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The Detroit Lions defense has no identity and got exposed in a 41-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills, falling behind 21-0 before settling in. Detroit surrendered six touchdowns and has allowed 63 first downs in two games, a crisis that demands immediate scheme clarity and personnel adjustments before Week 3. Why did Detroit fall behind 21-0 so fast? Because the defense failed on early downs and the offense opened with consecutive three and outs, handing Buffalo all the momentum. In the first quarter alone, Buffalo posted 11 first downs to Detroit's 1, outgained the Lions 169 yards to 10, and ran 21 plays to 7 with Detroit committing two penalties. Quarterback Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills, extended plays and punished breakdowns, while coverage busts turned routine scrambles into explosive scores. Detroit's pass rush and run fits did not complement each other, leaving the unit chasing the game and forcing quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, to play uphill before the offense found rhythm. Can the Lions fire defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard now? No, an outside change in Week 3 is not realistic, so fixes must come from within. As Jeff Risdon noted, nobody worth hiring takes over a struggling defense midstream with limited practice time and a roster built for the current vision. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, Detroit Lions, installed a multiple approach, but constant toggling between fronts and coverages has produced confusion instead of disguise. The defense needs one thing it can hang its hat on. Pick a core identity, tighten assignments, and empower experienced assistants to add input while Sheppard streamlines calls and roles. How did Jared Goff and the offense actually play? After a brutal start, Jared Goff was excellent and dragged the Lions back into a game that never felt close. Protection issues were central. Offensive tackle Larry Borom, Detroit Lions, struggled in his third tackle role, and offensive tackle Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions, had an uncharacteristically rough night that disrupted both the run game and timing. Edge rusher Greg Rousseau, Buffalo Bills, consistently impacted snaps, and Detroit did not meaningfully exploit the surprise absence of defensive tackle Ed Oliver, Buffalo Bills. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions, sparked with a 16 yard run and helped as a receiver, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions, kept chains moving during the rally. Guard Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions, earned praise for steady play. The offense finished with 31 points, but the early hole and defensive leakage erased any comeback chance. What must change before the New York Jets in Week 3? Establish a clear defensive identity and get off the field. Detroit forced only two punts in Buffalo and gave up six touchdowns, an untenable formula. Linebacker Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions, and linebacker Devin White, Detroit Lions, must clean up run fits, and personnel should be reassessed, including giving cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit Lions, a look if he is healthy. Head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions, needs immediate schematic focus on third down, early down run integrity, and bust elimination. As Jeff Risdon said, this is a game the Lions should be expected to win comfortably. If it requires a last second kick, the ceiling shrinks to middle of the pack. Week 3 is the mandate to reset and prove this team's trajectory. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #peneisewell #jackcampbell #dancampbell #larryborom #tateratledge #kelvinsheppard #ennisrakestrawjr. #joshallen #gregrousseau #edoliver #buffalobills #newyorkjets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Detroit Lions defense is broken, not banged up. Through two games it has allowed 72 points and over 900 yards, with 13 explosive plays of 20+ yards and 18 penalties compounding the damage. The issues are schematic, communication, and usage driven. Coaching adjustments and lineup changes must happen immediately. What exactly failed on defense? Cohesion and coverage integrity collapsed. Receivers attacked the space behind the linebackers and in front of the safeties all night. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell is triggering hard downhill and not gaining enough depth, and the secondary is miscommunicating leverage and help. As Scott Bischoff noted, against the New Orleans Saints the Lions stayed in the same plan too long and were then picked apart. In Buffalo, the same fractures reappeared and magnified. Players looked unsure of assignments and help, which turned routine zone rules into voids for chunk plays. The 41-31 loss was the result. Is Detroit's blitz plan helping or hurting? Hurting. Over-aggression is creating the very openings opponents want. The Saints adjusted by throwing behind pressure. The Buffalo Bills and quarterback Josh Allen ran away from it and attacked the vacated zones. Scott Bischoff explained that blitzing without a clear give-and-take is a losing trade. If you remove a defender from coverage and do not get home, you are gifting defined throws. That is exactly what happened, especially in the second level windows the Bills hit repeatedly. Which personnel and coaching decisions must change now? Play your drafted defensive backs, tighten safety depths, and stop leaning on struggling veterans. Detroit Lions cornerback DJ Reed has not held up, Detroit Lions safety Avonte Maddox is not closing fast enough, and Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Eisen needs more than sporadic snaps. Inactives like Detroit Lions cornerbacks Ennis Rakestraw and Keith Abney, plus practice-squad call-up options like Detroit Lions cornerback Dan Jackson, deserve evaluation snaps. Russell Brown stressed that injuries are not an excuse. Coaching must align rules to personnel, and the DB room needs sharper teaching and communication. Detroit Lions safety Kirby Joseph's absence matters, but it does not explain repeated busts. This is a coaching and usage problem that demands immediate changes. Did the offense do enough, and what about penalties? Yes, the offense battled. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff delivered pinpoint throws to Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs produced. But protection cracked. Detroit Lions tackle Larry Borom and Detroit Lions guard Ben Bartch struggled, Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell had an uneven night, and Buffalo Bills edge rusher Greg Rousseau won key reps. Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford even disrupted routes on the perimeter, including reps on Amon-Ra St. Brown. Discipline remains a killer. The Lions committed 18 penalties through two games. That, plus 6 explosive plays of 20+ yards allowed versus the Saints and 7 more against the Bills, defines why a front that includes Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and an active front seven is not closing games. As Russell Brown said, something has to change defensively right now. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown #jahmyrgibbs #samlaporta #peneisewell #aidanhutchinson #jackcampbell #dancampbell #joshallen #chrisolave #christianbenford #gregrousseau #djreed #buffalobills #neworleanssaints Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can Detroit run on Buffalo's front without Blake Miller and Christian Mahogany? Yes, the run game is there to attack, but losing two starters changes the approach. Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller and Detroit Lions left guard Christian Mahogany being out put more on Detroit Lions tackle Larry Borom and on the scheme. The Bills show 3-4 defensive looks that Detroit has historically attacked with the run. When Buffalo goes nickel and effectively pulls the nose tackle, leaving two lighter ends inside, the middle opens. That is prime to hit with downhill and duo concepts. As Jeff Risdon noted, Larry Borom is better in pass protection than in run blocking, which complicates straight-ahead volume runs. Expect some early cleat checks on the new grass, but weather is not a factor and mid-September in Buffalo is preferable to December. How should Jared Goff attack Buffalo's secondary? Quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, must control tempo and use play action to stress linebackers and safeties. There is space behind the second level and on backside throws. Buffalo's secondary deserves respect, but it is beatable when you manipulate their underneath defenders. That is where Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa can steal targets on in breakers and glance routes, and where the No. 2 tight end can be a real weapon. As Jeff Risdon noted, Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright fits the void-hunting role, especially off heavy looks that sell run and release late. The goal is to marry the run and play action so Jared Goff can attack windows without taking unnecessary risks. What must the defense do to keep this from becoming a track meet? Take the ball away and finish the chances. The mandate is to catch the interceptions and recover the fumbles. Houston forced four fumbles and recovered one against Buffalo, a missed opportunity that Detroit must avoid. Head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions, will hammer assignment discipline and opportunism on the short week. Rookie head coach Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills, is familiar to Detroit's staff from New Orleans days, so there is no mystery in tendencies. These are two of the best offenses and not two of the best defenses, so the game trends toward a shootout unless Detroit converts takeaway chances and tightens red zone spacing. What is the betting outlook and Jeff Risdon's final score prediction? Jeff Risdon picks Buffalo 34-27. He initially wrote 31-27, then moved to a full touchdown margin. The spread shifted from 3.5 to between 5.5 and 6 at DraftKings on Thursday, with late money leaning Bills. New stadium energy and the condensed prep window favor Buffalo, and offensive line attrition raises Detroit's margin for error. