The Detroit Lions Podcast is an independent, fan-run show covering the Detroit Lions every day — and has since 2015. Hosted by Chris with co-host and managing editor Jeff Risdon, the show breaks down every game with live post-game call-in shows, works through the roster and the schedule, and goes deep on the NFL Draft. Over 1,000 episodes in, it's one of the longest-running Lions podcasts anywhere: no corporate desk, no borrowed takes, just people who have only ever covered this one team. Whether the Lions are rebuilding or contending, we're on it — win, lose, or heartbreak. One Pride.
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is shredding the NFL through three games, posting 802 yards, 8 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and 70.6 percent completions. He went 14-for-14 against the blitz for 148 yards and a score on Sunday. Detroit is 2-1 with a 31 points-per-game offense, and the mandate now is stabilizing the defense.
Is Jared Goff running the NFL’s most efficient offense?
Yes. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is operating the attack with total command and precision. As Michael Grey emphasized, Jared Goff is getting teammates aligned, draining the play clock to three, two, one, and punishing pressure, including a 14-for-14, 148-yard, 1-touchdown line versus the blitz.
The production matches the eye test: 802 yards, 8 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 70.6 percent completions. Detroit averages 31 points per game despite only one first-quarter touchdown in three games. With Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing settling in, the structure and sequencing are elevating the entire unit.
Is Jahmyr Gibbs being deployed the right way?
Yes. Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is dictating games as the featured back, and he handled 20 carries on Sunday. As Jeff Risdon noted, calling him the best offensive football player in the NFL is not hyperbolic based on how he is winning between the tackles and in space.
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki added 6 effective carries, which helps preserve Jahmyr Gibbs without dulling the edge. Questions about Houston Texans running back David Montgomery fade when you consider the net effect of the trade that delivered Detroit Lions center Juice Scruggs, who is playing really well.
What about the offensive line?
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Blake Miller stayed out of the headlines, which is ideal for a lineman. Pass-pro assignment clarity still needs tightening, and Jahmyr Gibbs should not be asked to be a human doorstop in protection. Keep him as the playmaker, not the protector.
Did the defense improve, and what still breaks?
Up front, yes. On the back end, not enough. Detroit posted five sacks and held the New York Jets to 58 rushing yards, then Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark sealed the game with the pivotal late play. But the Jets threw it all over the yard, exposing a thin secondary that needs more consistent answers.
If the front does not hit home, the back seven wobbles. Michael Grey said he believes Detroit is third or fourth in sacks right now, but you cannot allow Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith to post 31-of-37 type efficiency with only six incompletions and expect comfortable outcomes.
What numbers demand urgency?
As recorded, Detroit is allowing 31.6 points per game, the third-highest output behind Buffalo and San Francisco. The Saints and Jets logged season-high passing yards, and the Bills had season-high points and total yards. The realistic target, as discussed with Chris, is finishing around the 15th-to-20th range defensively.
What is the plan at corner and linebacker?
A splash for cornerback Joey Porter Jr only makes sense at the right price. He is not currently playing, which carries soft-tissue risk on arrival and complicates future assets. The long-term fix mirrors the offensive line rebuild, with multiple investments across the secondary.
Near term, develop Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr after he battled New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, keep Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark involved, and clean up zone drops with Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, who must stop stressing the safeties behind him. Stack wins now against the Carolina Panthers and then Arizona by starting faster on offense and tightening coverage.
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Lions vs Jets: Morning after recap and Week 3 game breakdown
Monday, September 28, 2026 • Duration 34:36
The Detroit Lions beat the New York Jets 31-24 to move to 2-1, delivering a third straight 31-point game and closing it with timely pressure. Detroit’s offense flowed under Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, and the defense produced the decisive blitz to finish a competitive game at Ford Field.
Are the Lions winning the way they are built?
Yes, they are winning behind a 31-point offense and timely stops. Detroit has scored 31 in three straight, and after a slow start the offense stacked four sustained drives in a row: 9 plays for a field goal, 12 plays for a 53-yard touchdown, 7 plays for an 80-yard touchdown, and 11 plays for a 72-yard touchdown.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff kept the pace and the play sequencing echoed the Ben Johnson era. As Jeff Risdon noted, this was “the best in-game adjustment day for Dan Campbell and his coaching staff in a long time.” The lone offensive blemish was a failed fourth down with an illegal formation and poor execution, a spot where Dan Campbell needed a timeout.
