Thursday, October 15, 2026

Lions Links for Thursday 10-15-26

Articles:



One Advanced Metric Showcases Just How Important Brian Branch Is:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/one-advanced-metric-showcases-just-how-important-brian-branch-is

'His Career Just Got Launched': Jon Gruden Praises Lions Rookie Defender:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/his-career-just-got-launched-jon-gruden-praises-lions-rookie-defender


How Marvin Harrison Jr. Trade Negatively Impacts Detroit Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/how-marvin-harrison-jr-trade-negatively-impacts-detroit-lions

Should Lions LB Injury Lead to More Snaps for Jimmy Rolder?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/should-lions-lb-injury-lead-to-more-snaps-for-jimmy-rolder

Why Detroit Lions Did Not Take Out Key Players After Comfortable Lead:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/why-detroit-lions-did-not-take-out-key-players-after-comfortable-lead

The Detroit Lions are getting back ‘a top-10 center’ in Cade Mays:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-news/177142/detroit-lions-getting-backtop-10-center-cade-mays


The Lions just added a veteran return specialist, but Tom Kennedy’s replacement job is far from settled:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-just-added-a-veteran-return-specialist-but-tom-kennedys-replacement-job-is-far-from-settled/

Lions trade target Riq Woolen: What an Eagles insider says about his availability and price and how it could be cheaper than we thought:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/lions-trade-target-riq-woolen-what-an-eagles-insider-says-about-his-availability-and-price-and-how-it-could-be-cheaper-than-we-thought/

3 Lions players other teams could call about before the trade deadline, including one Detroit should seriously consider moving:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/3-lions-players-other-teams-could-call-about-before-the-trade-deadline-including-one-detroit-should-seriously-consider-moving/

Could the Lions trade for Zyon McCollum? A Bucs insider explains his availability and price:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/could-the-lions-trade-for-zyon-mccollum-a-bucs-insider-explains-his-availability-and-price/


Lions Moved on From David Montgomery at the Perfect Time as Texans RB Lands on Hot Seat:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-moved-on-from-david-montgomery-at-the-perfect-time-as-texans-rb-lands-on-hot-seat

D.J. Wonnum further proof of the Hutch Effect for Lions:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/d-j-wonnum-lions-2678086086

Skyler Gill-Howard talks rookie season with Detroit Lions:  https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/skyler-gill-howard-rookie-season-detroit-lions/

Barnwell takes the temperature of the NFL's hottest seats: 15 coaches, players who need a turnaround (Kelvin Sheppard, DC, Detroit Lions:  When the Lions lost coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn after the 2024 season to head coaching gigs, Dan Campbell chose a pair of relatively low-key replacements. He hired John Morton from the Broncos to take over the offense and promoted Sheppard, already on staff as the team's linebackers coach, to run the defense. Given how successful Campbell's prior hires had been, the new coordinators deservedly started their tenure with some credit in the bank.  That credit is all used up. Morton didn't make it through one full year as offensive playcaller. Campbell took over the role during the 2025 season before firing Morton after missing the playoffs. Sheppard made it through Year 1, but unless things improve, it's tough to see him surviving through the end of a second season in the defensive role. The Lions are a disaster on defense, ranking 29th in points allowed per drive and last in EPA per play. They can't get off the field on third down and have allowed teams to convert 81% of their red zone trips into touchdowns, the third-worst figure in the league.  Is that on coaching? I'm skeptical. Watching the Lions closely, I see a defense that simply doesn't have enough talent as opposed to one that makes routine schematic mistakes. The Lions comfortably have the worst secondary in the NFL, a product of injuries (which have cost them one of the league's best safety duos in Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph) and off-field behavior (leading to the release of 2024 first-round pick Terrion Arnold, who admittedly wasn't living up to expectations before being cut amid felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping).  Longtime starter D.J. Reed hasn't played well, but the players around him shouldn't be expected to make up a solid secondary. Sheppard is running out veterans on low-cost contracts such as Chuck Clark, Roger McCreary, Rock Ya-Sin and Christian Izien as regular defensive backs. Players such as Thomas Harper and Avonte Maddox weren't playing well, either, but they've also gone down injured, leaving the Lions without alternatives. It's telling that Detroit was excited to turn to rookie Keith Abney II, a 5-foot-9 fifth-round pick, as a potential savior at corner against the Cardinals last week. It's difficult to recall a secondary that was less imposing on paper, let alone how it has played in reality.  The good news for the Lions, if there is any, is that the front four is playing better. The Lions have the fifth-best sack rate in the league. They're the second-best tackling team in terms of missed tackle rate, although that doesn't cover situations where the Lions simply aren't close enough to a ball carrier to even attempt a tackle. If the Lions could hold up in coverage, the defense might improve to passable, which would be enough to win plenty of games given the way the offense is playing.  One major reinforcement is on the way in Branch, who has returned to practice and should be back on the field in the next couple of weeks from his Achilles injury. Abney had a solid start against the Cardinals and should feature in the defense more often moving forward. And though Joseph's future is unclear after suffering a knee injury last year, the hope is that the Lions will have the 2024 first-team All-Pro back at some point in 2026.  If Abney and Branch can't right the ship, something will need to change. General manager Brad Holmes is aggressive and could look to make a move at the trade deadline, with Campbell admitting that the Lions were in on the Joey Porter Jr. negotiations before the Cowboys swooped in and traded for the Steelers corner. Sheppard will obviously hope to get more help, but the Lions can't compete for a title if their defense continues to blow leads in the fourth quarter.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50176029/hot-seats-players-coaches-week-6-barnwell

Which NFL teams need a new QB in 2027? The list is growing.  (Could the Chargers or Lions enter the quarterback market?  Lions: Jared Goff will be 33 next year, and he was never mobile to begin with. And that’s even more of an issue now. He has not been the same guy since Ben Johnson left, and in trade, he could be looked at by other teams as a one-year rental for $40 million given how the deal is structured. If Dan Campbell is gone, this could be a reboot. How good would your roster have to be to win a Lombardi with a 34- or 35-year-old Goff?):  https://fansided.com/nfl/which-nfl-teams-need-a-new-qb-in-2027-the-list-is-growing