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, the Lions can score if they control tempo and hit play action, but the decisive swing is finishing takeaways. Big picture, he still views Detroit as an 11 to 13 win team, making health and cleaner execution the priorities after tonight. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #buffalobills #jaredgoff #dancampbell #blakemiller #christianmahogany #larryborom #isaacteslaa #brockwright #joebrady #highmarkstadium #houstontexans #draftkingsspread #rungame #nickeldefense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Detroit Lions won because their defense suffocated the New Orleans Saints early and Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs delivered 29 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns. The first six Saints possessions produced almost nothing, then Detroit capitalized with takeaways before hanging on through fatigue and late-game turbulence. How did Detroit's defense take control early? Detroit dictated the game with an attacking plan and quick wins. As Jeff Risdon detailed, the Saints' first six drives went 6 plays, 20 yards, punt; 3 plays, 3 yards, punt; 5 plays, 25 yards, punt; 6 plays, 12 yards, punt; 5 plays, 20 yards, interception; 9 plays, 31 yards, punt. That is dominant defense. Lions linebacker Derek Barnes read tendencies for a takeaway, then Detroit turned it into points. Blitzes and creative fronts let Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and the line stress protections while forcing quarterback Tyler Shuck to speed up. The Saints adjusted to quicker throws after halftime, and volume became a factor when the defense logged 90 snaps. Why did the offense stall after a 21-0 lead? Execution and game management slipped. Detroit led 21 nothing off a great script, Barnes' interception and another takeaway, but drives devolved into quick punts and a costly fumble. Wide receiver Jameson Williams had two drops and Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown missed a contested catch he often secures. Clock handling at the end of regulation compounded it. As Jeff Risdon said, “You have to get the Saints to burn their timeouts… You can't throw a pass there.” Quarterback Jared Goff must be protected by play calls that keep the clock moving and possessions in Detroit's control. What does Jahmyr Gibbs' 29-156-2 mean for usage? Jahmyr Gibbs carried the offense, but Detroit needs a steadier RB2 to preserve him. He turned poor blocking into gains and finished with 29 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns, a monster line that cannot be his weekly burden. Sione Vaki struggled on offense and special teams, including missed assignments in protection and on returns. Jeff Risdon expects more from Jacob Sailors to balance touches. Lions right tackle Penei Sewell needs a clean protection picture from backs when Detroit leans into its under-center and heavy looks. Who stood out and what changes come next? Derek Barnes had an interception, a sack, and a decisive final-play read. Lions linebacker Jack Campbell played all 90 snaps, and Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and DJ Reed each logged 89, highlighting the strain outside when the rush does not arrive. Lions tight end Sam LaPorta played a ton despite a back issue and reemerged late. As an extra lineman, tackle Larry Borom-heavy sets produced mixed results. Guard Ben Bartch stepped in after Christian Mahogany's injury and, aside from one tough holding call, held up, while center Juice Scruggs looked tentative at times. The overtime drive returned to varied plays from the same looks, a positive sign. Lions head coach Dan Campbell and the staff must pair that creativity with end-game discipline before a Thursday trip to Buffalo, where Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen punishes slow adjustments. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #neworleanssaints #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #peneisewell #jackcampbell #samlaporta #dancampbell #aidanhutchinson #derekbarnes #rockya-sin #juicescruggs #benbartch #buffalobills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Detroit Lions 2026 Offseason Retrospective The NFL season is finally here, which makes this the right moment to stop looking forward for an hour and look back at how the Detroit Lions got here. The 2026 offseason began with a 9-8 season that felt like a hard reset after two years of NFC North contention. Since then, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have reshaped the roster, changed the offensive leadership, rebuilt key parts of the line of scrimmage, and made several decisions that will define whether Detroit returns to January football. On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon work through the entire offseason, from free agency and the draft to training camp, roster cuts, injuries, and the final tuning of the team that will open the regular season. Free Agency Changed the Shape of the Lions The biggest changes were not cosmetic. Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow were released, David Montgomery was traded to Houston, and Detroit began rebuilding an offensive line that had lost some of the stability that once defined the offense. Penei Sewell moved to left tackle. Detroit used the 17th pick on Clemson tackle Blake Miller, added Cade Mays and Larry Borom in free agency, and acquired Juice Scruggs in the Montgomery trade. The result is a younger line with more athletic upside, but also one of the clearest early-season questions on the roster. The backfield changed just as dramatically. Isiah Pacheco arrived to complement Jahmyr Gibbs, only for injuries to interrupt that plan before Week 1. Gibbs, meanwhile, went from an offseason hold-in to a long-term extension through 2030. What looked like a committee in March now begins the season with Gibbs carrying even more responsibility. Drew Petzing also takes over as offensive coordinator, giving Jared Goff another system to master while Campbell looks to restore the offensive identity that slipped during 2025. The Draft, Defense, and an Offseason Full of Complications Holmes used the draft to attack the trenches. Miller arrived in Round 1, Detroit moved up for Michigan edge Derrick Moore in Round 2, and the class added more defensive depth behind them. That mattered because the defense spent the summer absorbing its own turbulence. The Terrion Arnold situation forced Detroit to rework the cornerback picture. D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin enter the season as the likely outside starters, while the club continues sorting through nickel and depth options. The bigger immediate concern is safety. Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch will begin the season unavailable, forcing Detroit to rely on veteran depth until two of its best defensive players can return. Cade Mays and Pacheco are also sidelined, meaning the roster Holmes assembled in March is already different from the one Campbell will take into September. So How Good Are the 2026 Detroit Lions? That is where the retrospective becomes a confidence check. The stars are still stars. Goff, Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill give Detroit a legitimate championship-level core. The defensive front looks deeper, the rookie class has produced real contributors, and the roster survived cutdown with difficult decisions at multiple positions. The question is whether the rebuilt offensive line and temporary holes on defense can hold together until reinforcements arrive. Join Chris and Jeff for the Detroit Lions 2026 Offseason Retrospective as they grade every phase of the offseason and decide whether this team enters the new NFL season stronger, weaker, or simply different from the one that walked off the field in January. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #DetroitLions2026, #LionsRoster, #NFLOffseason, #BradHolmes, #DanCampbell, #DrewPetzing, #JaredGoff, #JahmyrGibbs, #BlakeMiller, #AidanHutchinson, #NFLNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlions2026 #detroitlionsoffseason #lionsroster #nfloffseason #bradholmes #dancampbell #drewpetzing #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #blakemiller #derrickmoore #detroitlionsfreeagency #detroitlionsdraft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Detroit Lions built their 53 around an attacking defense and flexible offense. They kept waves of defensive linemen to stunt and overload, and they set a short-term interior offensive line and running back plan until injuries clear. Jacob Saylors is RB2 while Isaiah Pacheco is on IR for the first four games. What does the 53-man roster say about the Lions identity on defense? The Lions will attack with multiple fronts and pressure packages. As Scott Bischoff said, Detroit showed overloaded looks and disruptive stunts in the preseason, a clear shift from a static approach. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, headlines a deep edge group with edge rusher Derrick Moore, Detroit Lions, and interior disruptors like defensive tackle Alim McNeill, Detroit Lions, and defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard, Detroit Lions. Safety Chuck Clark, Detroit Lions, benefits from faster pressure, as do safety Avonte Maddox, Detroit Lions, safety Christian Izien, Detroit Lions, and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, Detroit Lions. With linebacker Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions, plus linebackers Derrick Barnes, Detroit Lions, Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit Lions, and Jimmy Rolder, Detroit Lions, Aaron Glenn can roll 4-2-5, five-man fronts, and creative mug looks to speed up quarterbacks. How will the offensive line function until Cade Mays returns? Center Juice Scruggs, Detroit Lions, starts for now, and the group will grow its chemistry week to week. Scott Bischoff emphasized the interior timing changes with different centers and how the run game timing will evolve, then stabilize when Cade Mays returns. The projected five: left tackle Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions, left guard Christian Mahogany, Detroit Lions, center Juice Scruggs, Detroit Lions, right guard Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions, and right tackle Blake Miller, Detroit Lions. Depth includes center Seth McLaughlin, Detroit Lions, and swing tackle Larry Borom, Detroit Lions. Russell Brown noted the staff's confidence in line coach Hank Fraley's cross-training, with Scruggs and McLaughlin keeping protections functional until Mays is back. Who is RB2 and what happens while Isaiah Pacheco is on IR? Running back Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions, is RB2 behind running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions, while running back Isaiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions, is on IR for the first four games. Russell Brown noted Dan Campbell has said he is comfortable with Saylors in that role. Russell Brown also questioned how running back Sione Vaki, Detroit Lions, will be used, since his preseason work skewed to special teams. Scott Bischoff floated a short-term depth addition if needed, especially for fourth-quarter carries in games where Detroit protects leads. How will Detroit balance a light WR room with tight ends? Detroit will flex tight ends to cover WR4/WR5 duties. As Scott Bischoff laid out, tight end Jackson Meeks, Detroit Lions, can split out as a de facto fifth receiver in 12 or 13 personnel, letting tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions, play a full combo role while tight end Brock Wright, Detroit Lions, handles more in-line work. Tight end Tyler Conklin, Detroit Lions, offers additional versatility. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions, and wide receiver Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions, headline a lean WR group with wide receiver Tay Martin, Detroit Lions, rounding it out. The structure fits Detroit Lions Podcast recurring themes: multiple tight ends, motion, pin-and-pull, duo, and varied route families that keep the ball moving without needing six traditional wide receivers. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #peneisewell #jackcampbell #aidanhutchinson #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #juicescruggs #tateratledge #blakemiller #chuckclark #avontemaddox #christianizien Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Detroit Lions will sit their starters against the Indianapolis Colts, and the outcome is irrelevant, this game decides jobs. The QB2 call turns on Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs eliminating turnovers while Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer delivers mistake-free football. Special teams performance will settle multiple roster battles and practice-squad invites. Will starters like Jared Goff and Penei Sewell play? No. Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Lions right tackle Penei Sewell are not expected to play, and the focus shifts to roster-bubble evaluations. Healthy scratches are a positive signal for players on the cusp, while those who dress are being tested for role clarity, depth value, and reliability. Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier is a key evaluation, and he needs snaps. The staff can test him at tackle and guard to see where he holds up best with regulars out. Lions tackle Larry Borom is another usage watch, a workload that will hint at the staff's confidence in his role. Lions guard Tate Ratledge is not expected to play, further underscoring that the priority is health over risk in this preseason finale. Who wins the Detroit Lions QB2 job, Josh Dobbs or Luke Altmyer? Josh Dobbs holds the job if he protects the ball, but Luke Altmyer can take it by avoiding disasters. As Jeff Risdon noted, the issue with Dobbs is not the highs; it is the lows, including the kind of interception he threw against Washington that cannot happen for a backup. If Dobbs plays a clean game and keeps the chains moving, he stabilizes QB2. If Altmyer manages the offense without turnovers while Dobbs repeats the same mistakes, Altmyer creates a real path onto the 53. The staff does not care about the score in this game, they care about decision-making and risk management from the backup spot. Which roster battles will special teams decide today? Several. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has used special teams as the tiebreaker in position battles. Look for blocking quality on punt and kick returns, lane integrity on coverage, and who draws or avoids penalties. Lions wide receiver Tay Martin and Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks have helped themselves with their special teams work. Lions slot receiver Dominic Lovett has been inconsistent in the phase, and Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy has been fine but outplayed by others on units. Lions wide receiver Lucky Jackson has also flashed. In the return-block core, Lions defensive lineman Anthony Lucas and Lions edge defender Eric O'Neill have stacked good reps in the middle of the kick-return unit. These reps impact not only the final 53 but also the 16 practice-squad spots. Could Detroit add a quarterback after waivers? Yes. If a cleaner decision-maker than Dobbs shakes free, the Lions will consider it. As Jeff Risdon reminded, Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell once said quarterback Sam Howell has Pro Bowl potential, so a name like that, if waived, would merit a look. Any coaching wrinkles to watch? Expect a health-first approach, but there could be fun situational tests, including a long try for Lions kicker Jake Bates, even from 59 or 69 yards, and the occasional pressure call. The goal is evaluation, not a scoreboard win. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #peneisewell #joshdobbs #lukealtmyer #dancampbell #jakebates #milesfrazier #larryborom #tateratledge #dominiclovett #tomkennedy #taymartin #jacksonmeeks #anthonylucas #indianapoliscolts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Detroit Lions will use the Washington Commanders preseason home game to sort interior offensive line depth, clarify wide receiver three, and test nickel rotations while select starters play, as Dan Campbell stated. The order of substitutions will tell the story. Coaches want second-game data points on risers and rebound candidates. Which starters will play and why does it matter? Some Detroit Lions starters will play, not all, and the substitution order will reveal priority roles more than the score. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast, if quarterback Jared Goff sits there is no point in exposing wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown or offensive tackle Penei Sewell, while tight end Sam LaPorta needs only a brief series because his back issue can recur. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is part of that protect-your-core logic. Expect the focus to be on who plays with whom and when, not how long the first group stays out there. What are the key Detroit Lions offensive line battles? Interior depth is unsettled and this game will shape the center and guard pecking order. Guard Ben Bartch, center Seth McLaughlin, and guard Tate Ratledge are central to the mix, and the staff will test combinations and timing to see who sticks. Offensive lineman Miller Frazier must rebound after penalties and uneven snaps while bouncing from right guard to left tackle in Cincinnati. Offensive tackle Blake Miller needs to shore up his inside shoulder in pass protection, and offensive tackle Larry Borom should post a clean slate to solidify the swing role. The sequence of reps across center and guard will be the clearest depth-chart signal. Who owns WR3 and the last wide receiver spots? Greg Dortch has outperformed Isaac TeSlaa this summer, making Washington a swing game for wide receiver three. A sure-handed, physical outing from Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa can calm concerns, but more drops or tips would strengthen Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch for WR3. Tay Martin is the front-runner for WR5. Depth pressure comes from Lions wide receivers Lucky Jackson, Cedrick Wilson, Malik Cunningham, Tom Kennedy, and Dominic Lovett. The staff can keep only so many, so special teams value and mistake-free play will separate the final few. What should we watch on defense and special teams? Nickel snaps remain open, with Lions defensive back Thomas Harper factoring as a nickel-safety hybrid and situational usage in play. With starters scheduled to see the field, Jeff Risdon expects a brief look at Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill before the rotation turns to depth pieces. Practice has shown Lions defensive tackles McKade Wingo and Skipper Gill-Howard repping ahead of Lions defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, and the second preseason game can validate that order. Undrafted pushes continue with Lions edge rusher Eric O'Neill and Lions linebacker Erick Hunter stacking good tape. On offense, Lions running back Sione Vaki is a special teams lock, but this is a chance to validate the runner piece against live tackling alongside Lions running backs Jacob Saylors and Jabari Small. Bottom line, performances matter far more than the score, and no injuries is the priority. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionspreseason #washingtoncommanders #kelvinsheppard #erico'neilljaredgoff #samlaporta #amon-rast.brown #benbartch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dan Campbell said most Detroit Lions starters will play Saturday against the Washington Commanders. The staff wants live defensive reps after the Bengals preseason opener highlighted interior issues and clarified several depth battles. As host Jeff Risdon noted, not every headliner will dress, but the standard is set for a sharper outing. Will Detroit Lions starters play against Washington? Yes. Head coach Dan Campbell said most starters will play. The goal is targeted work, not a long run-up. Who stood out and who struggled on defense vs the Bengals? Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, Detroit Lions, and undrafted rookie linebacker Erick Hunter, Detroit Lions, topped the defensive sheet, while the interior defensive line lagged. Defensive tackle Ben Stille, Detroit Lions, graded best among the interior but played only in the final two defensive series, underscoring why more starter reps are planned. Michael Grey said the grades matched his notes on most fronts, but there was a clear disconnect on defensive lineman Chris Smith, Detroit Lions. The film and the grading service had Smith down, yet Dan Campbell specifically praised him for dirty-work execution, and the coach's view is what drives roles. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit Lions, finished near the bottom against the Bengals, then responded with a strong Monday practice, which is exactly the rebound the staff wants to see. Which Lions boosted or hurt their stock on offense? Running back Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions, and wide receiver Cedric Wilson, Detroit Lions, helped themselves. Jacob Saylors created yardage behind uneven blocking and finished as the team's leading receiver, and Cedrick Wilson ripped a clean deep crossing catch. Undrafted rookie guard Melvin Priestley, Detroit Lions, played left guard in the second half and impressed with power. Offensive tackle Blake Miller, Detroit Lions, posted a 66.6, a solid baseline outing with teachable reps. Center Seth McLaughlin, Detroit Lions, checked in at 62.0; one sack was charged to the play where offensive tackle Larry Borom, Detroit Lions, had the losing pass-pro rep. Guard Chris Mahogany, Detroit Lions, flashed an 85.2 pass-block grade against a 56.7 run-block grade, with two penalties dragging down his total. On the other end, wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, Detroit Lions, and linemen Michael Niese, Detroit Lions, and Miles Frazier, Detroit Lions, hurt their cases. Frazier drew three penalties, and penalties crushed grades across the board. What roster battles are Detroit sorting right now? Depth, not the starting 22. Detroit is sorting the fourth and fifth defensive tackle spots, wide receiver five and six, and running back three and four. The staff values cross-team grade stacking over raw numbers, and Saturday's targeted starter snaps are designed to sharpen the defensive front while giving bubble players another clean evaluation window for the Detroit Lions Podcast crew to track. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #dancampbell #washingtoncommanders #bengalspreseasonopener #livedefensivereps #interiordefensiveline #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #peneisewell #amenogbongbemiga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Detroit Lions defense owned Day 2 of training camp. The offense intentionally worked short-game installs, which muted explosive plays, and Dan Campbell placed Detroit Lions offensive tackle Giovanni Manu on NFI with a previously undisclosed summer injury that will sideline him for a period of time. Why did the defense win Day 2? The defense executed, communicated and finished. Detroit Lions linebacker Derek Barnes baited and intercepted quarterback Jared Goff by bluffing a blitz then dropping into the passing lane. Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum repeatedly disrupted plays, including blowing up a run and compressing the pocket even through contact. Detroit Lions defensive back Nick Whiteside stacked another strong day with a sharp pass breakup, which is how camp risers separate. As Jeff Risdon noted, the environment was quiet without fans, which made communication from leaders pop. Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark directed traffic pre-snap and handled single-high responsibilities when Detroit worked base nickel. The overall theme was keep the ball in front, rally and end drives. How did the quarterbacks look in the short-game install? Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff was efficient within the plan, hitting timing throws and moving the ball underneath. Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had an underwhelming day overall, including a hospital ball, but he also ripped a veteran hole shot to Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch between zone layers. Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer looked like a clean operator for the quick game, a baseline fit to run the Goff-style offense at a rudimentary level. The team period emphasized dink-and-dunk by design, not a lack of ambition. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, context matters in camp, because the offense was installing specific concepts rather than chasing chunk gains. What did Dan Campbell say about Giovanni Manu and early-camp sloppiness? Dan Campbell said Giovanni Manu is on NFI after disclosing a prior summer injury post-practice, and he will be out for a period of time. Campbell even floated twelve or fourteen weeks as placeholders, then stressed he did not know the exact timeline. Risdon read Campbell's tone as notably negative, and he added that you would struggle to find anyone in the media room who expects to see Manu in a Detroit uniform again. Campbell's on-field priorities remained clear, run the ball, stop the run and master situational football at the end of halves and games. With new voices, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, passing game coordinator Mike Kafka and tight ends coach Steve Hatten, early misalignments happened, including a re-huddle on the second team-play, which is acceptable on Day 2 without pads. Who flashed and what were the standout moments? Detroit Lions wide receiver Cedric Wilson delivered the play of the day, a one-handed snag over Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey with perfect timing and toe-tap control. Wonnum's surge included beating Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom when Borom checked in as an extra tackle, and walking back Detroit Lions offensive tackle Devin Cochran on a rush rep. Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller had a mixed day against top competition, which is part of the growth curve. On special teams, Dortch took the first return rep and looked decisive, while Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa also rotated in. Detroit Lions defensive end Peyton Turner did not practice with a minor back issue. Barnes stood out in drills and at the podium, a composed, articulate presence after practice. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #teddybridgewater #lukealtmyer #giovannimanu #djwonnum #derekbarnes #khalildorsey #cedricwilson #gregdortch #chuckclark #peytonturner #amon-rast.brown #blakemiller #larryborom #mikekafka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Detroit Lions Prepping For Camp The quietest part of the NFL calendar rarely stays quiet for long. With training camp roughly 10 days away, the Detroit Lions have entered the final stretch before the real evaluations begin. The roster is largely set, the offseason program is complete, and every conversation now shifts toward one question: what are we about to learn once the pads come on? On this week's Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon look ahead to one of the most important training camps of the Dan Campbell era. From position battles to injury updates, from replacing Terrion Arnold to evaluating the running back room, there is no shortage of storylines despite the lack of football on the field. The Camp Battles That Will Shape the 2026 Season Training camp is where optimism meets reality, and the Lions have several competitions that will define the opening 53-man roster. The first battle begins at right tackle. Rookie first-round pick Blake Miller and veteran Larry Borom split first-team reps throughout OTAs and minicamp, making this one of the premier competitions to watch when camp opens. The secondary remains another major storyline following the departure of Terrion Arnold. Detroit must identify who will emerge opposite D.J. Reed, with Rock Ya-Sin and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. expected to receive every opportunity to claim the job. Replacing Arnold is not simply about finding another starter. It is about rebuilding depth in a room that suddenly looks much different than it did just a few months ago. Running back is another fascinating discussion. Jahmyr Gibbs is unquestionably the featured back, but is Isiah Pacheco enough as RB2? His experience, physical running style, and pass protection bring value, but Sione Vaki continues to develop, making this a storyline worth following throughout camp. Is Kerby Joseph Ready and How Confident Should We Be? Perhaps no player carries more intrigue entering camp than Kerby Joseph. The All-Pro safety remains one of Detroit's most important defensive players, but his recovery from a knee injury leaves legitimate questions. Training camp should finally provide answers about both his availability and effectiveness. His availability could shape the entire defense. Fortunately, Brad Holmes added veteran depth at safety, giving Detroit more flexibility than it had a year ago, but everyone understands this defense is better when Joseph is healthy. That naturally leads to the biggest discussion of the episode. How confident should Lions fans be? The roster still has one of the NFL's strongest offensive cores. Jared Goff is surrounded by elite skill talent, the offensive line remains among the league's best, and the coaching staff has built a culture capable of competing with anyone. The questions largely reside on defense, where health, youth, and replacing Terrion Arnold all become part of the equation. Training camp is where those answers begin to emerge. Join Chris and Jeff Risdon on the Detroit Lions Podcast as they prepare you for everything to watch over the coming weeks. From the biggest roster battles to Kerby Joseph's health, from replacing Terrion Arnold to evaluating Isiah Pacheco's role, this is your complete guide to the storylines that will define Detroit's 2026 training camp. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #TrainingCamp, #KerbyJoseph, #TerrionArnold, #BradHolmes, #DanCampbell, #JaredGoff, #NFLTrainingCamp, #LionsRoster, #DetroitVsEverybody, #IsiahPacheco, #NFLNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionstrainingcamp #detroitlionsnews #bradholmes #dancampbell #jaredgoff #kerbyjoseph #terrionarnoldupdate #terrionarnoldwaived #isiahpacheco #detroitlionsroster #detroitlionssecondary #lionsrosterconcerns #nfltrainingcamp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Penei Sewell is an elite NFL offensive tackle, not the 10th-best, as ESPN pundit Mike Clay ranked him. He finished third in pass protection efficiency at 98.2 with only two sacks, six hits, 11 hurries, and 19 total pressures allowed, plus a 95.1 overall and 96.7 run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. Is ESPN underrating Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell? Yes. Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell ranks among the NFL's best, not 10th. As Jeff Risdon noted, Pro Football Focus graded Sewell at 95.1 overall with a 96.7 run blocking grade, and he allowed just two sacks, six quarterback hits, 11 hurries, and 19 total pressures in 2025. Those results track with a 98.2 pass protection efficiency, which placed him third among qualifying tackles. ESPN's ranking leans on a proprietary pass block win rate and on the note that Sewell is moving sides. Risdon acknowledged that switching from right tackle to left tackle is a fair consideration, but he emphasized Sewell has played left tackle in the NFL and handled it well. Every visible performance marker says he belongs at the top tier. Does pass block win rate measure what matters in protection? No. What matters is not losing, and Sewell rarely loses. As Jeff Risdon said, the ESPN metric is subjective and measures “wins,” while pass protection success is about preventing losses. Sewell's 98.2 efficiency shows he prevents losses as well as almost anyone, backed by only 19 total pressures conceded across a 50 percent of 1,294 snaps qualifier pool. Context also matters. Protection can change based on a tight end's alignment, the guard inside, or compensating for interior issues. Risdon pointed out that Detroit often had to shade inside last year because the center struggled, and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is not mobile under quick pressure. That reality affects how any tackle is scored snap to snap. How should fans view the Detroit Lions offensive line at 19th? As conservative. The unit projects better than 19th even with moving parts. Risdon accepted ESPN's 19th as a defensible output for a formula, noting the Lions have starters at three new positions, but he stated Detroit will outperform that slot. Continuity takes time, but the cornerstone is overwhelming. Sewell's dominance stabilizes the front, and Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley can lean on elite edge play while integrating the new starters. That foundation raises the floor and the ceiling for the group. What do the comps say about other top NFL tackles? They reinforce Sewell's standing. In pass protection efficiency, Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garrett Bolles ranked first and New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas second, with Sewell third at 98.2. Pro Football Focus also showed Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs at 92.7 overall, while Sewell's pass protection grade of 80.3 matched San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams and topped San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Colton McKivitz. Risdon added that Sewell's pressure totals were equivalent with Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright, and he flagged Detroit Lions offensive tackle Larry Borom appearing in the top 10 for pass rush efficiency as an encouraging pickup. The eye test and the data converge on the same conclusion: Sewell is elite, and Detroit's line trends up from a formulaic 19th. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #peneisewell #espntackleranking #profootballfocus #darnellwright #pff #olrankings #lionsoffensiveline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Colby Sorsdal makes the Detroit Lions 53-man roster as a reserve guard in Jeff Risdon's current projection. His roster case centers on a cleaner guard fit, size and strength, and a depth chart that now places other tackles ahead of him. Spring reps and versatility keep him in the fight. Is Colby Sorsdal on track to make the 53-man roster? Yes, Jeff Risdon currently has Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal on the final 53, in pencil, as a reserve interior option. As Jeff Risdon noted, Sorsdal drew meaningful spring reps and remains in the core group competing for backup jobs. Risdon emphasized that Sorsdal missed last season after a preseason injury against Atlanta led to an injured reserve stint. The perception that he was gone lingered because of the waiver process, but he reverted and remained with Detroit. With renewed health and visible work in the spring, he reenters a crowded battle for reserve offensive line roles. What role best fits Colby Sorsdal in Detroit? Guard, not tackle. Sorsdal's body type, power and grip strength translate inside, and the tackle depth ahead of him reduces the need to keep him outside. As a rookie in 2023, Sorsdal played 94 snaps at left guard out of 253 total regular season snaps, the only regular season action of his career to date. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell's staff has seen him at both guard spots, and his pass-protection challenges on the edge, specifically against quick inside counters that tested his foot reset and weight transfer, point to a cleaner projection at guard. The ask now is to channel his upper-body strength, anchor and hand usage in tighter spaces while sharpening the footwork that stalled him at right tackle. How crowded is the Lions' reserve offensive line competition? Very crowded, and it shapes Sorsdal's lane. Detroit Lions tackle Larry Borom upgrades the OT3 spot, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Blake Miller was drafted to play early, and Detroit Lions tackle Devin Cochran brings length. That stack narrows Sorsdal's tackle path and pushes him to guard. Inside, Detroit Lions interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs is part of the mix, Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier is being sorted among positions, and Detroit Lions center Seth McLaughlin is competing for depth. At left guard, Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany is the presumptive winner per Risdon, with Juice Scruggs his top challenger. Within that framework, Sorsdal's clearest route is becoming the best reserve right guard who can also cover emergency snaps elsewhere. What did Dan Campbell say about Sorsdal's opportunity? Dan Campbell underscored open competition and Sorsdal's chance to earn it. Campbell said the staff's eyes are open every year, Sorsdal is coming back from injury and doing a good job, and pads will tell more. He added that players get overlooked, then gain confidence, make plays and earn roles, and that Sorsdal has an opportunity. That aligns with Risdon's view: if the Detroit Lions keep him focused at one spot and he stacks solid padded practices and preseason tape, Sorsdal validates a reserve guard role on the 53. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #colbysorsdal #larryborom #juicescruggs #blakemiller #milesfrazier #devincochran #sethmclaughlin #christianmahogany #dancampbell #jeffrisdon #detroitlionsoffensiveline #rightguardcompetition #trainingcamp #preseasongamevsatlanta #53-manroster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Roster reality for a third-year project The Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on Giovanni Manu and a blunt truth. Year three is now or never. A third-round investment to move up for a fourth-round pick will not protect a spot. Brad Holmes said it would be irresponsible to assume a past developmental pick will be the guy. He also said there is no conviction Manu is ready to be a major contributor. The message is clear. Earn it. A fresh 53-man projection left Manu off. The competition is real at tackle and inside. Larry Borom is a bar to clear. So is Colby Sorsdal. Devin Cochran brings size and college polish. There is a very real chance Manu is tackle five by the end of the first preseason game. Special teams jobs are settled elsewhere. There is no easy back door. Technique, fit, and the guard conversation The tape tells why. Manu plays too tall. His back is upright. His arms are late and not fully extended. He loses leverage and trust in his strike. Long arms become a liability when the first punch is late. Those issues have shown in camp reps and preseason snaps against NFL speed. Detroit's offense leans on timing and rhythm. Jared Goff needs clear lanes over the middle. Tall interior linemen can clog those sight lines. That makes a move to guard complicated for a 6-foot-8 blocker. Dan Campbell opened the guard talk late in minicamp, but no pads means no verdict. The staff can measure balance, assignment, and second-level pickups in shorts. Real answers arrive in pads. Path forward, or exit plan There is still a plan. Manu has worked with LaCharles Bentley and the OLP crew to speed up his get-off and strike. Hank Fraley and Detroit's development group have invested time. The hope is to turn rare tools into usable reps. The leash, though, is getting short. Training camp intensity and scrutiny will rise. If it stalls, options exist. A conditional seventh could be in play for a team thin behind good starters. San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Cleveland fit the profile mentioned. A niche role as an extra tight end or on field-goal block is possible, but others have shown more with the ball and in space this spring. The physical traits still grab you. Planet theory always does. Now the football has to match. The Detroit Lions need proof, not potential, when camp opens and the NFL speed returns. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #giovannimanu #bradholmes #detroitlionstrainingcamp #53-manrosterprojection #offensivetackledepth #guardexperiment #leverageandpadlevel #longarmsstriketiming #larryborom #colbysorsdal #devincochran #danskipper #hankfraley #lacharlesbentleyolp #tradeforconditionalseventh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Defense jumps routes and takes the ball The Detroit Lions defense seized Day 1 in Allen Park. The first seven-on-seven snap set the tone. Jared Goff tried a short out to Amon-Ra St. Brown. DJ Reed broke it up and put it on the turf. The coverage locked in from there. Reader stayed hip-to-hip on a vertical the next rep and later picked off Teddy Bridgewater by beating the throw to the sideline. Chuck Clark, playing deep middle with Kirby out and Branch sidelined, tracked an overthrown ball from Goff and intercepted it. Undrafted rookie Amaris Brown undercut Luke Altmaier on a Texas route to Jabari Small and ripped the ball away, then sprinted the other direction. Khalil Dorsey and Loren Strickland each dropped would-be interceptions. Trevor Nowaski erased a Bridgewater throw with a full-extension pass breakup. Clark said the defensive backs met to study recent practice film and route concepts. He credited DJ Reed for organizing it. The emphasis was clear: take the ball and do something with it after the catch. Offense snapshots: Jamo, Gibbs, and Meeks at tight end Jameson Williams had a teachable sequence. He dropped a low throw on the move, asked for the same ball, then snatched it out front in stride on the next rep. St. Brown had a mixed day against tight coverage. Greg Corrao flashed rare stop-start quickness and clean hands. His instant change of direction stood out. Jackson Meeks lined up only at tight end and took the No. 2 reps with Sam LaPorta not participating and Tyler Conklin not seen in uniform. Meeks is lighter than Isaac Teslaw but tracked the ball well and finished. Position drills forced receivers to find the ball over the shoulder; Corrao and Meeks handled it smoothly. Jameer Gibbs reminded everyone about NFL speed. He caught a swing, planted, and outran the angle. The burst was startling up close. Fights, fixes, and the trenches A dust-up broke out between Anthony Lucas and Davis Cochran. Ennis Rakestraw stepped in as peacemaker. They went at it again on the next rep before assistant coach Dan Skipper ended it quickly. Earlier, OL coach Hank Fraley joked that Skipper has to remember he can't fight anymore. The sideline timing was perfect. Second-team offensive line notes: Larry Borom at left tackle, Juice Scruggs at left guard, and Seth McLaughlin at center. Tate Ratledge volunteered snaps during a running back drill and looked natural in a pinch. Lacy saw first-team defensive end work opposite Aidan Hutchinson ahead of Martin Turner. Quarterbacks and the red zone hoop Goff, Bridgewater, and Altmaier struggled early on a red zone hoop drill meant to simulate high-point fades. All three missed their first two tries. QB coach Mark Brunell stepped in, demonstrated, and reset the group. Goff then drilled two. Bridgewater hit one of two. Altmaier rattled the rim twice but showed quick correction. Roger McCreery had a rough day carrying crossers and drags. Joe Bachie spiked an Altmaier checkdown with a smart read and well-timed jump. Day 1 of minicamp belonged to the Detroit Lions defensive backs. Day 2 awaits. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionsminicamp #gregdortch #djreed #trevornowaske #chuckclark #jamesonwilliams #jahmyrgibbs #jaredgoff #markbrunell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Final Lions OTAs The final OTA session gave the Detroit Lions a clean snapshot of several live competitions and status updates on some Lions players. One player we're asked about a lot is Giovanni Manu. Dan Campbell confirmed the club is experimenting with Manu at both guard and tackle. The staff needs answers. It is year three, and last season's injury cost Manu valuable reps when Taylor Decker's limited work had opened a window. He is still taking tackle snaps, but guard work is on the table to find his best fit. Miles Frazier stands as direct competition. Frazier arrives more polished technically and with deeper football mileage. On the right edge of the offensive line, Larry Borom took first-team right tackle reps. The Lions drafted Blake Miller in the first round to be the long-term starter, but nothing is being handed out. That is by design. With no pads, trench play is hard to grade, yet stacking reps matters. Borom's NFL experience forces Miller to earn the job and sharpen faster. That is good for the room and for the Detroit Lions. Defensive front: length, rookies, and zero-tech snaps Kelvin Sheppard highlighted a visible shift on the edge. Length. Tall, long bodies across individual periods, blended with shorter power rushers. Undrafted rookie Anthony Lucas drew a mention after wrecking an LSU game in college. Expectations remain high for Derrick Moore, but a former first-round pick is also pushing for those snaps. Nothing is gifted. Tyleik Williams spoke with clarity about the NFL step up. Players are better. Schemes are better. He reshaped his weight and said he will take some zero-technique work. That is a major offseason question with nose tackle duties open after departures. He carried a confident tone and even finished practice wearing a full-length black hoodie in the heat. The Lions will see how it looks when the pads go on. Branch timeline, secondary depth, and DJ Reed's reset Brian Branch was present but not working, and Campbell effectively stretched the public timeline into December. There is no indication he is ahead or behind. It was simply good to see him out there. Meanwhile, Detroit added insulation in the secondary. Ennis Rakestraw added bulk. Roger McCreery arrived as a new nickel option. Thomas Harper is another timely add with ongoing questions about Kirby Joseph. Chuck Clark is in the mix as a physical safety whose game will show more when contact returns. DJ Reed discussed going to Panama for stem cell treatment on a hamstring. Early last season he played well before the injury. On return he struggled, and in OTAs he reportedly got beat again. He is a press corner. Without press in OTAs, that look can be misleading. The flip side is encouraging for the receivers, who are separating downfield. One more snapshot from Allen Park: the offensive line's chemistry. Penei Sewell, Tate Ratledge, Cade Mays, and Christian Mahogany walked out together, laughing. Turkey hunts, group strides, and a tight room. The NFL season is a grind. The Detroit Lions are building for it. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionsotas #giovannimanu #milesfrazier #larryborom #blakemiller #derrickmoore #anthonylucas #tyleikwilliams #zerotechnique #brianbranch #ennisrakestraw #rogermccreery #chuckclark #thomasharper #kirbyjoseph #righttacklereps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brad Holmes said Larry Borom and D.J. Wonnum could start for the team if needed
NFC North Roundtable: Draft in 15 Days, Dexter Lawrence Trade Buzz, and the NFL's Push for 18 Games — Hosts from Fans First Sports Network's NFC North roundtable show “Who Will Be King” preview the NFL Draft (15 days away) and share plans for multi-day livestream coverage, with discussion of the Vikings' draft preparation under interim GM/cap guru Rob Brzezinski. They debate trade rumors around Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (“Sexy Dexy”), including reported Bears interest, potential draft compensation (first-round pick discussed), and a $27–35M per year extension, while noting cap implications for each NFC North team and Lawrence's interior pressure impact. The Lions' possible link to Joey Bosa and offensive line depth with Larry Borom are also covered. The show shifts to broader NFL topics: a proposed 18-game season targeted for 2027, a likely second bye, Super Bowl timing, more international games, and union/CBA negotiations over pay and benefits. They also touch on the Bears' ongoing stadium saga before closing with network plugs. 00:00 NFC North Anthem Intro 01:44 Wrong Show Cold Open 02:24 Draft Countdown Plans 03:52 Packers Jabs And Smoke Season 04:50 Vikings Draft Without GM 06:27 Lions Linked To Joey Bosa 08:03 Dexter Lawrence Trade Rumors 14:34 Division Fits And Cap Math 22:04 Would You Trade A First 28:00 Break And Bears Stadium Saga 31:15 Stadium Plan Stalls 33:14 Soldier Field Logistics 34:19 Politics And The Bears 36:34 18 Game Season Talk 37:57 International Games Expansion 40:24 Europe Team And Travel 40:47 Supersonic Flight Idea 43:19 Product Dilution Concerns 44:54 CBA Money And Benefits 49:41 Bad Football Tradeoff 51:34 NFL Grabs More Calendar 52:45 Show Plugs And Signoff FAN WITH US!!! Follow us on Twitter ✖️ for more updates… Pay @TheRealPayday, host of Frustrated Chicago Sports Fan Channel, June @asgjune & M Foster @Mbrfosterchild, hosts of the Bleachers To Speakers [Lions] podcast, and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare, from @Vikings1stSKOL. This has been a joint podcast production partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN. ⭐️ Subscribe to us here! - Vikings 1st & SKOL, https://www.youtube.com/@vikings1stskol92 ⭐️ and here - Bleachers to Speakers, https://www.youtube.com/@BleachersToSpeakers-yq8tm ⭐️ and here - Frustrated Chicago Sports Fan, https://www.youtube.com/@FrustratedChicago ⭐️ V1&S on X can be found at @Vikings1stSKOL ⭐️ V1&S Discord at https://discord.com/invite/493z6mQXcN ⭐️ At Fans First Sports Network - https://www.ffsn.app/teams/minnesota-vikings/ ⭐️ Catch it here: https://youtu.be/-8AhF23Q21c Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
NFC North Roundtable: Draft in 15 Days, Dexter Lawrence Trade Buzz, and the NFL's Push for 18 Games — Hosts from Fans First Sports Network's NFC North roundtable show “Who Will Be King” preview the NFL Draft (15 days away) and share plans for multi-day livestream coverage, with discussion of the Vikings' draft preparation under interim GM/cap guru Rob Brzezinski. They debate trade rumors around Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (“Sexy Dexy”), including reported Bears interest, potential draft compensation (first-round pick discussed), and a $27–35M per year extension, while noting cap implications for each NFC North team and Lawrence's interior pressure impact. The Lions' possible link to Joey Bosa and offensive line depth with Larry Borom are also covered. The show shifts to broader NFL topics: a proposed 18-game season targeted for 2027, a likely second bye, Super Bowl timing, more international games, and union/CBA negotiations over pay and benefits. They also touch on the Bears' ongoing stadium saga before closing with network plugs. 