Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Lions Links for Wednesday 9-23-26

Articles:




Detroit Lions Planned Use of WR Isaac TeSlaa Does Not Justify Selection:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-planned-use-of-isaac-teslaa-does-not-justify-selection


Former Detroit Lions Running Back Contacts Dan Campbell About Return:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/former-detroit-lions-running-back-contacts-dan-campbell-about-return

Detroit Lions Catch Sad, Unfortunate Stray From Rams WR Davante Adams:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-catch-stray-rams-davante-adams-about-matthew-stafford

How Much Cap Space Can Lions Save If Kerby Joseph Cannot Play?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/how-much-cap-space-can-lions-save-kerby-joseph-cannot-play

Detroit Lions fill 53-man roster spot with practice squad promotion:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-news/174251/detroit-lions-fill-53-man-roster-seth-mclaughlin

6 Lions vs. Jets thoughts after watching New York’s loss to Packers:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/174231/6-lions-vs-jets-thoughts-new-yorks-loss-to-packers




Dan Campbell keeps saying the Lions need to ‘clean things up.’ We rewatched both games, and 4 small fixes could have them 2-0:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/dan-campbell-keeps-saying-the-lions-need-to-clean-things-up-we-rewatched-both-games-and-4-small-fixes-could-have-them-2-0/

Lions fans want Brad Holmes to make the blockbuster trade really badly; 10 years of NFL history says they absolutely shouldn’t:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/lions-fans-want-brad-holmes-to-make-the-blockbuster-trade-really-badly-10-years-of-nfl-history-says-they-absolutely-shouldnt/

Detroit Lions Mailbag: Are the Lions done adding to the secondary, can the defense be fixed, and what happens when Cade Mays returns?:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-mailbag-are-the-lions-done-adding-to-the-secondary-can-the-defense-be-fixed-and-what-happens-when-cade-mays-returns-mailbag/

The first thing the Lions need to know about the Jets: Their 1-1 record is hiding something Detroit can’t ignore:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-first-thing-the-lions-need-to-know-about-the-jets-their-1-1-record-is-hiding-something-detroit-cant-ignore/


Real or not? We rated the sustainability of 32 NFL surprise trends and stats through Week 2 (Detroit Lions - The early surprise: Jameson Williams is off to a rocky start.  The verdict: Mirage. Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, there were high expectations for Williams entering 2026 as WR2. However, Williams has just six receptions for 78 yards under first-year offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Williams has been targeted 13 times and hasn't been able to make much of an impact through the first two weeks. But quarterback Jared Goff maintains faith in Williams, as the wide receiver should certainly get back on track. "I'm not worried about him in the slightest, and I got to be a little bit better for him too," Goff said after Detroit's Week 1 win. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49998629/evaluating-32-nfl-team-surprise-trends-2026-first-two-weeks-real-mirage

Rash of Quarterback Injuries Proves Lions Made Right Call Signing Josh Dobbs Before 2026 Season:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/rash-of-quarterback-injuries-proves-lions-made-right-call-signing-josh-dobbs-before-2026-season

QB Accuracy Report: NFL Week 2 (22. Jared Goff - PFF Grade:  66.1):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-qb-accuracy-report

2026 NFL offensive line rankings: Falcons rise, Patriots tumble following injury (16. Detroit Lions (up 1) - The Lions were without a pair of starters in Christian Mahogany and Blake Miller on Thursday Night Football, and it showed. Ben Bartch, who started at left guard, and Larry Borom, who started at right tackle, earned sub-40.0 PFF grades. As things stand, there is optimism that both Mahogany and Miller will be back in the starting lineup this week, but it has been a tricky start to the season for the Lions’ offensive line. Penei Sewell was better in Week 2 than he was in Week 1, but the move from right to left tackle has seen him struggle somewhat in pass protection.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-offensive-line-rankings-2026

NFL wide receiver rankings: Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads top 32 (5. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions:  St. Brown leads all NFL wide receivers with 26 targets this season, turning them into 209 yards and four touchdowns. His 2.55 yards per route run ranks 13th at the position, and he has earned an 81.1 PFF receiving grade.  23. Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions:  Williams has had a tough start to the season, dropping a pair of passes on just eight catchable targets through two weeks. We know he can be a big-play threat, but he hasn’t shown that yet this season, with a long of 22 yards and no missed tackles forced.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-wide-receiver-rankings

Mahomes Mountain Week 3: Josh Allen Takes Over The Top Spot (4th Row - Jared Goff Detroit Lions:  "Jared Goff, they've scored 30-plus in each of their games. That game against the Bills, his numbers were awesome. Now the game got out of hand pretty early, but Goff solidly deserved to move back up."):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/mahomes-mountain-week-3-josh-allen-takes-over-top-spot

Jets Media:

Geno Smith Likes Sound of No Jets TOs, Seeks to Continue Offense's Growth vs. Lions:  https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/geno-smith-no-turnovers-offense-growth-vs-lions-09-23-2026