7 NFL teams that should be buyers at 2026 trade deadline, including Chiefs (Detroit Lions - An embattled secondary ratcheted up the man coverage against the Arizona Cardinals and finally looked at home. Still, even with Brian Branch coming back, it's difficult to trust a group that has the fourth-worst defensive EPA per dropback, according to Next Gen Stats. And with Detroit having tallied a league-leading 20 sacks, a pass rush that's integral to the team's hopes might already be maxed out.  But finding high-level secondary help around midseason isn't easy. With Porter having been dealt, there aren't many acquirable cornerbacks who could actually help out a new team. If Kansas City sees Kristian Fulton as superfluous to a back end already embracing a youth movement, the veteran could make sense as a target for Detroit. Donte Jackson also could be a consideration if the Los Angeles Chargers continue to slide and entertain a sell-off. With both players in the final year of their deals, the cost and risk involved with any acquisition should be relatively limited.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/10/15/nfl-trade-deadline-buyers-2026-chiefs-bills/92248584007/

‘Enjoy the Fireworks’ — Tom Brady Gives Hope to Lions Fans by Praising Jared Goff After Detroit’s Challenging Start To Season:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tom-brady-lions-praising-jared-goff/

Lions hope to keep momentum after bye week, hosting Packers and Vikings in next 2 games:  https://apnews.com/article/detroit-lions-bye-513747bee6edd5c6a7ddcedc0e8475cf

Video:



Will The Lions Look To Add On The Offensive Side Of The Ball? | Karsch and Anderson:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/video/will-the-lions-look-to-add-on-the-offensive-side-of-the-ball-karsch-and-anderson-xbnarl6


Could the Lions move Juice Scruggs ahead of the trade deadline?:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/could-lions-move-juice-scruggs-190735242.html

Lions' offense thriving with creativity this year:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/lions-offense-thriving-creativity-173452866.html

Expectations For Lions Safety Brian Branch When He Returns:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/expectations-lions-safety-brian-branch-121625693.html
Posted by LionsFan at 6:49 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Lions Links for Wednesday 10-14-26

Articles:





Detroit Lions RB Earns NFC Offensive Award After Cardinals Win:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-rb-earns-nfc-offensive-award-after-cardinals-win

Former Packers WR: Detroit Lions Jared Goff Is Best QB in NFL:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/former-packers-wr-detroit-lions-jared-goff-is-best-qb-in-nfl





We graded the entire Lions roster through 5 games, and 2 players have separated themselves from everyone else:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/we-graded-the-entire-lions-roster-through-5-games-and-2-players-have-separated-themselves-from-everyone-else/

Brad Holmes deserves criticism for the secondary, but what he did with the Lions’ offensive line is incredible:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/brad-holmes-deserves-criticism-for-the-secondary-but-what-he-did-with-the-lions-offensive-line-is-incredible/

6 Lions players who deserve more playing time after the bye, including one rookie who may have forced Detroit’s hand:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/6-lions-players-who-deserve-more-playing-time-after-the-bye-including-one-rookie-who-may-have-forced-detroits-hand/

Detroit Lions Mailbag: Will Brad Holmes make multiple trades, will Kerby Joseph play again, and is Cade Mays taking over at center?:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-mailbag-will-brad-holmes-make-multiple-trades-will-kerby-joseph-play-again-and-is-cade-mays-taking-over-at-center/

Will the Lions Add a Receiver During the Bye? What Tom Kennedy's Season-Ending Injury Changes:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/will-the-lions-add-receiver-during-bye-tom-kennedys-season-ending-injury

Dan Campbell: These two Lions had their best games of season on defense:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/jack-campbell-detroit-lions

After Lions 'whip ass' in Arizona, they enter bye week on a high note:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50182094/lions-bye-week-learned-offense-goff-gibbs

Reevaluating 32 bold NFL predictions, five weeks in: Which are on target, and which need a do-over? (Detroit Lions - Original prediction: Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson will win Defensive Player of the Year.  Why there's still a chance: Four sacks and a 66th percentile pass rush win rate at edge isn't a bad start, but he's going to have to pick it up to fulfill this prediction. He has the talent level to do it, but the fact that the rest of the Lions' defense is looking so weak is going to hurt Hutchinson's sack total, which in turn will hurt his DPOY chances.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50163007/2026-season-evaluating-preseason-predictions-updates

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Steelers RB Jaylen Warren highlight Players of the Week (NFC Offensive Player of the Week:  Jahmyr Gibbs - Gibbs was a production machine in Detroit's 45-21 thumping of the Cardinals on Sunday. He posted 207 scrimmage yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns. Gibbs garnered 30 touches, with five receptions for 56 yards and 15 carries for 151 rushing yards. With his two rushing scores, Gibbs, 24, reached 58 career scores and passed Hall of Famer and Lions legend Barry Sanders for the most touchdowns by any NFL player prior to turning 25.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-2026-week-5-jahmyr-gibbs-jaylen-warren

2026 NFL offensive line rankings: Lions move into top spot, Patriots slide amid injury (1. Detroit Lions (up 3) - The Lions move into the top spot having been named our Offensive Line of the Week from each of the past two weeks. Penei Sewell has earned a PFF grade above 90.0 in two of the past three games after a slow start having switched to left tackle, but the biggest story is how quickly right tackle Blake Miller has looked comfortable in the NFL. He has yet to allow a sack in the first four games of his NFL career, and has given up just nine pressures from 166 pass-blocking snaps.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-offensive-line-rankings-2026

NFL wide receiver rankings: Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads after Week 5, Drake London Climbs to No. 2 (15. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (down 2):  St. Brown still leads all wide receivers with 55 targets, but his production has dipped over the past three weeks after he racked up 209 receiving yards in the first two games of the season. He also fumbled this week, which hurt his PFF grade.  26. Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions (down 1): Williams is tied for 12th among wide receivers in yards per reception (15.3) but is tied for the second-highest drop rate (18.2%). Drops have been an issue throughout his career, and he is on pace for his highest drop rate in the past four seasons.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-wide-receiver-rankings

Mahomes Mountain Week 6: Jared Goff Rises, Patrick Mahomes Remains At The Summit (2nd Row:
Jared Goff Detroit Lions - Wright: "A change in row two: Jared Goff. They’re scoring more points than anyone in the league, they have one of the most efficient offenses ever. He's not turning the ball over. He’s been fantastic; they have to score these kinds of points.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/mahomes-mountain-week-6

2026 NFL MVP Power Rankings entering Week 6 (5. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions:  Goff almost made this list last week, and while a strong performance against a struggling Cardinals defense might not move the needle, his numbers so far are hard to deny. He was second in the NFL with 1,485 passing yards, tied for second with 12 passing touchdowns, and has thrown no interceptions.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/touchdown/2026/10/14/2026-nfl-mvp-power-rankings-entering-week-6/92250997007/