Who changed the game on defense?
The game ended on a smart pressure call that sprung Lions safety Chuck Clark free off the blitz with Lions linebacker Jack Campbell also coming. Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum finished with 2 sacks, repeatedly challenging Jets offensive tackle Olu Fashanu.
Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson still logged 64 of 66 defensive snaps, 97 percent, which is too heavy but underscores his importance. Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr returned for his first action since 2024 and held up outside, while a pivotal tweak put Christian Izien at safety, where his quickness and processing popped. The Jets still hit some contested throws, including work by Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, but Detroit’s defense made the timely plays to close.
How real is the Jack Campbell coverage issue?
It is a problem until he fixes it. As Jeff Risdon said, Jack Campbell “did not have a good game again” and was “lost in coverage,” with Detroit’s increased zone usage stressing the linebackers. Trevor Nowaske provided a situational lift, but Campbell must clean up depth and landmarks so the back end is not forced to cover for voids between levels.
What did we learn about the offense and line?
Protection got smarter. Lions running back Sione Vaki delivered sturdy pass protection with effective cuts, an important counter because Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs allowed two sacks in protection despite being Detroit’s most dangerous offensive weapon with the ball. Inside, Lions center Juice Scruggs played a strong game and Lions guard Christian Mahogany put together his most consistent outing as a Lion. Lions right tackle Penei Sewell appeared to finish fine, and Detroit reported no new major injuries after the game.
Role players contributed as Lions tight end Brock Wright joined the passing mix. Looking ahead, a Sunday night trip to the Carolina Panthers sets up a defensive rebound opportunity, and Brian Branch’s return is coming soon. The takeaway is simple: this Detroit Lions team is designed to win NFL games by getting to 31 and keeping opponents from matching it, and that is exactly what they did against the Jets.
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Detroit Lions vs New York Jets Post Game Show - Detroit Lions Podcast Reacts
Sunday, September 27, 2026 • Duration 01:20:18
Detroit Lions vs New York Jets Week 3 post game coverage, analysis, live presser, and calls.
Chris and Michael Grey go live after the Detroit Lions host the New York Jets at Ford Field in Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season. This Detroit Lions post game show begins with the game result and an immediate reaction to what unfolded in Detroit. No waiting for the next morning and no rehearsed takes. The discussion starts when the game ends and continues as the biggest moments, decisions, and performances come into focus.
Whether you watched every snap or need a complete account of Lions vs Jets, this live episode delivers the context behind the result and what it means for the 2026 Lions season.
Detroit Lions vs New York Jets Game Analysis
Chris and Michael will break down how Detroit performed on both sides of the ball. Did the Lions defense show meaningful improvement? Did Detroit establish Jahmyr Gibbs and the running game? How did the offensive line hold up against New York, and did its performance allow the offense to stay balanced?
The defensive conversation will focus on whether Detroit contained Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, limited explosive plays, and handled critical situations. The hosts will also examine the key drives, turning points, coaching decisions, situational football, and individual performances that determined the game result.
Beyond one afternoon at Ford Field, the show asks the larger question: What did Lions vs the New York Jets teach us about the 2026 Detroit Lions? Week 3 offers another important piece of evidence about the team's strengths, weaknesses, identity, and direction during the NFL regular season.
Live Post Game Presser and Immediate Reaction
The Detroit Lions Podcast will cover the post game presser live. Chris and Michael will react in real time, identify the most important explanations, and connect those comments to what happened on the field. The presser is part of the show, not a recap added later, giving listeners the full postgame picture as it develops.
Expect direct analysis of the result without empty hot takes. The goal is to separate repeatable strengths from one-game noise, identify problems that could carry into future weeks, and explain the tactical details behind Detroit's performance.
Live Lions Listener Calls
The phone lines open for live listener calls throughout the postgame conversation. Lions fans can share their immediate reactions, challenge the hosts, highlight overlooked plays, and raise questions about the offense, defense, coaching, and the outlook for the season.
Join Chris and Michael Grey for the Detroit Lions vs New York Jets post game reaction, live presser coverage, detailed NFL analysis, and a fan-driven Lions post game show after Week 3 at Ford Field.
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Bish & Brown: Detroit Lions Vs. New York Jets Preview
Saturday, September 26, 2026 • Duration 38:23
Detroit’s path to a get-right win over the New York Jets is clear, run heavy tempo to control the game, targeted help for rookie tackle Blake Miller, and simpler, cleaner coverage on defense. Scott Bischoff emphasized running it early, and Russell Brown stressed forcing New York into uncomfortable offense by sustaining drives.