Jets Injury News | Arian Smith to Miss Season with ACL Injury; David Onyemata Sidelined After Core Muscle Surgery:  https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-injury-news-arian-smith-to-miss-season-after-acl-surgery-david-onyemata-sidelined-09-23-2026



QB Rankings:

NFL QB rankings, Week 3: Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, Matthew Stafford heating up (6. Jared Goff:  Jared Goff was excellent in the second half of Detroit’s Week 2 loss, a reality that will be lost on most who only check final scores. For the Lions’ sake, hopefully his efforts will produce more wins going forward.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-qb-rankings-index-week-3-2026-nfl-season

Week 3 NFL QB Power Rankings: Dak Prescott into top five; Aaron Rodgers continues to tank (10. Jared Goff Detroit Lions QB:  Jared Goff's production (327 yards passing and four passing touchdowns on 26-of-38 passing) in Detroit's 41-31 Week 2 loss at the Buffalo Bills is a little deceiving. He looked overwhelmed by Buffalo's pass rush, absorbing four sacks and playing a key role in the Lions falling behind 21-0. However, his efficient 206 yards passing and two passing touchdowns in a narrow Week 1 overtime win over the New Orleans Saints look a lot better after the Saints went into Baltimore and upset the Ravens in Week 2. (No change)):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-3-nfl-qb-power-rankings-dak-prescott-aaron-rodgers/

NFL quarterback power rankings heading into Week 3 (12. Jared Goff:  Goff continues to put up great numbers, but last week the Lions ran into a buzzsaw in the Bills. Goff didn’t give up 41.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-quarterback-power-rankings-heading-into-week-3/

NFL quarterback rankings: Josh Allen leads the top 32 (13. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - Trending: No Movement.  Goff’s 1.1% turnover-worthy play rate through the first two games of the season is tied with Aaron Rodgers for second-lowest at the position. His 14.8% positively graded play rate is tied with Patrick Mahomes for 18th at the position.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-quarterback-rankings

Re-Ranking the NFL’s 32 Backup Quarterbacks of 2026 (20. Joshua Dobbs, Detroit Lions:  Dobbs landed with the Lions after Teddy Bridgewater retired last month. Dobbs made a name for himself after winning games for the Cardinals and Vikings in 2023, but he went back to bouncing around the league. He spent ’24 with the 49ers and last year with the Patriots.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/ranking-every-backup-quarterback-nfl-2026

NFL Offensive Line Rankings 2026: Chiefs, Colts Among Top Units While Buccaneers, Texans Plummet After Week 2 (10. Detroit Lions - Team OL Impact Score: 77.2.  Last Week’s Ranking: 2.  Best-Ranked OL: Tate Ratledge, 83.0 (10th overall, 6th position).  Worst-Ranked OL: Ben Bartch, 70.3 (145th overall, 58th position)):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-offensive-line-rankings-2026-week-2/



Video:









Should We Talk About The Lions With Super Bowl Or Division Expectations? | Costa and Jansen:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/video/should-we-talk-about-the-lions-with-super-bowl-or-division-expectations-costa-and-jansen-xbc0tfu

Dan Campbell's got Kelvin Sheppard's back, despite early struggles:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/fmc-e89gasgsnk3cujfy

Exploring How Quickly Can Detroit Lions Fix Struggling Defense:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/exploring-quickly-detroit-lions-fix-204805521.html

Why Detroit Lions Play Was Frustrating Against Buffalo Bills Week 2:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/why-detroit-lions-play-frustrating-193423917.html


Posted by LionsFan at 8:01 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Lions Links for Tuesday 9-22-26

Articles:


Detroit Lions sign safety Bishop Fitzgerald, place Avonte Maddox on injured reserve, cut LB Joe Bachie:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-ink-safety-off-steelers-practice-squad-cut-linebacker

Lions Fans React: Brad Holmes Hibernating While Roseman Inks Moore:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-fans-react-brad-holmes-hibernating-while-roseman-inks-moore

Detroit Lions Rookie EDGE Trending Down After First Two NFL Games:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-rookie-edge-trending-down-after-first-two-nfl-games

Fact or Fiction: Detroit Lions Kerby Joseph Will Never Play Again in NFL:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/fact-or-fiction-detroit-lions-kerby-joseph-never-plays-again-nfl

Familiar Faces Headline 3 Safeties Lions Could Poach From Practice Squads:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/familiar-faces-headline-3-safeties-lions-could-poach-from-practice-squads




The Lions’ newest safety has an intriguing trait that makes this practice-squad poach worth watching:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-newest-safety-has-an-intriguing-trait-that-makes-this-practice-squad-poach-worth-watching/

The Lions’ defense has been a mess through two weeks, but 4 players are quietly giving Detroit something to build on:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-defense-has-been-a-mess-through-two-weeks-but-4-players-are-quietly-giving-detroit-something-to-build-on/