QB Rankings;

NFL quarterback power rankings entering Week 6 (1. Jared Goff - Second in passing yards. Second in touchdown passes. If the Lions’ defense hadn’t given up the fourth-most points in the NFL so far this season he’d be in MVP contention.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-quarterback-power-rankings-heading-into-week-6/

NFL QB rankings: Herbert plummets to No. 30 in Week 6 update (3..Jared Goff - Jared Goff has 12 passing touchdowns, one behind Purdy for the league lead, and zero interceptions in 2026. That is tied for the most passing touchdowns without an interception by any quarterback through the first five games of a season in NFL history along with Russell Wilson in 2019. His 1,485 yards passing, second in the NFL behind Matthew Stafford's 1,572, rank as the third-most without an interception through the first five games of a season in NFL history. After he toasted the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday to the tune of 271 yards and three passing touchdowns on 19 of 30 passing plus an additional rushing touchdown, Goff is playing like top-three quarterback in football entering his bye week. (+4)):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-quarterback-rankings-2026-week-6-jared-goff-justin-herbert/

NFL QB rankings, Week 6: Josh Allen reclaims No. 1 spot; Jordan Love makes biggest jump (4. Jared Goff - 2026 stats: 5 games | 67.0 pct | 1485 pass yds | 7.8 ypa | 12 pass TDs | 0 INTs | 16 rush yds | 1 rush TD | 4 fumbles. Jared Goff is quietly putting together a stellar season, torching Arizona with ease while pushing his TD-INT ratio to a perfect 12-0.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-qb-rankings-week-6-2026-nfl-season

2027 NFL QB Rankings: Brock Purdy and Bryce Young Keep Getting Better (5. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - Preseason Ranking: 12.  Pick the stat, and Goff has been elite in it this season. He’s second in passing yards (1,485), behind only Matthew Stafford. He’s fifth in EPA per play (0.320). He’s thrown for 12 touchdowns (tied for second) without an interception. Goff has led the Lions to a 3–2 record despite a defense that has allowed the most passing yards in NFL history through four games. While Goff doesn’t often get the same attention as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and others, he puts up similar numbers. Goff has thrown for at least 4,400 yards and 29 touchdowns in each of the past four seasons. He’s currently on pace for 5,049 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2026. Given how the Lions play defense, he might need those numbers to reach the playoffs.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2027-nfl-qb-rankings-brock-purdy-bryce-young-keep-getting-better

NFL quarterback rankings: Patrick Mahomes remains on top, Jared Goff rises (7. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (up 3):  Goff continues to climb these rankings with a strong start to the 2026 season. He leads all quarterbacks with an 86.1 PFF passing grade, and this has been helped by how well he has avoided negative plays. His 0.5% turnover-worthy play rate is tied for the best mark at the position.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-quarterback-rankings

Video:

'GMFB' reacts to Lions HC Dan Campbell on questioning his own coaching decisions:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/gmfb-reacts-to-lions-hc-dan-campbell-on-questioning-his-own-coaching-decisions



Jared Goff On Lions Win Over Cardinals Heading Into The Bye | Karsch and Anderson:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/video/jared-goff-on-lions-win-over-cardinals-heading-into-the-bye-karsch-and-anderson-xbmmfy6

Talking Lions and the NFL going into Week 6:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/fmc-qqek2wamaiptctj0

Exploring If Detroit Lions Should Hire New Sr. Defensive Assistant:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/exploring-detroit-lions-hire-sr-184232244.html

One Lions rookie showed real promise this past week against Arizona Cardinals: https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/one-lions-rookie-showed-real-174908130.html


The Lions NEED To Play These two Players More After The Bye:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/lions-play-two-players-more-161119467.html

Examining If Lions Defense Can Sustain Improvements Made:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/examining-lions-defense-sustain-improvements-142726142.html

Posted by LionsFan at 7:31 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Lions Links for Tuesday 10-13-26

Articles:




Release of Lions Veteran Safety Jalen Mills Signals Major Return:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/release-of-lions-safety-jalen-mills-signals-major-return

Lions First Quarter Rookie Report: Early Evaluations on 2026 Draft Class:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-first-quarter-rookie-report-early-evaluations-2026-draft-class


The Good, Bad and Ugly of Lions 45-21 Win Over Cardinals:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/good-bad-ugly-of-lions-45-21-win-over-cardinals-2026



The Detroit Lions signed Jared Goff to a $112 million extension in May of 2024; now it’s time for a performance evaluation of how he’s played since the ink has dried:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-detroit-lions-signed-jared-goff-to-a-112-million-extension-in-may-of-2024-now-its-time-for-a-performance-evaluation-of-how-hes-played-since-the-ink-has-dried/

We ran every Lions 2027 draft pick through our trade simulator — 7 cornerbacks came back, and one deal makes too much sense:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/we-ran-every-lions-2027-draft-pick-through-our-trade-simulator-7-cornerbacks-came-back-and-one-deal-makes-too-much-sense/

Dan Campbell keeps hinting that Lions lineup changes are coming. These 5 players could lose snaps after the bye:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/dan-campbell-keeps-hinting-that-lions-lineup-changes-are-coming-these-5-players-could-lose-snaps-after-the-bye/

The Lions need a new punt returner, but they might be able to help solve another problem at the same time:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-need-a-new-punt-returner-but-they-might-be-able-to-help-solve-another-problem-at-the-same-time/

Lions Film Study: Something Arizona did twice against the Lions looked VERY familiar — and that’s the problem:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/lions-film-study-something-arizona-did-twice-against-the-lions-looked-very-familiar-and-thats-the-problem/

Can Jahmyr Gibbs Catch LaDainian Tomlinson? Answering 4 Questions Lions Fans Are Asking:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/can-jahmyr-gibbs-catch-ladainian-tomlinson-answering-4-questions-lions-fans-are-asking

Lions Week 5 Stock Report: Kelvin Sheppard Among 4 Rising, Devin White Leads 2 Falling:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-week-5-stock-report-kelvin-sheppard-among-4-rising-devin-white-leads-2-falling

Lions’ Surprise Safety Switch Could Change Their Season:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-keith-abney-safety-switch-cardinals

'Freaking smart' Keith Abney II gives Lions' defense a lift:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/keith-abney-ii-lions