Can Jared Goff control tempo against the Jets?
Yes, with a run-first script that drains clock and sets up play action. Scott Bischoff said the Lions should “run the ball real heavy in the first quarter” and even warned, “you don’t wanna score too fast.” That keeps the defense fresh and lets Lions quarterback Jared Goff work rhythm throws to Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Lions tight end Sam LaPorta.
Russell Brown cited Sam Hoppin’s clock data, noting Detroit’s clock-drain rate is 3.6 percent, 30th in the NFL, while the Jets sit at 21.6 percent, third-highest. Expect more carries for Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to increase Detroit’s control of pace and to avoid long stretches of defensive exposure.
How should Detroit handle Blake Miller vs David Bailey?
Mix the picture, help selectively, and run at him. With Christian Mahogany expected back and Blake Miller “Bachie,” while Ben Bartch deals with a concerning foot issue, Detroit can steady the left side with either Larry Borom or Mills Frazier if needed. Bischoff outlined the tackle plan, vary the pass set, use some jump sets, get hands on David Bailey, and at times attach a tight end so Miller can set short and protect his inside shoulder.
Running at the rookie edge rusher disrupts his rush plan and, as Brown noted, alters his path to the quarterback when protection slides or tight ends chip. That helps Jared Goff find Lions playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta downfield off play action.
Will Detroit fix the coverage busts and misalignment?
They must, with cleaner communication, better alignment, and fewer ineffective blitzes. Brown and Bischoff detailed the defensive shift toward more zone, but the back end suffered from misalignments and timing issues. The Lions have blitzed with cover zero at 9.9 percent, second only to Baltimore, while playing cover one man 7.9 percent and cover two man 1 percent. Their zone mix has been cover two 11 percent, cover three 47 percent, and cover four 10 percent.
Injuries stretch the secondary, with Avonte Maddox done for the year after foot surgery and Thomas Harper’s status unclear, so development from Chris Rakestraw, Keith Abney, and Dan Jackson matters. Up front, linebacker Jack Campbell, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, and defensive tackle Alim McNeill need pressure that finishes. As Russell Brown warned, this is a get-right spot, not a celebration, and failing here would force hard staff conversations.
Which Jets tendencies should Detroit attack?
Expect light boxes and heavy nickel, then punish them. Brown noted the Jets’ light-box rate is 62.6 percent, second in the NFL, with nickel at 77.8 percent, fifth-highest. They play more cover two than anyone at 35.2 percent and add cover six at 12.7 percent. That invites runs and middle-of-field throws to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta.
Personnel-wise, Detroit’s 12 and 13 usage sits at 30.4 percent, 19th, while New York is at 41.2 percent, 10th-highest. Detroit can toggle heavier groups to help the edges and still create play-action shots for Jared Goff when safeties widen. Force the Jets to abandon comfort and chase points, and the game tilts to Ford Field’s side.
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Daily DLP: Week 3 Injury Report and Replacements - Detroit Lions Podcast
Friday, September 25, 2026 • Duration 15:53
The Detroit Lions enter Sunday relatively healthy, with only two players on the injury report and both already ruled out. Left guard Ben Bartch and safety Thomas Harper are out, while Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany returns to start at left guard, not listed at all. As Jeff Risdon noted, that is a clear boost before the New York Jets visit Ford Field.
Who is in and out on the Detroit Lions injury report?
Only two Lions appear on the report, and both are out. Left guard Ben Bartch is out with a foot injury and safety Thomas Harper is out with an ankle. Head coach Dan Campbell signaled this outcome in his Friday press conference, and the official report confirmed it.
The good news offsets the losses. Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany is not on the report, so he steps back in at left guard. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is also not listed, which removes any game-status ambiguity after his absence from the Thursday night debacle in Buffalo referenced on the show.
How will the offensive line look with Christian Mahogany and Blake Miller back?
Christian Mahogany starts at left guard, restoring the plan Detroit carried out before his injury. Rookie Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller is back and not even listed as questionable, which stabilizes the edge after a rough fill-in performance.
As Jeff Risdon explained, Miller brings a steady temperament and some outward nastiness that should help the run game, and his return reduces exposure in pass protection after tackle Larry Borom struggled. The continuity with Mahogany next to the center and Miller on the right should clean up both timing and physicality up front.