The Brad Holmes conversation is getting louder in Detroit, I sat down and went through everything to separate the fair criticism from the overreaction:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-brad-holmes-conversation-is-getting-louder-in-detroit-i-sat-down-and-went-through-everything-to-separate-the-fair-criticism-from-the-overreaction/

Tyleik Williams’ Strong Year 2 Start a Bright Spot on Lions’ Struggling Defense:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/tyleik-williams-strong-year-2-start-a-bright-spot-on-lions-struggling-defense

Brad Holmes, Lions seeking help at safety: 'We need to bring in some fresh players':  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/brad-holmes-detroit-lions-safeties

Lions showing interest in four free agent defensive backs:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-safeties

NFL Edge Defender Rankings: Highest-graded players through Week 2 (3. Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions:  Few defenders have created more disruption than Hutchinson. His 16 total pressures are tied for second among qualifying edge defenders, with that total consisting of three sacks, three hits and 10 hurries. He has won 23.8% of his pass-rush reps and generated pressure on 17.4%, all while seeing double-teams on 32.6% of his rushes. Hutchinson's 91.1 pass-rush grade leads the position, and he has been even better on true pass sets, where his win rate rises to 34.4%.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-edge-defender-rankings-highest-graded-players-through-week-2

Report card grades for all 16 NFC teams in NFL Week 2 (Detroit Lions: B-.  Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown each scored two touchdowns, but after squandering a 21-0 lead, their narrow overtime victory almost turned into a devastating loss.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/report-card-grades-16-nfc-teams-nfl-week-2/




QB Rankings:

QB Stock Market Week 3: Patrick Mahomes Is Back. Has Bryce Young Finally Arrived? (7. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - Previous ranking: 8):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/qb-stock-market-week-3-patrick-mahomes-back-has-bryce-young-finally-arrived

Power Rankings:


2027 Draft:

The Lions’ early 2027 NFL Draft scouting trail is already giving us some interesting names to keep an eye on:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/the-lions-early-2027-nfl-draft-scouting-trail-is-already-giving-us-some-interesting-names-to-keep-an-eye-on/

Video:

Talking Lions and NFL Season Week 2:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/fmc-l5a3k2kec2tm0g1l

DJ Reed has been solid through two weeks for the Lions, despite the fan reaction:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/dj-reed-solid-two-weeks-174358573.html

Two Detroit Lions defensive linemen that are not being talked about enough:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/two-detroit-lions-defensive-linemen-160416334.html


Posted by LionsFan at 7:08 PM 0 comments

Week 3 Power Rankings

Athletic (8. Detroit Lions (1-1) - Last week: 8.  Thursday: Lost to Bills 41-31.  Rookie spotlight: Blake Miller.  The first-round tackle started in Week 1 but wasn’t active in Week 2 due to an ankle injury — and the offensive line missed him. Fifth-round cornerback Keith Abney had a TFL in Week 1 but was not active in Week 2. (On an unrelated note, the Lions could be big risers here soon. They face the Jets, Panthers, Cardinals and Packers next.)):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7617606/2026/09/22/nfl-power-rankings-week-3-vikings-bengals-browns/

USA Today (10. Detroit Lions (12)::  Just what they needed, S Avonte Maddox, who'd been pressed into the starting lineup himself, is out for the season with a foot injury. GM Brad Holmes needs to consider making a move or two to augment what is, by far, the NFC's worst pass defense through two weeks.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2026/09/22/nfl-power-rankings-week-3-rams-giants-seahawks-bills/91883591007/

PFF (10. Detroit Lions (down 2) - Odds to make playoffs: 59%.  Odds to win Super Bowl: 4%.  The Lions are starting to mimic the 2025 Cowboys. The team’s offense has been potent, ranking sixth in EPA per play and fourth in touchdown drive rate behind usual stars Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown. However, Detroit’s defense is entering panic territory by placing 29th in explosive play rate and 26th in PFF coverage grade. Whether or not Dan Campbell’s group can withstand numerous injuries to its secondary will dictate much of its first-half performance.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-3-power-rankings-seahawks-rise-bears-plummet-amid-injury

Fox sports Cowherd (10. Detroit Lions - Record: 1-1.  Previous ranking: Unranked.  Cowherd’s thoughts: I’m going to put the Lions at 10 because of their firepower. They’ve scored 30-plus in both games and allowed 30-plus in both games. Outside of Aidan Hutchinson, not sure who else I trust on the defensive side. But Jared Goff is the only quarterback this season with six touchdowns and no picks. They rank second offensively in big plays, but last in big plays allowed. I like the GM, I like the coach, I like the offensive firepower. Once again, it feels like an annual thing; they’re banged up defensively. I don’t trust them holding leads. But it’s an offensive league; they’ve got a ton of firepower.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/herd-hierarchy-bills-nfls-best-team-do-seahawks-remain-no-1

Walter Football (11. Detroit Lions (1-1)Team Hub - Previously: 12.  It's difficult to judge the Lions on their blowout loss to the Bills. They were playing a short week coming off an overtime game that included travel. They had just three days to prepare while missing three starting offensive linemen. This spot was too difficult.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