QB Accuracy Report: NFL Week 6 (12. Jared Goff):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-qb-accuracy-report

Predicting buyers, sellers and targets at NFL trade deadline (Buyer: Lions - Buy candidates: Zyon McCollum, Donte Jackson, Greg Newsome II, Kristian Fulton.  The Lions will go as far as the offense carries them. That is, unless they address one of the NFL's most glaring needs: help in the Detroit secondary. While Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown will keep them in essentially every game they play, they cannot keep surrendering at least 21 points in each outing as they did in Weeks 1-5 if they are to make the playoffs. Losing Terrion Arnold in the offseason continues to prove mighty costly, especially given that both starting safeties from a year ago, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, are on the shelf with injuries.  Detroit would stand to benefit from a potential fire sale in Tampa Bay, because that would probably make McCollum available for the right price. There are several directions the Lions could go at cornerback, and they can afford to be aggressive. They own the second-most cap space of any team with $33.9 million available, and as a team that has to strike now to maximize its contention window, any and all draft picks should be on the table.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-trade-deadline-buyers-sellers-cowboys-bucs-chargers/

Who is the NFL's WR1? Where JSN, Chase, more stack up (6. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions - Preseason Rankings: 5.  I think it's important to note that while St. Brown often gets labeled as "the best slot receiver" in football, he's actually played more often on the perimeter than on the inside in three straight seasons. He does everything, not just the slot stuff. He's obviously absurdly good in the slot, but he's also really good outside. He's gone for 100-plus catches and 1,100-plus yards in four consecutive seasons, and five 10-plus touchdowns in each of the last three. He's on pace to top all of those numbers again this year. He's the model of consistency.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-best-nfl-wrs-jaxon-smith-njigba-jamarr-chase-puka-nacua/

Seven second-tier Super Bowl contenders offering value right now (7. Detroit Lions (+2600) - The Detroit Lions actually have the second-shortest odds to win the NFC North right now, so do with that what you will. Dan Campbell just registered his first road win of the season on Sunday, as Detroit dominated the Arizona Cardinals, 45-21. However, beating up on a bad team doesn't exactly quell all concerns. The Lions may lead the NFL in sacks (20), but they still rank dead last in total defense, allowing 404.4 total yards per game. Even with the 21 points allowed on Sunday, Detroit still ranks bottom four in scoring defense with 29.6 points allowed per game. This Lions team is unfortunately reminiscent of recent Lions teams. Jared Goff commands a lethal offense headlined by Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown, but it's hard to believe Kelvin Sheppard's defense has the ability to support a legitimate contender. With that said, Sunday's performance against Arizona was good.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-61-identifying-contenders-outside-top-tier/

NFL Week 5 All-Stars: Drake Maye Is Playing Like An MVP, As Is Jahmyr Gibbs (RB: Jahmyr Gibbs
Detroit Lions:  Jahmyr Gibbs had over 200 yards of total offense in the Detroit Lions' rout of the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 151 and two scores and adding another 56 yards receiving. The Lions' offense under Drew Petzing has been impressive, averaging nearly 33 points per game and getting at least 26 points in all five games. Gibbs has jumped ahead of Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson for the lead the NFL in yards from scrimmage and put himself on pace for 2,540 over a 17-game season.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-week-5-all-stars-drake-maye-playing-like-mvp-jahmyr-gibbs


Lions needed clutch 4th-down conversions to spark their blowout of the Cardinals:  https://apnews.com/article/lions-analysis-week-5-553b306d6b935bbac0ba575c99972602

9 NFL Rookies Who Stole the Spotlight in Week 5 (Keith Abney, CB, Detroit Lions:  Detroit Lions rookie cornerback Keith Abney intercepted a Hail Mary pass from Jacoby Brissett at the conclusion of the second quarter. During the locker room speech, head coach Dan Campbell rewarded him with one of three game balls. Abney played 57 of the Lions' defensive snaps, and he added six tackles to his totals.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/9-nfl-rookies-who-stole-the-spotlight-in-week-5

Grades:


Report card grades for every NFC team in NFL Week 5 (Detroit Lions: A.  The Detroit offense struck for 45 points, and this is the Lions team that fans expect. Lots of points and their stars getting the ball. Jahmyr Gibbs with 151 yards and two touchdowns, plus Sam LaPorta having a great game):  https://www.thebiglead.com/report-card-grades-nfc-team-nfl-week-5-2026/

QB Rankings:

QB Stock Market Week 6: Can Dak Overcome Cowboys? Can Seahawks Overcome Darnold? (7. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - Previous ranking: 10.  Jared Goff is now at 12 passing touchdowns and zero turnovers for the first five games. He’s the first QB in NFL history to do that. He’s leading the NFL in passing yards and is tied for second in passing touchdowns. And his connection with Jameson Williams finally clicked in this game — which I’d been saying for weeks was a reason why this offense could actually get better.  It did get better — with Williams and Goff making up for lost time and missed opportunities. They connected on two touchdown passes, including one from 39 yards out in the Lions' shellacking of the Cardinals.  The one point of context from the first five weeks: the Lions have faced the worst scoring defense (Cardinals), second-worst (Saints), fifth-worst (Bills) and seventh-worst (Panthers). The Jets are the best unit the Lions have faced, and to the latter's credit, they put up 31 points against New York’s stingy defense, which is allowing an average of 19.2 points per game (fifth-best).  Amid this quietly historic run, Goff is making small improvements around his career-long difficulties with pressure. When facing pressure, he has an EPA per dropback of -.19. Without pressure, he has an EPA per dropback of .45. The former mark is still pretty bad. But this represents a better split than it has been from 2023 to 2025, when Goff saw the biggest drop-off in the NFL (falling from .43 without pressure to -.42 against it). It’s also a heck of a lot better than Michael Penix, who falls from .63 unpressured to -.82 pressured.  Goff will spend his season contending with his defense — which is among the worst in the league. That’s his most obvious problem. But the Lions also won't go anywhere until their veteran QB figures out how to handle and neutralize pressure, both with pre-snap adjustments and with post-snap poise. That’s the final frontier for Goff. Of course, it has been for quite some time.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/qb-stock-market-week-6-can-dak-overcome-cowboys-can-seahawks-overcome-darnold

Power Rankings:


Video:

1-on-1 with Jared Goff who is putting together another historic season:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/fmc-rfgft0x3m9lu7d01

Lions Talk - Lions win against the Cardinals as they go into the bye week:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/fmc-4cea5ds0jedq3ll8