Who replaces Thomas Harper at safety, and what are the coverage adjustments?
The Lions will fill the starting safety spot from within, then lean on sub-packages to cover snaps. Jeff Risdon said he would strongly suspect an internal promotion at safety and emphasized a shift toward more three corner looks than three safety groupings.
Detroit Lions defensive back Jalen Mills is on the practice squad and, as Risdon put it, will in fact get called up. Safety Bishop Fitzgerald is an undrafted rookie on his third team in a month, and expecting him to master a communication-heavy system in four days is not realistic. Expect Detroit to mix personnel creatively to keep communication clean and limit busts.
Is linebacker help arriving too?
Yes. Detroit Lions linebacker Jimmy Rolder is going to play, certainly on special teams and possibly on defense. He was the Lions best coverage linebacker all summer. Risdon added that former Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, now in Tampa, is drawing heavy criticism there, reinforcing Detroit’s decision to move on as Rolder grows into the role.
What did Green Bay’s loss and the ticket update tell us about Sunday vs the Jets?
Green Bay’s collapse is a reminder to take nothing for granted. Atlanta scored 35 points after previously failing to score more than one touchdown in a half all year and having scored only three against Carolina. As Risdon noted, things can turn fast in the NFL.
The Detroit Lions host the New York Jets at Ford Field on Sunday. Standing room tickets are available for about $130, and those fans need to be loud. With health trending up and the offensive line reinforced, Detroit has a clear runway to handle business at home.
#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #dancampbell #christianmahogany #benbartch #thomasharper #blakemiller #jimmyrolder #alexanzalone #jalenmills #bishopfitzgerald #larryborom #greenbaypackers #atlantafalcons #newyorkjets #fordfield
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Daily DLP: Kelvin Sheppard Talks, Fixing His Lions Defense - Detroit Lions Podcast
Thursday, September 24, 2026 • Duration 26:23
The Detroit Lions must throttle back their blitz rate, simplify coverage rules, and let the front four win against the New York Jets. Detroit has allowed 15 explosive plays of 20-plus yards in two games, more than any NFL team, because frequent blitzing exposes an injury-thinned secondary. Rotate the line and play sound, not cute.
Are the Detroit Lions blitzing too much to win right now?
Yes. As Jeff Risdon noted, Detroit blitzed on over half of the snaps against Josh Allen, the highest of the Kelvin Sheppard era, and it backfired. That trades coverage for pressure and it has not worked.
The Lions have surrendered 15 explosive plays of 20-plus yards in two games, while no other team has allowed more than 11. Context matters, and Jeff pointed out the Buffalo Bills offense is humming, while the Seattle Seahawks have yet to allow a 20-plus yard play. None of that excuses Detroit’s approach. Over-blitzing has directly stressed the weakest unit on the roster, the back end.
What coverage mix makes sense given this roster?
Play more man, less zone, and simplify. Detroit has dropped to the middle of the league in man usage, about 16th by Jeff’s cited chart, a clear shift from prior Dan Campbell seasons that consistently ranked top five in man.
The roster is built to win outside with man coverage, then rally underneath. Shifting to more zone assigns greater stress to safeties and linebackers and lengthens throws behind blitzes. That is the opposite of what this defense needs while it stabilizes. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, simplify the asks, reduce coverage handoffs, and stop creating free voids with unnecessary pressure.
How do injuries at safety change the call sheet?
They demand fewer blitzes and cleaner rules. As Jeff Risdon said, both starting safeties are out, he does not expect Detroit Lions safety Kirby Joseph back, Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch is also out, and safety Thomas Harper is injured and in a boot.
When extra rushers vacate zones, corners and linebackers must cover longer and wider, which is exactly how explosives have happened. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell and the second level can play faster if the coverage shell is intact and the rush comes from four, not five or six.
What must the Lions do against the Jets this week?
Rush four, vary the four, and win up front. Jeff detailed that the Jets use very little 12 personnel and just three snaps of 13, often flexing the tight end. That lets Detroit match in nickel, close windows, and let the line dictate.
Feature Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill, rotate more to keep Alim McNeill from playing 145 snaps in two games, and mix in occasional zone blitzes and three-edge looks without sacrificing coverage integrity. As Dan Campbell said, many breakdowns are one-man errors, but Jeff Risdon countered that if perfection is required on every snap, the scheme is asking too much. Dial it back, cut explosives, and let the front win.