TheBigLead (12. Detroit Lions: The Lions are on an overtime win away from starting the season 0-2. And they have given up the second most pts in the league through two weeks.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-power-rankings-week-3-ranked-worst-to-first/

FTW (12. Detroit Lions:  Blink, and you might have missed when the Lions were competitive with the Bills on Thursday night. Because it was very brief. Myriad blown coverages led to what was ultimately an insurmountable three-score lead at halftime for Buffalo, with a late fake rally making the 41-27 final score seem a lot closer than it really was. The Lions' offense is still a buzzsaw, but there's no way that defensive secondary, as constituted, will hold up against any competent quarterback and play-caller. Is a Joey Porter Jr. trade addition on the horizon? It probably should be. — RZ):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/09/22/nfl-power-rankings-49ers-saints-vikings/91881310007/

PFN (13. Detroit Lions - Last Week’s Ranking: 11.  Offense Rank: 7, Defense Rank: 29.  Playoff Odds: 59.80%.  We confirmed two things about the Detroit Lions in Week 2. For starters, their offense remains one of the best in the NFL. They’ve now scored 31 points in each of their last two performances, putting together explosive outings in each of their first two games. However, we also confirmed that their defense is an issue, as we saw in their loss to the Bills on Thursday.  The Lions are now 1-1 and have given up a combined 71 points over the last two games. They struggled to limit big plays against Tyler Shough last week, so it’s no surprise that Josh Allen also dominated on Thursday night. Detroit has a tremendous offense, but it’ll need to be in peak form all year to counteract its disappointing defense.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-3-nfl-power-rankings-2026/

NFL.com (13. Lions - No Rank change.  Detroit’s offense is capable of hanging with most everyone. The opposite is true of the Lions’ defense, at least until the unit gets healthier in the back end. With a leaky secondary existing as a major liability, the Lions can’t realistically expect to beat the best, but their fight (and Jared Goff’s second-half performance) in Thursday night’s loss to Buffalo shows they’re still an above-average team with clear flaws.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-3-2026-nfl-season

Yahoo (13. Detroit Lions (1-1, LW: 9) - The Lions have given up 658 passing yards, which is second-most in the NFL, with only the Colts being worse. They are decimated due to injuries, which is why they were working out defensive backs like Jordan Fuller and Jalen Mills on Monday, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Safety Avonte Maddox is the latest to go down; he'll miss the rest of the season due to a foot injury. Since halftime of the season opener, the Lions have given up 71 points and 804 yards. Facing Josh Allen in Week 2 factors into the defensive problems, but it's still alarming.  "Defensively, we knew it was a tall task, but we gave up too much," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said. "There were some things in there that we have to get cleaned up. You have to play your best ball to have a chance to reduce points against that team and that quarterback, and we did not do that. We had a hand in helping them out there a little bit, and it wasn't good enough. It's not good enough."  The good news is the Lions still have an easy schedule, and there are winnable games coming up against the Jets, Panthers and Cardinals. Detroit needs to win those games to quell some fears, especially about its defense.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/nfl-power-rankings-entering-week-3-are-the-vikings-the-best-team-in-the-nfc-north-032818598.html


SN (14. Detroit Lions 1-1 (12) - The Lions knew they might have some bigger defensive problems away from their Aidan Hutchinson-led front. They are trying to compensate better with Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and the rest of their offensive stars, but are they stuck trying to win high-scoring games every week.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-seahawks-eagles-bengals-bears-ravens-week-3/d90bff1933f5da31944c9ae2

ESPN (14. Detroit Lions (1-1) - Week 2 result: Lost to the Bills 41-31.  Week 2 ranking: 12.  One thing we know about the QB1: Jared Goff continues to build a case as the greatest QB in franchise history.  Despite facing heavy pressure behind a banged-up offensive line, Goff has continued his efficient play in Year 11. He has racked up 25 straight games with a passing touchdown, which is the longest active streak in NFL and the longest in Lions history, per ESPN Research. He also reached 40,000 career yards in Buffalo, tying Kirk Cousins and Dan Marino as the fourth fastest in NFL history to that mark (153 games). Goff is currently in his sixth season in Detroit and continues to reach major milestones at 31 years old. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49998616/nfl-power-rankings-week-3-teams-quarterbacks-stats

Fox sports (14. Detroit Lions - Record: 1-1.  Previous ranking: 13.  Super Bowl odds: +1800.  Remember when head coach Dan Campbell’s teams played defense? Me too. Good thing they can move the ball on anybody. Detroit is just in danger of losing a ton of high-scoring games.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-power-rankings-week-3-chiefs-back-bucs-broken

SN (14. Detroit Lions 1-1 (12):  The Lions knew they might have some bigger defensive problems away from their Aidan Hutchinson-led front. They are trying to compensate better with Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and the rest of their offensive stars, but are they stuck trying to win high-scoring games every week.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-seahawks-eagles-bengals-bears-ravens-week-3/d90bff1933f5da31944c9ae2