The Lions could swing for the fences with a massive trade:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/lions-could-swing-fences-massive-195235188.html

Keith Abney II Started At Safety And Played 59 Snaps:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/keith-abney-ii-started-safety-024426706.html

Lions TE Sam LaPorta is about to make a lot of money:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/lions-te-sam-laporta-lot-214028414.html
Posted by LionsFan at 8:05 PM 0 comments

Week 6 Power Rankings


The Big lead (9. Detroit Lions: The Lions are the highest-scoring team in the league, yet they are only 3-2. This is like the movie Groundhog Day for the Lions. Every year seems to be the same; they have a high-flying offense, but their defense lets them down. And when the playoffs come, other teams hold their offense in check, and their defense just isn’t good enough.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-power-rankings-entering-week-6-2026/

Fox sports Brady (10. Detroit Lions - Record: 3-2.  Previous ranking: Unranked.   Week 5 result: 45-21 win @ Cardinals.  Brady’s thoughts: For a neutral observer, the Lions could be the most fun team in football right now. Granted, that might not be what the Lions’ fans want to hear.  And I’ve got no notes for Jared Goff. He’s got the highest-scoring offense in football. Overall, it’s just a solid football team. They’re tough to beat. They’ve got a veteran head coach. They’ve got a great quarterback. It buys them a lot of time to figure out this defense — and yeah, uh, the defense.  But, until then, enjoy the fireworks.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/tom-bradys-nfl-power-rankings-week-6-49ers-vikings-chiefs

Walter Football (11. Detroit Lions (3-2)Team Hub - Previously: 12.  The Lions got off to a rocky start against the Cardinals but bounced back incredibly well. Unfortunately for us, Jared Goff couldn't quite complete the ladder, falling just four yards shy of the top rung. We've been snakebitten on those this year, but we'll get them soon.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

ESPN (11. Detroit Lions (3-2) - Week 5 result: Beat the Cardinals 45-21.  Week 5 ranking: 16.  Biggest issue on defense: A depleted secondary.  Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard was under fire after Detroit gave up at least 30 points in three of its first four games, though the Lions enjoyed a much better performance Sunday before heading into their bye week. The biggest struggles have been in the secondary, as they've given up a league-high 1,487 passing yards. It should be noted that the Lions entered the season without Pro Bowl safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. And they're missing safety Thomas Harper and defensive back Avonte Maddox, who are on injured reserve. Branch should return for Week 7 after being sidelined since December because of a torn Achilles. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50166454/nfl-power-rankings-week-6-teams-biggest-issue-defense

NFL.com (11.  Detroit Lions - The Lions wiped the floor with the Cardinals over the final three quarters of Sunday's lopsided victory. Jared Goff distributed the ball among his many talented pass catchers, torching Arizona's undisciplined defense for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Most importantly, Detroit's defense finally showed up! We'll see if the latter holds with star safety Brian Branch nearing his return.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-6-2026-nfl-season

SI (11. Detroit Lions (3–2) - Last week’s ranking: No. 18.  Last week’s result: beat Cardinals, 45–21.  This week: idle.  Brian Branch’s anticipated return looms as the Lions hit a bye week after throttling the Cardinals. There are worse ways to enter your break. While I am backing off my prediction that this team will win 14 games, I don’t think winning the division is off the table by any stretch.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/conor-orr-week-6-nfl-power-rankings-49ers-bills-vikings

CBS (12.  Detroit Lions:  Lions The offense continued to be good in the victory over the Cardinals, while the defense made strides. They got pressure up front, which helped the bad secondary.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-nfl-week-6-power-rankings-49ers-packers/

USA Today (12. Detroit Lions (15): QB Jared Goff has accounted for 13 TDs and nary a turnover through five weeks. If that's not MVP-caliber, what is?):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2026/10/13/nfl-power-rankings-week-6-bills-rams-49ers-chiefs-vikings/92226875007/

Athletic (12. Detroit Lions (3-2) - Last week: 12.  Sunday: Beat Cardinals 45-21.  Who have you beaten? Saints, Jets, Cardinals.  It’s not exactly a murderer’s row of wins for the Lions, beating up on teams that are a combined 4-11. But we knew going into this season that the Lions had one of the easiest schedules in the league, and they just need to take care of business against the bad teams. So far, they’ve done that, even if legitimate questions remain about Detroit’s defense.  Up next: Bye):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7684474/2026/10/13/nfl-power-rankings-week-6-vikings-bears-raiders-cowboys/

SN (13. Detroit Lions 3-2 (18) - The Lions realized they just need to go up big with offense to play better defense. Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill each got into the pass-rush fun in the winning five-sack effort against the Cardinals.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-6/aa7e26ccbcbf70aca449ebdd

Yahoo (13. Detroit Lions (3-2, LW: 19) - The Lions' defense is likely to still be a problem, even though it played well against the Cardinals. Detroit's offense is just fine. Jared Goff has 12 touchdowns and no interceptions through five games, which puts him in rare company.  But the engine of the offense is Jahmyr Gibbs. He leads the NFL with 747 yards from scrimmage and nine total touchdowns. That's a pace of 30.6 touchdowns, in range to challenge LaDainian Tomlinson's single-season record of 31. Gibbs didn't deny he has eyes on that record.  "Oh, yeah, for sure. Yeah, I'm trying," Gibbs said, via MLive.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/nfl-power-rankings-entering-week-6-someone-has-to-win-nfc-east-among-disappointing-cowboys-commanders-giants-and-eagles-042031377.html

Fox sports (14. Detroit Lions - Record: 3-2.  Previous ranking: 16.  If the MVP wasn’t basically a quarterback award, there would be a heck of a race brewing between Detroit RB Jahmyr Gibbs and Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson. Gibbs scored his eighth and ninth touchdowns on Sunday and added another 207 total yards to his season. And he did it on a day when QB Jared Goff threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns, too.   As I’ve said before, the Lions can run up the score on anyone. It’s their defense that’s the problem. They did a fine job against the young and QB-challenged Cardinals on Sunday. If they can fix their defensive issues during the bye week, they might be an actual contender when they return.  Next game: BYE.  Stat To Know: The Detroit Lions have started 3-2 or better in four straight seasons, which is the first time this has happened since 1968-72 (five straight seasons).):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-power-rankings-week-6