00:00 NFC North Anthem Intro 01:44 Wrong Show Cold Open 02:24 Draft Countdown Plans 03:52 Packers Jabs And Smoke Season 04:50 Vikings Draft Without GM 06:27 Lions Linked To Joey Bosa 08:03 Dexter Lawrence Trade Rumors 14:34 Division Fits And Cap Math 22:04 Would You Trade A First 28:00 Break And Bears Stadium Saga 31:15 Stadium Plan Stalls 33:14 Soldier Field Logistics 34:19 Politics And The Bears 36:34 18 Game Season Talk 37:57 International Games Expansion 40:24 Europe Team And Travel 40:47 Supersonic Flight Idea 43:19 Product Dilution Concerns 44:54 CBA Money And Benefits 49:41 Bad Football Tradeoff 51:34 NFL Grabs More Calendar 52:45 Show Plugs And Signoff FAN WITH US!!! Follow us on Twitter ✖️ for more updates… Pay @TheRealPayday, host of Frustrated Chicago Sports Fan Channel, June @asgjune & M Foster @Mbrfosterchild, hosts of the Bleachers To Speakers [Lions] podcast, and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare, from @Vikings1stSKOL. This has been a joint podcast production partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN. ⭐️ Subscribe to us here! - Vikings 1st & SKOL, https://www.youtube.com/@vikings1stskol92 ⭐️ and here - Bleachers to Speakers, https://www.youtube.com/@BleachersToSpeakers-yq8tm ⭐️ and here - Frustrated Chicago Sports Fan, https://www.youtube.com/@FrustratedChicago ⭐️ V1&S on X can be found at @Vikings1stSKOL ⭐️ V1&S Discord at https://discord.com/invite/493z6mQXcN ⭐️ At Fans First Sports Network - https://www.ffsn.app/teams/minnesota-vikings/ ⭐️ Catch it here: https://youtu.be/-8AhF23Q21c Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Campbell's stance on Sewell and the line Dan Campbell used the NFL owners meetings in Arizona to make one thing clear. He is open, even preferential, to moving Penei Sewell from right tackle to left tackle. That headline changes how the Detroit Lions approach the spring. Sewell will excel wherever he lines up. There are zero worries about his performance. The context matters. The Lions might have a new left guard this year. They do have a new center in Bates Mays. That is a lot of change in the middle of an elite unit. Continuity counts. Fewer moving pieces usually help. Campbell's view suggests the staff is comfortable reshaping the front to fit the bigger plan. Right tackle reality and draft ripple Brad Holmes, in last week's sit-down, essentially anointed Larry Borom as the starting right tackle without using the exact phrase. As of today, it is hard to see anyone else opening Week 1 on the right side. His contract is for one year, so the long term is still open. But the near term points to Borom. That alters draft calculus. Detroit does not have to take a tackle at 17. They can wait. The second round now looks more viable for a tackle. Trading around to target a value pocket makes sense. It also cools interest in left-tackle-only prospects. Caleb Holmes fits that bucket. Caleb Lomu was an early favorite there if 17 had been earmarked for offense. With Sewell at left tackle and Borom on the right, profiles shift. Blake Miller, a natural right tackle who looks ready to start, fits the current board better, whether at 17 or later. Edge talk at 17 and board shaping Holmes also discussed the edge group, with DJ Oneum in the mix. That points the first-round lens back to defense. The instincts about Kendrick Small at 17 feel firmer after this week. If it is not Falk, there is still a clean case for TJ Parker. Akeem Mesa remains in the conversation. The picture is not final, but the tiers are clearer. Yesterday's mock draft on the Detroit Lions Podcast explored trade paths and explained the logic through each move. Today's update tightens that logic. Sewell to left tackle. Borom trending at right tackle. A deeper tackle board available after the first round. Edge rising at 17. That is how the Lions can attack April. It is a plan that fits Campbell's comments and the current roster structure. Short term clarity. Long term flexibility. The kind of balance good teams use to stay good. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #dancampbell #peneisewellatlefttackle #larryborom #bradholmes #nflownersmeetings #levionwuzurike #djwonnum #josiahtrotter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Eazy and Spencer react to Detroit Lions Free agency
Prep for the Chargers is in the books as we wake up to another Football Friday! Former Dolphin Jermon Bushrod joins Travis to talk about the play at the line of scrimmage and the 2016 Dolphins that started 1-4 before finishing the season 9-2. Plus, Kyle Crabbs joins for his weekly spot and Travis stops by the locker room to talk to Tahj Washington and Larry Borom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joe expects Larry Borom to play a lot of football this season. Matt Hayes joins and talks all things college football. Omar thinks Jaylen Wright has had the worst camp out of anyone on the Dolphins.
Travis is back for a busy Friday edition of the Drive Time Podcast as a pair of new OL acquisitions join the show. James Daniels and Larry Borom caught up with Travis to talk about the state of the o-line, playing in South Florida and much more. Plus, analysis on new QB Zach Wilson and safety Ashtyn Davis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A bonus episode of the podcast brings two more player analysis segments as Travis looks into everything behind new safety Ifeatu Melifonwu and offensive lineman Larry Borom. Plus, Travis gives his thoughts on the latest moves around the league.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards are almost here, and in this episode, host Rob Cao is joined by returning guest Valerie Alden to discuss all the excitement! Will Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce make their red carpet debut as a couple? Could Taylor be gearing up for a big surprise announcement? The duo dives into all the buzz surrounding the upcoming event. Later, Rob shifts gears to the sports world, breaking down the Miami Dolphins' latest free agency moves, including key offensive line additions like James Daniels and Larry Borom. Tune in for all the music, drama, and football talk!Timestamps:Intro- 00:05-1:03iHeartRadio Music Awards Preview W/ Valerie Alden- 1:06-24:58Dolphins Free Agency- 25:00-44:09Outro- 44:11-44:49Follow Us On Social Media:IG & TikTok- @theflame_esFollow Valerie On Social Media:IG & X- @valeriealden_TikTok- @valeriealdenPhotography IG- iphonephotos____by_valerieHost: Rob CaoSpecial Guest: Valerie Alden
Rob gives his quick reaction to the fins adding their second olineman of free agency with former Bears big lineman Larry Borom!Follow Us On Social Media-IG & TikTok- @theflame_esHost: Rob Cao
From 'Take The North' (subscribe here): As the Bears prepare to face the Lions for the second time this season, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have a big-picture question to ponder: How many of the current Chicago starting offensive linemen will be starters for the team in 2025? Right tackle Darnell Wright seems to be a lock. But the rest of the group, we're not so sure about. Also in this episode, the guys try to get to the bottom of why rookie tackle Kiran Amegadjie started against the Vikings given that Larry Borom has been this team's swing tackle for multiple seasons. And, the Bears will get an up-close look at Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, a hot head coaching candidate. What has Johnson noticed about Bears quarterback Caleb Williams this season? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
As the Bears prepare to face the Lions for the second time this season, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have a big-picture question to ponder: How many of the current Chicago starting offensive linemen will be starters for the team in 2025? Right tackle Darnell Wright seems to be a lock. But the rest of the group, we're not so sure about. Also in this episode, the guys try to get to the bottom of why rookie tackle Kiran Amegadjie started against the Vikings given that Larry Borom has been this team's swing tackle for multiple seasons. And, the Bears will get an up-close look at Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, a hot head coaching candidate. What has Johnson noticed about Bears quarterback Caleb Williams this season? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bears On Tap reviews all-22 tape of the Bears offensive line from their week 13 defeat against the Lions. Ron and Q answer questions about the Bears OL performance as they review the tape from Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton, Matt Pryor, Darnell Wright, and Larry Borom. Jump in to talk through the trenches with Bears On Tap! #Bears #ChicagoBears #OffensiveLine Bears On Tap is presented by OnTapSportsNet.com, your go-to source for Bears news, analysis, and updates. Follow us on social media: @BearsOnTap | @OnTapSportsNet Panelists: @ButkusStats | @LuceOnTap | @JuiceOnTap | @thesunnyv
A listener asks Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote about the health status of Bears offensive lineman Ryan Bates, offensive lineman Larry Borom and long snapper Patrick Scales. Plus, could guard Nate Davis' time with this team end soon? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kenneth Davis and Alex Shapiro dive into the Chicago Bears' final preseason game against the Chiefs, highlighting standout performances and discussing crucial roster decisions. They analyze the depth Ryan Poles and Ian Cunningham have built (4:47), tackle the tight end logjam (7:00), and debate which wide receivers will make the cut (10:31). The biggest question remains: What should the Bears do with Velus Jones? (14:00). Plus, updates on the offensive line, including Larry Borom's injury (22:27), and whether cornerback Reddy Stewart's dominant performance secures him a spot (32:52). The episode wraps up with breaking news on the Bears' trade for linebacker Darrell Taylor from the Seahawks (43:20).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On the latest episode of the Under Center Podcast, hosts Kenneth Davis and Josh Schrock share their thoughts on the Bears' first series with Tyson Bagent at quarterback (1:00). They discuss the challenges and potential solutions for fixing and forming the offensive line (3:25) and debate Larry Borom's value as a backup (5:09). Were they wrong about Khalil Herbert, and should the Bears keep him (6:45)? The hosts break down Brett Rypien's play at QB (10:15) and compare the execution differences between former OC Luke Getsy and current OC Shane Waldron (12:45). Wide receiver Collin Johnson's standout performance in the Hall of Fame Game is analyzed, along with his roster prospects (14:46). They also highlight offensive backups and address concerns about the Bears' talent depth (23:40). Defensive standouts, including rookie Austin Booker, are discussed (24:43), and they celebrate DJ Moore's contract extension (31:09).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Rick Leen and Bill Kelsey are giving the quick hits from the week before digging into the real possibility of a Bears' playoff run.