CBS (15. Lions:  The defense is awful right now. The injuries in the secondary have crippled that unit. Can the offense score enough to compensate on a weekly basis?):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-nfl-week-3-power-rankings-bengals/

PFT (16. Lions (No. 14; 1-1): The fans got spoiled by 2023 and 2024.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-3-2026-nfl-power-rankings

Fansided Jason LaCanfora (18. Detroit Lions - Last Rank: 14.  Week 2 Result: lost to Bills, 41-31.  This defense has major issues, man. Not sure getting some safeties back will cure it. The brain drain from losing both of their coordinators from their deep playoff run is real. They have committed nine penalties per game and lack of discipline might mean the best of Dan Campbell might be a few years back.):  https://fansided.com/nfl/nfl-power-rankings-entering-week-3-broncos-bounce-back-bills-and-saints-on-the-rise

SI (18. Detroit Lions (1–1) - Last week’s ranking: No. 10.  Last week’s result: lost to Bills, 41–31.  This week: vs. Jets.  I’m trying to separate the issues of some disappointing teams into different buckets. Are these seemingly broken scheme issues, talent issues, or both? The Lions’ back end seems to be both, with Kelvin Sheppard facing an early do-or-die scenario with Detroit sitting at 1–1. Dan Campbell has had a quick-ish hook for underperforming assistant coaches in the past. Will Sheppard buck that trend?):  https://www.si.com/nfl/conor-orr-week-3-nfl-power-rankings-bengals-chargers-vikings


Average Power Rankings (270/20):  14
Posted by LionsFan at 5:57 PM 0 comments

Monday, September 21, 2026

Lions Links for Monday 9-21-26

Articles:

KEY QUESTIONS: What does Campbell want to see from his team moving forward?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/key-questions-detroit-lions-dan-campbell-want-to-see-from-his-team-moving-forward






Dan Campbell: 'Kelvin Sheppard Knows What He's Doing Man':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/dan-campbell-kelvin-sheppard-knows-what-he-is-doing-man

Who Is More To Blame For Poor Defense: Brad Holmes or Kelvin Sheppard?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/who-is-more-to-blame-for-poor-defense-brad-holmes-kelvin-sheppard

4 Cornerbacks Lions Could Add to Elevate Stale Secondary:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/four-cornerbacks-lions-could-add-elevate-stale-secondary


Detroit Lions Planning Workouts With Several Defensive Backs:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-planning-workouts-with-several-defensive-backs




Dan Campbell revealed where the Lions are looking for safety help, and there are 5 intriguing options sitting out there:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/dan-campbell-revealed-where-the-lions-are-looking-for-safety-help-and-there-are-5-intriguing-options-sitting-out-there/

The Lions’ early 2027 NFL Draft scouting trail is already giving us some interesting names to keep an eye on:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/the-lions-early-2027-nfl-draft-scouting-trail-is-already-giving-us-some-interesting-names-to-keep-an-eye-on/

The Kerby Joseph situation has reached an uncomfortable point for the Lions after Dan Campbell’s latest update:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-kerby-joseph-situation-has-reached-an-uncomfortable-point-for-the-lions-after-dan-campbells-latest-update/

Kelvin Sheppard is safe with the Lions right now, but there’s a feasible backup plan to fall back on, and it’s not the guy everyone wants:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/kelvin-sheppard-is-safe-with-the-lions-right-now-but-theres-a-feasible-backup-plan-to-fall-back-on-and-its-not-the-guy-everyone-wants/

The Lions need cornerback help, but 5 years of NFL trade history show why getting it won’t be nearly as simple as it sounds:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-need-cornerback-help-but-5-years-of-nfl-trade-history-show-why-getting-it-wont-be-nearly-as-simple-as-it-sounds/

The Lions’ last 3 draft classes are getting lumped together, but the numbers tell three very different stories:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-last-3-draft-classes-are-getting-lumped-together-but-the-numbers-tell-three-very-different-stories/

The Lions have 4 cornerback options they could add right now without paying the price of a blockbuster trade:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-have-4-cornerback-options-they-could-add-right-now-without-paying-the-price-of-a-blockbuster-trade/

The Lions are wasting no time looking for secondary help after Buffalo, with 2 veteran defensive backs coming in for workouts Monday:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-are-wasting-no-time-looking-for-secondary-help-after-buffalo-with-2-veteran-defensive-backs-coming-in-for-workouts-monday/

Lions lose key DB for season; Campbell backs DC after defense's woes:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49999325/lions-lose-db-avonte-maddox-season-dan-campbell-defends-dc


