is literally the complete inverse of what you are on offense. You are competent, they are incompetent. It all comes back to this defense sucking the life and GRIT out of this team.

I Call For Kacy Rodgers

No defensive coordinator candidate is going to touch this scheme or players mid season, they are going to want their own scheme and players. We aren’t hiring Jim Schwartz mid season, get that out of your head. It’s simply not how things work. However, the Lions defense has had one unit that has been capable, and that’s the defensive line. Thus, I think we need to let Sheppard go at the BYE, and install Kacy Rodgers, defensive line coach. He knows the players, knows the scheme, and has shown capability. Again, this isn’t to try to push us to a great defense. It’s simply to take the one person who is showing a capability and put them in a position of power to hopefully find some GRIT again. They need it. Badly.

Thanks to GrootTheDutch for the help with the idea for this article, and the title.

Information Sourced From: Pro Football Reference, PFN, FTN DVOA

A Work In Progress

As some of you may know, I work in Information Technology, so it was only a matter of time before I spent some time trying to crunch numbers and come up with a good way to show how teams match up against each other with my own flare. I began with raw stats from Pro Football Reference, PFNs Impact Index, and DVOA rankings from FTN. I used a little AI magic with the math and below is a draft chart that appears to have correct data averaged / normalized from multiple sources (Let me know what you think in the comments, and please feel free to challenge the data). I’m hoping to make this weekly breakdown I provide for you.

The Stats

I see nothing overwhelmingly surprising here. We all know the Lions offense has been producing with the best of them. 6th does seem about right, and I think they can run above that if they can cure their first quarter woes. While the Panthers are technically putting up more passing offense, some of the metrics are weighted, so their offense comes out ranked at 14.5 (working on fixing the .5 rankings). Their bookend tackles being on IR won’t help, and the status of Monroe Freeling for Sunday night will be important to ensure their offense performs to the rank.

The Lions being the 30th in defense doesn’t surprise me much at all, and based on what I understand of Carolina, 16th seems reasonable. The Lions do have a chance to take a step up here based on defensive injuries on the Carolina side. If the Lions promote someone like Nick Whiteside and see continued contribution from Ennis Rakestraw their defense could improve. While, with injuries, the Panthers are extremely likely to take a step back.

Special teams are not that surprising. I mean Jack Fox and Jake Bates are doing well, but the return game was a bit lackluster until last week with Jacob Saylors busting onto the scene. Both teams have converted all their field goals this year. While the Panthers are going for field goals more often, that could be considered a good or a bad thing.

Finally, the Panthers are averaging about 17 yards more penalty yards on average. That could be an important number in a game that could easily turn into a shootout.

At the end of the day I actually see this tilting Lions more than I thought, with the Panthers injuries being the difference maker. However one stat… if you can even call it that, has me spooked. The last time the Lions won at the Carolina Panthers was October 24, 1999. They have lost the following at Carolina:

• September 15, 2002: lost 7 - 31

• December 21, 2003: lost 14 - 20

• November 16, 2008: lost 22 - 31

• September 14, 2014: lost 7 - 24

• November 22, 2020: lost 0 - 20

• December 24, 2022: lost 23 - 37

This era of the Lions seems to be one of breaking curses. They have won playoff games. They have set records. They have broken out of being the perennial losers as it stands. Can they break the curse? It’s not a stat… really, or is it? You decide.

Information Sourced From: Pro Football Reference

The Questions are Answered… Somewhat

After the Bills game, the questions abounded for the Lions. Could the offense continue to perform at its current level? Could the defense improve in the face of talent deficiencies and all-pro players sidelined? Well thankfully the answer to all these questions is yes, and perhaps the Lions haven’t hit the top end of their abilities yet. Let’s dig in on performances, and what needs to improve to continue achieving victory.

A Franchise Record: 31 for 3

The Lions set a franchise record Sunday, scoring 31 points in each of their first three games of the season. This will help put to bed the questions around offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. It is apparent already that Petzing is a far better coordinator than John Morton was already, and that his offense compliments the players that he has been given. This doesn’t mean things are perfect, the Lions started with two punts and had another slow start. Look for Petzing to continue to try to get up tempo and score early.

Another positive note on offense this week was the ability to get everyone involved. We saw Gibbs doing Gibbs things, with 20 attempts for 99 yards and a pair of scores. Not to mention, his 7 receptions for 65 yards and another score, sealing the hat trick. Vaki got involved with 26 yards rushing and some quality pass protecting. St Brown, Jamo, TeSlaa, LaPorta, Meeks, allngot a piece of the pie this Sunday. With this much production, defenses are going to be hard pressed with who to cover one on one.

Defense: Work In Progress

The Lions defense continued to be a work in progress, players were moved around and roles were changed. The Lions started strong, causing two punts for the Jets. Christian Izien slid in next to Chuck Clark at safety. Izien disrupted the Jet’s offense on 11 tackles (9 solo) 2 of which were for a loss. Clark racked up 7 tackles, (3 solo), and one tackle for loss, as well as the game sealing forced fumble. Neither were a liability in coverage either.

DJ Reed had a tough day, though, to be fair sometimes he was just covering a touchdown. The Lions will certainly look for Reed to step up over the next few weeks if the defense is to improve. Ennis Rakestraw made the most of his snaps, not allowing a completion on 6 targets, and racking up a pass breakup. Rock Ya-Sin looked to be a liability, which was in stark contrast to the end of last year. Jack Campbell struggled again, and questions are beginning to abound about the decision to give him a contract. Roger McCreary should be mentioned too, even if sometimes his coverage was perfect and the pass was still completed.