FTW (14. Detroit Lions - Last week: 18.  The Lions emptied the tank on their early-season frustrations against the Cardinals. They scored 45 points and amassed over 400 yards of offense despite starting the game with three straight 3-and-outs. That's the sort of course correction that builds momentum to buoy a team's season. We'll see if the Lions can maintain this for a tough two-game homestand against Green Bay and Minnesota after their upcoming bye week. — RZ):   https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/10/13/nfl-power-rankings-week-6-packers-patriots-commanders/92225404007/

PFN (14. Detroit Lions - Last Week’s Ranking: 20.  Offense Rank: 1.  Defense Rank: 31.  Playoff Odds: 43.00%.  Going into the Detroit Lions’ matchup against the Cardinals on Sunday, it felt like whichever offense would perform the best against the other team’s disappointing defense would win the game. The Lions proved to be that better offense, as they scored 45 points in their victory in Week 5.  Jared Goff threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday, and Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 151 yards with two rushing touchdowns in the Lions’ victory. Their defense still needs a lot of work, but the unit showed some encouraging flashes against Arizona, sacking Jacoby Brissett five times in the win.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-6-nfl-power-rankings-2026/


Fansided Jason LaCanfora (21. Detroit Lions - Last Rank: 21.mmWeek 5 Result: def. Cardinals, 45-21.  The offense is going to have to carry them. It feels like it's been a while since they got to play with a lead and flex their muscles, and winning at home, given how their defense is especially vulnerable on the road, is nothing short of vital.):  https://fansided.com/nfl/nfl-power-rankings-entering-week-6-brian-flores-vikings-humming-raiders-and-eagles-flailing

PFT (21. Lions (No. 21; 2-3): Nothing helps a bad defense like playing a bad offense.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-6-2026-nfl-power-rankings

Average Power Ranking (228/18):  13
Posted by LionsFan at 7:53 PM 0 comments

Monday, October 12, 2026

Lions Links for Monday 10-12-26

Articles:

KEY QUESTIONS: How does Campbell plan on approaching the bye week?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/key-questions-how-does-detroit-plan-on-treating-the-bye-week-abney-gibbs-ratledge



FOUR DOWNS: Defense responds in Lions' win over Cardinals:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/detroit-lions-defense-responds-win-over-cardinals-abney-gibbs-laporta





6 Lions Candidates Who Could Replace Tom Kennedy, Return Punts:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/six-lions-candidates-who-could-replace-tom-kennedy-return-punts

Detroit Lions Must Take Serious Look at Defense, Make Tough Decisions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-must-take-serious-look-at-defense-make-tough-decisions

Everything Jared Goff Said After Detroit Lions Defeated Cardinals:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/everything-jared-goff-said-after-detroit-lions-defeated-cardinals-2026

Detroit Lions Snap Counts Against Cardinals Reveals DB Lost Job Again:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-snap-counts-against-cardinals-reveals-db-lost-job-again

Everything Dan Campbell Said After Detroit Lions Defeated Cardinals:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/everything-dan-campbell-said-detroit-lions-defeated-cardinals-2026





How much better are you feeling about the Lions after win over Cardinals?: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-discussion/176904/detroit-lions-feeling-arizona-cardinals-blowout-win

We ran the Lions’ cornerback problem through our new NFL trade simulator — these are the 3 deals we think Brad Holmes should make:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/we-ran-the-lions-cornerback-problem-through-our-new-nfl-trade-simulator-these-are-the-3-deals-we-think-brad-holmes-should-make/

The Lions may have to reopen a competition they thought was settled — and I already have a favorite:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-may-have-to-reopen-a-competition-they-thought-was-settled-and-i-already-have-a-favorite/

The Lions may have just found Brian Branch’s new running mate and possible Kerby Joseph replacement in a rookie nobody expected to play safety:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-may-have-just-found-brian-branchs-new-running-mate-and-possible-kerby-joseph-replacement-in-a-rookie-nobody-expected-to-play-safety/

What the box score didn’t tell you: The Lions quietly fixed 3 of their biggest problems in Arizona:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/what-the-box-score-didnt-tell-you-the-lions-quietly-fixed-3-of-their-biggest-problems-in-arizona/

Did the Lions Just Save Kelvin Sheppard’s Job? Answering 5 Questions Lions Fans Are Asking:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/did-the-lions-just-save-kelvin-sheppards-job-answering-5-questions-lions-fans-are-asking


Jahmyr Gibbs, Kenneth Walker III and Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Pace to Break Some Long-Standing NFL Records:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/jahmyr-gibbs-kenneth-walker-iii-jaxon-smith-njigba-nfl-records

Lions Figure It Out: Run the Ball, Stop the Run, Win the Game:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-jahmyr-gibbs-run-game-cardinals-win-formula


NFL Week 5: Team of the Week & Player Awards (LT: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions.  OFFENSIVE LINE OF THE WEEK: DETROIT LIONS - The Lions earn offensive line of the week honors for the second consecutive week after another strong performance in their win over the Cardinals. Detroit’s offensive line surrendered just three pressures while paving the way for a rushing attack that averaged 5.1 yards per carry.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-5-team-of-the-week-player-awards

Cover 32: Drake Maye has his swagger back, plus game balls and gaffes (Game Balls - Jahmyr Gibbs.  Week 5 stats: 25 carries, 151 yards rushing, 2 rushing TDs; 5 receptions, 56 yards receiving.  Once again, Jahmyr Gibbs put together video game-like numbers in Detroit's 45-21 win over the Cardinals. With his two rushing touchdowns, Gibbs passed Barry Sanders for the most total touchdowns (58) before turning 25 in NFL history. This was also Gibbs' third career game with 200-plus scrimmage yards, which is the fourth-most in franchise history.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-5-cover-32-patriots-drake-maye-games-balls-biggest-gaffes/

Ranking All 32 2026 NFL Draft Classes: Biggest Winners and Disappointments After Week 5 (23. Detroit Lions - Blake Miller has been excellent, even as-advertised at right tackle. The defense needs more than it's gotten from second-round edge Derrick Moore. Linebacker Jimmy Rolder debuted on defense to the tune of snaps and registered a TFL. Grade: C):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/ranking-all-32-2026-nfl-draft-classes-biggest-winners-and-disappointments-after-week-5

Albert Breer’s Week 5 NFL Takeaways: How the ‘Mature’ 49ers Won a Slugfest in Seattle (Quick-hitters - Baby steps: The Lions’ defense throttled the Cardinals’ offense into the third quarter, before the score got a little out of hand. I’d still say they should be shopping for a corner.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/albert-breer-week-5-nfl-takeaways-mature-49ers-won-slugfest-seattle