Dan Bernstein and Laurence Holmes discussed the continuation of the Bears' offensive line concerns as the team prepares to head to New Orleans to face the Saints on Sunday.
Dan Bernstein and Laurence Holmes were joined by ESPN analyst Matt Bowen to break down Bears quarterback Justin Fields' historic rushing performance in Chicago's 35-32 loss to Miami on Sunday, whether Fields is improving in the passing game, and more. Paul Charchian of GuillotineLeagues.com then joined the show to discuss where Fields is in his fantasy QB rankings this week, why he advocates for fantasy players to "sabotage drop" Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette, and more. Later, Bernstein and Holmes discussed how the national conversation has shifted regarding Fields.
Lester Wiltfong and Dr. Mason West go over all the latest injury news about the Bears and Dolphins, preview the game, go over the latest on Larry Borom, Cody Whitehair, Byron Pringle, and more right here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Danny Parkins and Matt Spiegel opened the first hour by previewing the Bears-Cowboys matchup. What happens if the Bears win and get to .500? Then, Parkins and Spiegel wondered how much more time needs to pass before they believe the Bears have coaching advantages over opposing teams.
Find out why Silvy has become the show's version of Larry Borom.
In the final hour, Dan Bernstein and Laurence Holmes were joined by Kevin Fishbain of the Athletic to discuss how the Bears will utilize the running attack with quarterback Justin Fields against the Cowboys Sunday in Dallas, how quarterback Dak Prescott could present a problem for Chicago's defense and more. The guys then had their "Solid Wall of Sound" segment, listening back to Bears-Cowboys analysis from Bears safety Jaquan Brisker, Westwood One analyst Kurt Warner, HBO "Game Theory" host Bomani Jones, Jenkins Elite founder, CEO, and quarterbacks coach Tim Jenkins, ESPN analyst Matt Bowen, and Score football analyst Matt Bowen. Later, Bernstein explained why he takes issue with the way star guard Zach LaVine is being listed on the Bulls' injury report and the guys listened to former Lakers guard Byron Scott tell the story of the time NBA and Bulls legend Michael Jordan scored 54 points against Los Angeles.
In the first hour, Laurence Holmes welcomed Dan Bernstein back from his trip to Ireland. Bernstein then shared his takeaways from the Bears' ugly loss to the Commanders on Thursday. The guys then discussed why the Bears are in trouble when they take on the Patriots and the defensive genius of coach Bill Belichick next Monday night. Later, Bernstein listened to Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer's comments on the show last week touting "intelligent spending" through the lens of "tempering aggressiveness" this offseason.
Dan Bernstein and Laurence Holmes discussed why the Bears will be in trouble when they take on the Patriots and the defensive genius of coach Bill Belichick on Monday night.
In the second hour, Dan Bernstein and Laurence Holmes were joined by Score football analyst Patrick Mannelly to discuss why Bears coach Matt Eberflus' HITS principle is working for his team, why rookie defensive end Dominique Robinson impressed him Sunday and more. Bernstein and Holmes then discussed Nebraska's firing of football coach Scott Frost and how the move led the university to do something it hasn't done in school history. Later during the High Noon segment, Bernstein shared the story of a Nebraska fisherman who hooked a 90-million-year-old fossil and Holmes reacted to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones telling a Dallas radio station that quarterback Dak Prescott may only miss four games after having thumb surgery.
Dan Bernstein and Laurence Holmes were joined by former NFL offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth -- who's now an analyst for Thursday Night Football on Prime Video -- to discuss what's in store for Bears rookie left tackle Braxton Jones when he squares off against 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa, how Chicago quarterback Justin Fields has impressed him and more.
The Chicago Audible - Chicago Bears Podcast and Postgame Show
The Chicago Bears returned to Halas Hall for their 16th practice of training camp in full pads. With two days before the Week 2 preseason matchup against the Seahawks, the Bears reshuffled the starting offensive line again. Listen as Adam Hoge and Nicholas Moreano break down everything you need to know from Tuesday's Bears practice on the CHGO Bears Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the second hour, Dan Bernstein and Laurence Holmes were joined by Score contributor and Tribune writer Dan Wiederer to share his takeaways from the Bears' win against the Chiefs in their preseason opener Saturday and to discuss the latest on linebacker Roquan Smith's trade request. Bernstein and Holmes then previewed a big series for the White Sox as they prepare to to host the Astros in a four-game set starting Monday. Later during the High Noon segment, Bernstein shared a sad update on a story we recently discussed during the segment and Holmes brought back a heartbreaking moment from the White Sox game Sunday.
Subscribe to our YouTube page and watch this episode HERE as we debut the NEW NBC Sports Chicago podcast studio!The Bears' offensive line is still unsettled but they add another piece to it. Bears sign guard Michael Schofield to a one-year deal. Is he the best lineman the Bears have? Ken Davis, Alex Shapiro, and Josh Schrock break down the new signing and offensive line as a whole. Later in the pod, the crew debates whether the new Bears' alternate helmets and uniforms are a hit or a miss(3:40) - Bears sign right guard Michael Schofield(7:40) - Who will play right and left tackle for the Bears? Is it Larry Borom and Teven Jenkins?(14:40) - Yay and Nay on the new Bears alternate orange uniforms?(21:24) - Bears rookie Jaquan Brisker is still holding out and has not signed with the team yetSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Chicago Bears' offensive line will be the most important factor in Justin Fields' success this season, and the starting lineup is unsettled entering training camp.Locked on Bears host Lorin Cox checks in on the plan at right guard, the competition between Teven Jenkins, Larry Borom and Braxton Jones at offensive tackle, and where the draft picks fit on the depth chart and 53-man roster.Subscribe to Locked On Bears on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCnRo-iwMsS4iC1SobeGHAFollow @LockedOnBears on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lockedonbearsLike Locked on Bears on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LockedOnBearsSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!DaveDownload the Dave app from the App store right now for an Extra Cash account and get up to 500 dollars instantly. For terms and conditions go to dave.com/legal. Instant transfer fees apply. Banking provided by Evolve. Member FDIC.Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order.BetOnlineBetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the second hour, Mark Grote was joined by James Fegan of the Athletic to discuss the White Sox's struggles during their series against the Twins in Minnesota, the hamstring injury suffered by outfielder Eloy Jimenez and more. Later, Grote discussed an area of improvement for Bears quarterback Justin Fields, the team experimenting with offensive line alignment in voluntary minicamp and more.