$.05 After NFL Week 2 ($.01--It’s too early to know who the best and worst teams are, but the Buffalo Bills belong in strong consideration for the top spot. They certainly looked the part in Thursday night’s demolition of the Detroit Lions as Buffalo opened their new Highmark Stadium with a resounding 41-31 victory. Hopefully you didn’t tune in late, because you missed some real fireworks from the home team. Buffalo surged out to a 14-0 lead after each team had two possessions, with the Bills gaining 159 yards and Detroit held to minus-1. The lead surged to 21-0 before the Lions finally realized that a game was being played. Technically, Detroit won the final three quarters of the game, 31-27. But that matters not when the Bills absolutely suffocated all the football vigor out of the Lions with some truly impressive dominance on both sides of the ball. Josh Allen was almost flawless with his arm, his legs and his eyes. James Cook exploited some awful gap integrity to the tune of 135 yards on the ground. Greg Rousseau kept up his amazing fortnight with another strip sack (he had two in Week 1) and constantly pressuring Jared Goff. While the Lions have some pretty egregious flaws and injury situations, that’s still a pretty good team that Buffalo made look inept for a half. Sure, Detroit didn’t quit and came back to (kind of) make it interesting, but the Bills were in firm control from start to finish. That’s what great teams do. New head coach Joe Brady has found a wonderful balance early and is pushing the right buttons. Being champs in September doesn’t always make for being the best team once winter hits (ask Colts fans!), but you also don’t get to play for championships in winter without a good start to the season. Buffalo’s beginning to 2026 is as good as anyone in Western NY could have hoped for.):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3712/$05-After-NFL-Week-2

The Bears Are A Two-Faced Squad; Despite Win, Patriots QB Drake Maye Is Regressing (3. Detroit Lions - What Went Wrong: The Lions Woefully Overplayed Their Hand Against Josh Allen. .Let’s start with how the Lions’ defense tried (and failed) to stop Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who has been historically dominant to start the season, logging nine total touchdowns in the first two weeks. He is just the second player to do that in the Super Bowl era, following Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (2013, 2018). It’s important to note Allen’s accolades because it shows that he’s not necessarily a quarterback who can be stopped right now. But as the stats show, the Lions didn’t even slow him down in their 41-31 loss on Thursday. "That quarterback can make things difficult," Lions coach Dan Campbell said after the game. "[But] we didn’t make life easy on ourselves." The Lions dialed up one of the most aggressive blitzing game plans that Allen has ever seen.  And Allen made that plan look stupid.  Detroit blitzed Allen on 55.3% of his dropbacks, the third-highest blitz rate he has faced in a game in the past five seasons, and the highest rate by the Lions under defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, per Next Gen Stats. Yet Allen completed 20 of his 31 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns. Facing the blitz, this was an outlier game for Allen. Sending the blitz, this was an outlier for Sheppard.  So what happened? Against the blitz, Allen was 12-of-17 for 137 yards and two touchdowns, while adding two scramble runs for 10 yards and a touchdown. "We’ve got to clean up a lot of things defensively right now, particularly on the back end," Campbell said, revealing that the Lions had a series of coverage breakdowns that allowed big plays.  Allen saw the blitzes clearly. He saw the coverages clearly. (And the busts.) We’ve always known he’s among the most physically talented players in NFL history. It’s his mental game that has lapsed, with him — notably — failing to diagnose and/or defeat blitzes from the likes of Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo in big moments, often in the playoffs.  But Allen’s mental game seems to be getting better. Sheppard couldn’t trick, stump or deceive Allen. All that aggression backfired.  On the other side of the ball, Detroit’s offense has its own issues. For starters, QB Jared Goff’s connection with receiver Jameson Williams has me slightly concerned. In his fifth season with the Lions, Williams has been unable to make big plays when they’ve needed him.  In the first two weeks, Goff has 533 passing yards and six touchdowns, but Williams has just six catches for 78 yards and no touchdowns. He has snagged just six of his 13 targets (46%). At this time last year, Williams had 131 yards and a touchdown. Last season, he caught 64% of his targets. Williams is a boom-and-bust player, but it feels notable that while the offense has erupted through two games, the WR2 has not. Tight end Sam LaPorta is back, and star running back Jahmyr Gibbs seems to be contributing even more in the passing game. But let’s not make excuses for an elite playmaker: Williams is struggling to haul in his targets. Something’s off with him and Goff.  Something’s way, way off with this Lions defense.  The only consolation — after a game where there’s this much to fix (and rethink) — is that they have a long week to take a look in the mirror. The film room won’t be a happy place this week. But honest criticism should pay dividends for a team this talented.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/bears-two-faced-squad-despite-patriots-qb-drake-maye-regressing


NFL Hot Seat Watch Week 2: Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles, Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh, Lions’ Dan Campbell Among Coaches on Notice (Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions - In Week 1, the Detroit Lions blew a historic lead against the New Orleans Saints, and the Lions were a successful Saints two-point conversion away from losing that game. This wasn’t a horrible close win, but it shouldn’t have been close to begin with.  Then, in Week 2, the Lions faced the Bills, and for a good amount of this game, they were behind big. Josh Allen and the rest of the offense completely carved Detroit’s defense apart, and although personnel was a big part of that, the coaching was not good enough.  Since losing Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson as his coordinators, Dan Campbell hasn’t looked the same, and many aren’t sold on his ability to turn the team around.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-hot-seat-watch-week-2-todd-bowles-jim-harbaugh-dan-campbell/