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Detroit Lions Pose More Questions Than Answers
Thursday, September 24, 2026 • Duration 01:19:40
The Detroit Lions are 1-1, and two weeks have created more questions than answers.
What Does 1-1 Actually Tell Us?
Episode 619 brings Chris and Jeff Risdon together for the weekly Detroit Lions Podcast roundtable, live at 7:30 p.m. ET. After two full weeks of the 2026 NFL season, the Lions have delivered enough evidence to start asking serious questions, but not nearly enough to support sweeping conclusions.
A 1-1 Detroit Lions record can be interpreted several ways. It can be viewed as an ordinary start in an unpredictable league, or as an early sign that important areas of this team still need work. Chris and Jeff will sort through what matters, what might be noise and which concerns deserve attention before the schedule gets deeper.
The overtime game against the New Orleans Saints drew plenty of criticism because Detroit was pushed beyond regulation. Through two weeks, however, the Saints look like a talented team. That does not erase the Lions’ issues or settle the debate, but it provides needed context for evaluating the performance. NFL results can change meaning quickly when the opponent proves stronger than the original perception.
Lions Roster Questions and Kelvin Sheppard
This is not the time to force final answers about the Lions roster, but it is fair to examine how the pieces are fitting together. Chris and Jeff will identify the areas creating uncertainty and discuss how Kelvin Sheppard fits into the early evaluation after two games. Which developments feel sustainable? Which problems might be correctable? What remains impossible to know with such a limited sample?
That distinction matters during any Lions season preview or early-season reset. Two games can reveal tendencies, but they can also produce misleading narratives. The conversation will focus on balancing urgency with patience while keeping the expectations surrounding the 2026 Lions season in view.
Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets Week 3 Preview
The next test comes Sunday, September 27, when the Detroit Lions host the New York Jets at Ford Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET. New York enters the matchup after an overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers, another reminder that Week 3 cannot be treated as a routine assignment.
Chris and Jeff will examine what the Jets game could reveal about Detroit, where the Lions need greater clarity and why the matchup carries significance beyond the possibility of moving above .500. It is an early checkpoint for a team still trying to establish what its 2026 identity will become.
Join the live show at 7:30 p.m. ET and bring your Detroit Lions questions to the chat. Episode 619 delivers direct analysis, measured perspective and a full look at where the Lions stand entering Week 3 of the NFL season.
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Daily DLP: Talking injuries, Lions Week 2 loss with Dr. Liao Detroit Lions Podcast
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • Duration 39:06
The Daily DLP welcomes Dr. Jimmy Liao to the show to break down the Lions injury situations, plus a review of the experience of the Week 2 game in Buffalo's new station.
Dr. Liao made the trip to Buffalo for Detroit's road game, and he reports on the perspective of being a Lions fan in the stadium for the blowout loss to Josh Allen and the Bills. The Highmark Stadium experience wasn't as impressive as hoped for from a stadium perspective, and that's before even talking about the terrible performance from the Detroit Lions defense.
The unfortunate news on All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph kicks off the medical talk. It doesn't sound good for Joseph and his degenerative knee condition, based on a couple of recent media appearances from Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
The outlook is better for safety Brian Branch. Dr. Liao and host Jeff Risdon run through the latest injury info on Branch and several other Lions players, including center Caede Mays and rookie right tackle Blake Miller. Christian Izien and Jimmy Rolder have both battled back from recent injuries as well. On the flip side, more bad news on BR Isiah Pacheco and a season-ending injury to Avonte Maddox.
Finally, a look ahead at the Jets and what we might expect from the inactive player list against New York in Ford Field on Sunday in Week 3.
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The Grey Area - Getting Defensive in Week 3
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 25:22
The Detroit Lions must overhaul how their defense is coached and coordinated to contend. Dan Campbell said "we are responsible as coaches" and called the issues fixable and about basics, yet trust on defense has already cracked through two weeks. Detroit should handle the New York Jets in Week 3, but the defensive leadership question still defines the ceiling.
What is really holding back the Detroit Lions right now?
The problem is coaching and scheme on defense, not just personnel. Dan Campbell publicly put accountability on the staff, saying coaches are responsible and the issues are fundamentals and fixable, but he also acknowledged trust has frayed. That combination points to plan, design, and communication, not just who is healthy.