I do believe there is more “blood to squeeze from the turnip” on defense. If Reed can step his play up, that will go a long way. Young players like Derrick Moore, Bishop Fitzgerald, and Khalil Dorsey need to continue to step up. Brad Holmes also needs to find more defensive backs. We’ll come back to that.

Special Teams: Enter Saylors

Saylors had his way with his opportunities with 2 kick returns for 81 yards (40.5 per return). It was the spark that the Lions return game has been looking for. Where Tom Kennedy is the old reliable Buick that grandma drives to church, Jacob Saylors is the new, shiny sports car. Look for Saylors to get more opportunities.

Kicking continued to impress, with Jake Bakes hitting a perfect game on four extra point attempts, and one field goal attempt. Jack Fox punted twice for 85 yards.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The Jets’ aren’t the best team in the NFL, but they are no slouch either. The Jets’ came into this week ranked as the number one defense in football, and the Lions offense did their work against them. However the question persists, what do the Lions do to continue to win more decisively?

I hear you now, we don’t have enough talent on defense. I alluded to that earlier in this article. This is where Brad Holmes needs to make his money. Get on the phone about Joey Porter Jr. Call teams that are struggling. Find upgrades. I’m not asking for an all-pro corner. I’m asking for an experienced veteran on the depth chart not named Rock Ya-Sin at cornerback. Someone who can limit players, if not completely nullify them. Just keep pushing Brad. I believe the pieces are there, and this defensive line will help to cover much ineptitude in the secondary.

But, at the end of the day, just keep winning. Do that and the stats and rankings don’t matter. My opinion doesn’t matter. That is what will make the Lions a successful team.

Information Sourced From: Detroit Lions on X, Jalen Mills at PFR, Christian Izien on PFR, RAS, Bishop Fitzgerald on CFR, Detroit Lions Podcast

The Safety Slide

The Lions have been pretty healthy overall, except for one glaring position: Safety. Today, per the Lions official account on X, Thomas Harper was placed on IR with his ankle injury. Add that to Avonte Maddox going to IR earlier, and no Joseph or Branch, and things are rough, to put it bluntly. Thus this leaves the Lions with three players capable of playing safety out of the box. For this Sunday, they are already exercising out of the box thinking, which I’ll get to in a moment, but let’s talk about who will be playing safety this Sunday and what we should expect.

Jalen Mills

Jalen Mills was signed to the Lions practice squad after they brought in a number of DBs for workouts. He was then elevated today to the active roster per the Lions official account on X. Mills comes in his 10th year in the NFL at 32 years old, and spent 3 games with the Lions last year. I wouldn’t expect a ton out of mills. His games as of the last few years have been middling. However, what you can count on is his ability to tackle. His coverage leaves something to be desired, but that doesn’t mean that he will be completely caught off guard on every throw necessarily. He just isn’t what he once was. I would expect him to be a bit further down the depth chart for this game.

Chuck Clark

Thankfully, we are able to count on Chuck Clark to continue in his starting role. Chuck is good in tackling and coverage, and while he may not be quite as speedy as he once was, he has shown he can still play. I would expect a heavy dose of Clark this week, and that should be a good thing, at least for this week.

Christian Izien

Christian Izien is capable of starting in the NFL. He had been playing more nickel for the Lions in camp, but he has played safety primarily before so this should not be too tall a task. I expect that he will start alongside Chuck Clark at Safety, and Roger McCreary will slide into the slot as the starter. Izien has versatility and is younger than the rest of the Safety crew. He should be up to the task, he certainly has the athleticism to play the position effectively, with a RAS of 8.54. His historical numbers show him to be capable in coverage and tackling. He is the right choice to start alongside Clark.

Out of the Box: Keith Abney?

Ok, we’re off the road now. This week I had been working a particularly challenging work week, so I had fallen a bit behind on listening to each of Coach Campbell’s press conferences. A commenter on one of my videos over at Instagram said that Coach was suggesting Abney may play as an emergency Safety option, and it turns out he was right. I actually kind of like this. He is a young kid with athleticism. I’m not saying we should have him anywhere but the bottom of the totem pole, but he has the range to possibly fill in to finish a game if needed.

A New Challenger Has Appeared: Bishop Fitzgerald

Okay, if you know me, or have read my writing for a while, you know I love an underdog. Bishop Fitzgerald was added earlier this week off of the Steeler’s practice squad. While he was undrafted coming out of USC, his tape is fun to watch if nothing else. Jeff Risdon of Detroit Lions Podcast stated that he was touted with “good ball skills, but a soft on the run” coming out of college this year. He was projected to be a fifth round pick but fell. I actually really like his game and think it translates well with the Lions. The question is: Will Brad Holmes pull a rabbit out of his hat and find someone who can contribute on a short week? Only time will tell. (Note: He earned accolades of Consensus All American and First Team All Big Ten last season at USC)

A Move Is In Our Future

A move is certainly in the Lions future. Branch could be back week 7, week 8, if his rehab continues well. Even a 70% Brian Branch will be a big help. Kirby Joseph stated this week that he WILL play in 2026, but who knows what he will have to offer and when. I believe Brad Holmes will make a move before the trade deadline. I don’t know that he will go for a superstar, but someone with starting experience, middle of the road, able to be picked up for perhaps a fourth round pick? I don’t have anyone in mind, I just think that is likely what Brad will be digging for. Brad is up against the wall now, and it’s becoming more likely he will be required to do more than sniping from practice squads.