Video:


Jared Goff reflects on Bills loss; prepares for Jets:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/fmc-8lckhrmqqhjisgra

Posted by LionsFan at 8:29 PM 0 comments

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Lions Links for Sunday 9-20-26

Articles:




Detroit Lions Have Recently Checked About Veteran Cornerback:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-have-recently-checked-about-veteran-cornerback

3 Replacements For Kelvin Sheppard Who Would Instantly Improve Defense:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/replacements-for-kelvin-sheppard-instantly-improve-defense

Detroit Lions Defense Has Had Historically Bad Start to 2026 Season:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-defense-has-had-historically-bad-start-2026-season




The Lions have checked in on a former Pro Bowl cornerback, and the timing suddenly makes a lot of sense:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-have-checked-in-on-a-former-pro-bowl-cornerback-and-the-timing-suddenly-makes-a-lot-of-sense/

Let's overreact to NFL Week 2: Would the Steelers think about benching Rodgers? (The Lions' defense is going to keep them out of the playoffs again
Rough go of things for the Lions in Week 2. Four days after they were on the field for 86 plays in an overtime victory over the Saints, the undermanned Detroit defense had to go to Buffalo for a Thursday night game where the Bills were opening their new stadium. They got smoked. The gave up 446 yards in a 41-31 loss to Josh Allen & Co. That's after giving up 469 yards to Tyler Shough and the Saints in Week 1.  The Lions are shorthanded on the back end, missing their two starting safeties due to injury and Terrion Arnold, who was a starting corner for them last season but was released him this summer as a result of legal issues. They really don't have a helper in the pass rush for superstar edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who's clearly being asked to do too much. The offense can still put up points -- 31 in each game so far! -- but they have to figure out a way to stop somebody if they're going to get where they want to go.  Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION.  They'll get healthier. Safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph will be back at some point. But it doesn't sound like that point is coming very soon, and it doesn't answer their pass-rush question up front. Second-year coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who succeeded Aaron Glenn when Glenn got the Jets' head coach job, has to figure out a way to scheme something up that the players he does have can execute.  It should help the Lions that they get some extra rest before their Week 3 game, but in a division in which every team had a winning record last season and at least two of the other teams have shown a consistent ability to put big numbers on the scoreboard, they're going to have a tough time getting into the postseason field if they can't get things figured out on defense.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49990224/week-2-overreactions-2026-graziano-rodgers-eagles

Five NFL Rookie Injuries Guaranteed to Shake-Up Week 2 (Lions Missed OT Blake Miller in Thursday Night Football Loss to Bills.  Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller was excellent in Week 1, but the rookie suffered a knee injury in his debut. With Detroit playing on Thursday Night Football, it was too swift of a turnaround for the blocker to get physically cleared. The Lions missed Miller dearly in the high-scoring defeat to the Buffalo Bills.  Lions quarterback Jared Goff was sacked on four occasions. Veteran tackle Larry Borom was credited with allowing seven pressures and two sacks. Hopefully Miller returns ASAP.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/five-nfl-rookie-injuries-guaranteed-to-shake-up-week-2

Video:

Should Detroit Lions Explore Firing DC Kelvin Sheppard?:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/detroit-lions-exploring-firing-dc-122919984.html

Detroit Lions Defense Is Disaster Through First Two Weeks:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/detroit-lions-defense-disaster-first-140607992.html
Posted by LionsFan at 8:32 PM 0 comments

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Lions Links for Saturday 9-19-26

Articles:



Lions Red Zone Report: Successful Trips Suggest Optimism for Petzing:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-red-zone-report-successful-trips-suggest-optimism-for-petzing


5 Players Detroit Lions Must Scout in College Football Week 3:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/five-players-detroit-lions-must-scout-college-football-week-three

Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs Levied Hefty Week 1 Fine:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-jahmyr-gibbs-levied-hefty-week-one-fine

Detroit Lions Rookie Report: Would Rookie CB Spark Secondary?:   https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-rookie-report-would-rookie-cb-spark-secondary

D.J. Reed Tries Explaining Why Lions Defense Flopped Against Bills:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/d-j-reed-tries-explaining-why-lions-defense-flopped-against-bills

The Good, Bad and Ugly From Detroit Lions Loss Against Bills:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/the-good-bad-ugly-from-detroit-lions-loss-against-bills

Detroit Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard Is Clueless, Defense Looks Amateurish:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-dc-kelvin-sheppard-is-clueless-defense-looks-amateurish


Lions defense fails to deliver on Kelvin Sheppard’s offseason commitments:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/173723/detroit-lions-defense-failure-kelvin-sheppard-2026-promises



How Concerning Is the Lions Defense? Here’s What Four Numbers Say About the Unit’s Struggles:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/concerning-defense-what-four-numbers-say-struggles



‘The Elephant in the Room Is Brad Holmes’ — Former NFL DT Points to Lions GM Over Detroit’s Major Regression:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/brad-holmes-former-nfl-dt-lions-regression/