As Jeff Risdon noted, he felt good about the broader NFL picture after the Thursday loss, but the film and numbers left Michael Grey convinced Detroit’s defense is poorly drawn up and mismatched to the players on the field. The secondary has been hit hard, yet other teams have survived injuries and still played competent NFL defense. When faith in teammates is already sliding in Week 2, that suggests the foundation was never right.
Can the offense carry Detroit while the defense finds itself?
No, being one‑legged is not sustainable. The offense is good, but any wobble turns into team‑wide struggles because the defense adds pressure to every drive.
Quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs keep Detroit dangerous, and tight end Sam LaPorta is part of a strong core. Jameson Williams has stayed available. That should be enough to beat weaker opponents, but it is not the formula to beat good NFL teams weekly or win in January. The Detroit Lions Podcast crew has stressed this before, and it remains true now.
What change is needed on defense, and when?
If this trajectory continues, Detroit should make wholesale defensive coaching changes after the season and hire a proven defensive architect with autonomy. Think a Jim Schwartz or Robert Saleh type, someone who installs a clear system and tailors it to the roster.
Aaron Glenn’s man‑heavy philosophy is demanding, and turnover at spots like linebacker plus the aging curve for players such as Alex Anzalone complicate execution. Kelvin Sheppard should not be on an in‑season hot seat, but the organization needs to re‑evaluate structure and leadership if the performance mirrors last year over many weeks. Give Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell a plan that raises the unit to middle‑of‑the‑pack, and the offense can do the rest.
Will the Lions beat the New York Jets in Week 3?
Yes, expect a decisive home response. Coming off the Buffalo loss at Highmark with extra rest and urgency, Detroit should reset offensively and control this game.
Michael Grey expects a big win. The broader Week 2 injury chaos around the NFL also underscored Detroit’s advantage: Jared Goff is upright and humming, Amon-Ra St. Brown is a beast, and Jahmyr Gibbs is handling an increased role. That health, paired with a focused week, points to a get‑right victory over the Jets, even as the defense remains the season’s defining project.
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Daily DLP: Lions vibe check after Week 2 Detroit Lions Podcast
Monday, September 21, 2026 • Duration 34:13
The Detroit Lions must simplify coverage and play their drafted defensive backs against the New York Jets in Week 3. Detroit allowed 71 points in two games, and working out veterans Jordan Fuller and Jalen Mills does not fix communication issues. Youth, clarity, and accountability win snaps and the game.
What is the single biggest defensive fix?
Simplify the coverage rules and play the young corners now. As Jeff Risdon noted, the defense’s primary issue is coordination between cornerbacks, safeties, and linebackers, not pure talent. That means giving snaps to Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, Detroit Lions cornerback Keith Abney, and Detroit Lions cornerback Nick Whiteside from the practice squad so the group can grow together.
Risdon said the scheme has been hurt by too many moving parts that do not see plays the same way. Accountability is already there. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell owned a rough outing, and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell channels that energy productively. Tightening calls and letting the invested youngsters execute them is the clearest path to better play.
Should the Lions sign veteran DB help after the tryouts?
Not as the primary solution. Jeremy Fowler reported Detroit worked out safety Jordan Fuller and defensive back Jalen Mills, but stopgaps do not solve communication. Play the kids first, then supplement as needed.
Detroit Lions cornerback Raq Ya-Sin has been exposed through two games. As Risdon said, the team knows what he is right now, and it is not starting caliber. If Ennis Rakestraw or Keith Abney are healthy scratches again, that signals the organization does not see them as roster-worthy contributors. Decide it on the field.
What about Brian Branch, Kirby Joseph, and takeaways?
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch can begin practicing this week, and Risdon is optimistic there. Detroit Lions safety Kirby Joseph remains uncertain, so plan as if he is not returning, then adjust if he does. The defense needs takeaways to flip games.
One play illustrates it. Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson forced a strip sack on the first drive in Buffalo that Detroit did not recover. A recovery changes the entire night. Against the Jets, simplify the coverage behind the rush and finish turnover chances.
What defines Week 3 vs the Jets?
Win by at least a touchdown. Risdon said great teams bury lesser ones, and this is a measuring stick game. If it comes down to a Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates 55 yarder in the final minute, the standard was not met.
Detroit’s offense should separate. With Detroit Lions offensive tackle Blake Miller expected back, protection cleans up and the Lions can keep drives alive. Buffalo looks excellent and Josh Allen is playing at an MVP level, but that context does not change the mandate now. Handle business, simplify on defense, start the drafted DBs, and make Week 3 the springboard.
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