NFL Week 5 Defining Stats: Gibbs Makes History, Herbert Hits New Lows (Passing Barry - Jahmyr Gibbs now has 58 career scrimmage touchdowns, passing former Lions star Barry Sanders for the most in NFL history before turning 25.  Including today, Gibbs has three games with at least 200 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns since 2025, the most in the NFL ahead of Bijan Robinson’s two.  Gibbs also has 16 career games with multiple touchdowns, the most in NFL history before turning 25, passing Jim Brown, Todd Gurley and Christian McCaffrey, who each had 15.  His 23 career games with at least 100 scrimmage yards and a touchdown rank third all-time before turning 25, behind Sanders (26) and Emmitt Smith (25).):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-week-5-defining-stats

$.10 After NFL Week 5 ($.08: NFL Quickies - Dan Miller is the longtime voice of the Detroit Lions, as well as someone I’m proud to call a friend. Miller’s wife, Cindy, lost her battle with cancer this weekend. My deepest sympathies and love are with Dan and the Miller family.   And a very classy, emotionally honest gesture by Dan Campbell after Detroit’s dominant win in Arizona.  Dan Campbell opens his press conference by giving a game ball to Dan Miller.  Sticking with Detroit, the Lions first three drives were 3-and-outs that netted minus-9 yards. The Lions woke up and still hung 45 on Arizona in the final three quarters. Jared Goff needs more attention as an NFL MVP candidate.):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3722/$10-After-NFL-Week-5



From super Snoop to stunning ineptitude, what stood out in NFL Week 5 (Studs of the Week - Jahmyr Gibbs: Another week, another milestone for Detroit’s multi-dimensional threat. In amassing 207 yards (151 rushing, 56 receiving) to help bury the Cardinals, Gibbs, 24, scored his 58th touchdown from scrimmage. It has added significance because he topped the 57 TDs that Lions legend Barry Sanders had before turning 25.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/bell/2026/10/12/nfl-week-5-highlights-ravens-falcons-drake-maye-jordan-love-daylen-warren-dan-quinn/92214649007/

32 things we learned in Week 5: Top QBs emerging from month-long slumber (23. Did we mention Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff? No? Go ahead and put him squarely in the MVP conversation. He passed for 271 yards and three scores, while running for a fourth TD, as the Lions blew out Arizona 45-21. Goff became the second player in NFL history to throw for at least 12 TDS without being intercepted in his team’s first five games of a season.  25. Not quite the age of Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs, whose 58 career TDs from scrimmage – he scored twice Sunday – are the most ever by an NFL player who has yet to celebrate his 25th birthday.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2026/10/11/nfl-week-5-takeaways-joe-burrow-drake-maye-jared-goff/92207279007/

‘Class Act,’ ‘Every Team Needs a Dan Campbell’ — Lions HC Wins NFL Fans’ Hearts After Emotional Gesture for Play-by-Play Announcer:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/dan-campbell-lions-hc-wins-nfl-fans-hearts/

Jahmyr Gibbs “for sure” trying to break LaDainian Tomlinson’s single-season TD record:  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jahmyr-gibbs-for-sure-trying-to-break-ladainian-tomlinsons-single-season-td-record

Grades:

Detroit Lions Grades: Offense Shakes Off Struggles, Mows Down Cardinals:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-grades-offense-shakes-off-struggles-mows-down-cardinals

We graded every Lions player from the Cardinals win, and Penei Sewell and Jahmyr Gibbs did something nobody had done yet:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/we-graded-every-lions-player-from-the-cardinals-win-and-penei-sewell-and-jahmyr-gibbs-did-something-nobody-had-done-yet/

Video:



Lions vs. Cardinals Week 5 Recap | NFL Daily:   https://www.nfl.com/videos/lions-vs-cardinals-week-5-recap-nfl-daily


REACTION: Lions Rout Cardinals Behind Big Game From Goff & Gibbs | HQ NFL:  https://www.cbssports.com/watch/nfl/video/reaction-lions-rout-cardinals-behind-big-game-from-goff-gibbs-hq-nfl






Posted by LionsFan at 7:38 PM 0 comments

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Lions Links for Sunday Evening 10-11-26

Articles:

RECAP: Lions at Cardinals:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/recap-lions-at-cardinals-goff-gibbs-laporta



8 Winners, 3 Losers From Lions’ Win Over Cardinals:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/8-winners-3-losers-from-lions-win-over-cardinals

Lions Provide Unfortunate Injury Updates on White, Kennedy:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-provide-unfortunate-injury-updates-on-white-kennedy

Lions Turn on Jets in Second Quarter, Cruise Past Cardinals 45-21:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/key-takeaways-from-detroit-lions-45-21-victory-over-arizona-cardinals


10 winners, 4 losers from Detroit Lions’ win over the Arizona Cardinals:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/176738/10-winners-4-losers-detroit-lions-win-arizona-cardinals



8 Lions winners and 3 losers from the Cardinals win: Kelvin Sheppard earns some flowers after all, and the Lions may be onto something big with a rookie:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/8-lions-winners-and-3-losers-from-the-cardinals-win-kelvin-sheppard-earns-some-flowers-after-all-and-the-lions-may-be-onto-something-big-with-a-rookie/

What We Learned About The Lions: Detroit’s defense finally showed up in Arizona, Jared Goff rolled, and one problem still won’t go away:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/what-we-learned-about-the-lions-detroits-defense-finally-showed-up-in-arizona-jared-goff-rolled-and-one-problem-still-wont-go-away/