‘Time to Hit the Panic Button,’ ‘Their Days of Being Elite Are Over’ — NFL Analysts React to Lions’ Blowout Loss to Bills As...:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-analysts-react-lions-loss-dan-campbell-over/

‘Dan Campbell Is Nothing Without Ben Johnson’ — Ex-Eagles LB Throws Lions HC Under The Bus After Humiliating TNF Loss to Bills:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/dan-campbell-ben-johnson-eagles-lb-lions-hc-tnf-bills/

Video:




Albert Breer on Bills' Win Over Lions, Desperate 0-1 Teams and Chiefs':  https://www.si.com/nfl/video/albert-breer-bills-win-lions-desperate-teams-chiefs-success
Posted by LionsFan at 8:27 PM 0 comments

Friday, September 18, 2026

Lions Links for Friday Evening 9-18-26

Articles:






Lions LB Jack Campbell Got Paid, Lost His Mojo: Can He Regain It Fast?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-jack-campbell-got-paid-lost-his-mojo-can-he-regain-it-fast

Everything Dan Campbell Said After Detroit Lions Lost To Buffalo Bills:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/everything-dan-campbell-said-after-detroit-lions-lost-to-buffalo-bills

What Detroit Lions Snap Counts Against Buffalo Bills Reveal:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/what-detroit-lions-snap-counts-against-buffalo-bills-reveal

Dan Campbell: It Made Me Nervous When Veteran DB Did Not Return:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-nervous-after-avonte-maddox-injury



The Drew Petzing complaint Lions fans are raging about is something Ben Johnson did constantly in Detroit and still does in Chicago:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-drew-petzing-complaint-lions-fans-are-raging-about-is-something-ben-johnson-did-constantly-in-detroit-and-still-does-in-chicago/

Lions Film Study: Buffalo found the matchup it wanted against the Lions and kept going back to it until Detroit broke; how to fix it:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/lions-film-study-buffalo-found-the-matchup-it-wanted-against-the-lions-and-kept-going-back-to-it-until-detroit-broke-how-to-fix-it/

Why aren’t we talking about this? One specific penalty keeps killing the Lions, and it struck again at the worst possible time:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/why-arent-we-talking-about-this-one-specific-penalty-keeps-killing-the-lions-and-it-struck-again-at-the-worst-possible-time/

What the box score didn’t tell you: The Bills found a way to trap the Lions’ defense, and other teams will copy it:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/what-the-box-score-didnt-tell-you-the-bills-found-a-way-to-trap-the-lions-defense-and-other-teams-will-copy-it/

3 Lions winners and 6 losers from the loss to the Bills: Jared Goff shines, Brad Holmes needs to make a move, Kelvin Sheppard gets burned:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/3-lions-winners-and-6-losers-from-the-loss-to-the-bills-jared-goff-shines-brad-holmes-needs-to-make-a-move-kelvin-sheppard-gets-burned/

Kelvin Sheppard's defense looks like a mess: 'Something's gotta change':  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/kelvin-sheppard-lions

Lions-Bills: What Dan Campbell, players said after deflating Buffalo loss:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/lions-bills-everything-dan-campbell-players-said-after-deflating-buffalo-loss

Larry Borom, Ben Bartch Struggles vs. Bills Spotlight Lions’ Shaky Offensive Line Depth:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/larry-borom-ben-bartch-struggles-vs-bills-spotlight-lions-shaky-offensive-line-depth

NFL Week 2 Recap: Detroit Lions 31, Buffalo Bills 41:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-2-recap-detroit-lions-31-buffalo-bills-41

NFL Week 2 statistical review: Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-2-statistical-review-buffalo-bills-vs-detroit-lions

Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell Rip Lions' 'Terrible' Defense After Loss To Bills:  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/aidan-hutchinson-jack-campbell-comments-lions-bills

Stephen A. Smith rips Lions defense after giving up 71 points in 2 games:  https://www.thebiglead.com/stephen-a-smith-rips-lions-defense-giving-up-71-points-2-games/



Lions coaching decision mistake proving to be epic failure:  https://www.thebiglead.com/lions-coaching-decision-mistake-ben-johnson-dan-campbell/

Grades:



Video:

'GMFB' reacts to Bills' taming of Lions in Highmark Stadium debut:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/gmfb-reacts-to-bills-taming-of-lions-in-highmark-stadium-debut

Kyle Brandt breaks down Bills' win vs. Lions last night to open Highmark stadium | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/kyle-brandt-breaks-down-bills-win-vs-lions-last-night-to-open-highmark-stadium-gmfb


‘The Grittiness is Gone” - Rich Eisen on the 1-1 Detroit Lions Looking to Regain Their Mojo:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IoLjceuLc4

The Lions Shouldn't Panic After Loss to Bills:  https://www.thebiglead.com/ezfeed-video/video-702/
Posted by LionsFan at 10:11 PM 0 comments
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