What We Learned: Takeaways from each of Sunday's Week 5 games (Lions 45 Cards 21 - Nick Shook's takeaways:  1. Detroit's defense finally shows up. Look at that, the Lions finally found a way to get some stops! Detroit's maligned defense bottled up the Cardinals in the first half, refusing to allow a single third-down conversion and surrendering just 109 total yards in a game the Lions led, 24-7, at the break. After scoring on the opening drive of the game, Jacoby Brissett reached the intermission having completed just 9 of 21 passes and Arizona had no answers for what Detroit presented defensively, something we haven't been able to say about the Lions at all this season. As Detroit's offense poured it on in the second half, Arizona's offense eventually found some life and scored, but unlike every other game in which the Lions have played this season, they didn't need to sweat it out to the end because their defense had played effectively enough to allow them to build a comfortable cushion. That's an encouraging sign for this team, especially against a squad that showed in previous weeks it was capable of scoring and engaging in a shootout.  2.  Lions restock the powder kegs. Detroit's offense ran aground in key moments in last week's Sunday night loss to Carolina, inspiring some concerns that it might not be capable of getting the job done against quality opponents. Sunday's win wasn't necessarily a litmus test, but it was a nice rebound and reminder of how explosive and multiple this offense can be when at its best. It once again started with the achievements of Jahmyr Gibbs, who piled up 112 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in the first half and allowed the Lions to build off of his successes, which is where Sam LaPorta entered the picture. The Lions were fortunate to add Amon-Ra St. Brown (six receptions, 69 yards) and a couple of big plays from Jameson Williams (two catches, 47 yards, two touchdowns) into the mix, fleshing out the offense in an impressive fashion against a team they should have success against when possessing the ball. It was a reminder of their potential, and when mixed with a complementary defense, it made for a runaway win.  3.  Well, at least the Cardinals have McBride. It might not be evident in their scoring totals or yardage outputs -- there are admittedly worse outfits elsewhere -- but Arizona's offense is in a deep, dark place right now. The running game is inconsistent if not nonexistent, Jeremiyah Love is seeing reduced opportunities and struggling to build any momentum, and the unit has essentially been reduced to a chuck-and-pray attack (Jacoby Brissett attempted more than 45 passes for a second time in three weeks). That can effectively describe how the Cardinals approached many of their third downs when Sunday's game was still relatively within reach, and how their passing offense has operated for much of this season. Thankfully, Trey McBride usually answers those prayers (save for last week's loss in New York). He again finished as Arizona's leader in receptions (nine), finished second in yards (66) and snagged an outrageous touchdown catch in garbage time, softening the blowout just a bit. As Arizona traded Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans and leans further on Michael Wilson and Kendrick Bourne, McBride's value will also increase. Opposing defenses know it and will try to stop it. There's a good chance he's going to continue to be a problem -- no, the problem -- for the opposition. It's up to Arizona to try to create more around him.  Next Gen Stats Insight for Lions-Cardinals (via NFL Pro): Jahmyr Gibbs recorded 25 carries for 151 yards and two touchdowns against the Cardinals. Of Gibbs' 6.0 yards per carry, 3.7 yards per carry came after contact, his season high. Gibbs forced 10 missed tackles today on rushes – tied for his season high – generating 48 yards on missed tackles, also a season high.  NFL Research: With his three-passing-touchdown, zero-interception performance in Week 5, Jared Goff now has 12 passing touchdowns and no giveaways through the first five games of the 2026 season. He is the first player in NFL history to have 12-plus passing touchdowns and no giveaways through their team's first five games of the season.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-season-week-5-what-we-learned-from-sunday-s-games

Commanders, 49ers among NFL Week 5 winners and losers (Winner: Lions offense - The formula for the Detroit Lions to win games is simple: Score, score and score again. The defense played its best game of the year against the Cardinals, helping the team cruise to a 45-21 win, but this remains a team that has to put the ball in the end zone a handful of times to have a chance at victory. To that end, rostering Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Goff does not hurt. With them commanding the offense, the Lions put up their second-most points in a road game in the last 70 years, extended their streak of 25+ points to five games — good for the most to start a season in team history. They also posted their highest-scoring quarter since 2013 with 24 points in the second.  In the process, Gibbs established multiple milestones:  Gibbs' 58 touchdowns are the most by any player before age 25 in NFL history.  He is the second player in Lions history with 150+ rushing yards and 50+ receiving yards in a game.  His three games with 200+ scrimmage yards before age 25 are a franchise record.  Goff also entered rare company:  Goff joined Drew Brees (2018) as one of two quarterbacks with 1,400 passing yards and no turnovers in the first five games of a season.  His 12 passing touchdowns and 1,485 yards are the most and third-most, respectively, without an interception across the first five games of a season.  He is the second player in Lions history with at least three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in a road game.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-5-winners-and-losers-commanders-nfc-east/

NFL Week 5: Big takeaways, questions and fantasy spin from Sunday's games (Lions - Did we learn anything about Detroit's defense? Detroit's defense rose to the occasion after entering the week with a league-worst 31.8 points allowed per game and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard under fire. After giving up a touchdown on the Cardinals' opening drive, the defense adjusted and allowed a season-low 14 points. The Lions now enter the bye week with momentum and will look forward to the return of Pro Bowl DB Brian Branch, who has been sidelined since December 2025 with a torn Achilles. Trend to watch: The slow starts on offense continued, with the Lions going three-and-out on the first three drives. But the unit came alive in the second quarter, scoring 24 points to take control. Detroit has scored one touchdown on 13 drives that ended in the first quarter (7.7%), which is the fifth-lowest in the NFL, per ESPN Research. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50127290/week-5-sunday-games-takeaways-questions-2026

NFL Week 5 Recap: Detroit Lions 45, Arizona Cardinals 21:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-5-recap-detroit-lions-45-arizona-cardinals-21

Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs surpasses Barry Sanders for most NFL touchdowns scored before age 25:  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/lions-jahmyr-gibbs-surpasses-barry-sanders-for-most-nfl-touchdowns-scored-before-age-25-005448255.html

NFL Week 5 Winners and Losers: Commanders have game-management gaffe for the ages in tie to Giants (Detroit Lions defense: The Lions came into Sunday's game ranked last in many defensive statistics. They were awful on Sunday night last week against the Carolina Panthers.  Sunday was better.  The Lions defense had a solid game and the offense played to its usual standard in a blowout 45-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have plenty of stars at the skill positions but didn't do much offensively until the outcome of the game was decided. The Lions led 31-7 with five minutes left in the third quarter, when Arizona started to get some meaningless yards and a couple scores.  The Lions got another monster game from Jahmyr Gibbs (207 total yards, two touchdowns) and Jared Goff played well too with 271 yards and three passing touchdown with a rushing touchdown on a quarterback sneak thrown in. That's to be expected. For the Lions to be anything more than a fringe playoff contender it needs the defense to regularly start playing like it did Sunday at Arizona.): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/nfl-week-5-winners-and-losers-commanders-have-game-management-gaffe-for-the-ages-in-tie-to-giants-205631999.html

Amon-Ra St. Brown takes on new role after Lions injury news:  https://www.thebiglead.com/lions-amon-ra-st-brown-new-punt-return-role/







Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs lead the Lions’ offensive romp in a 45-21 win over the Cardinals:  https://apnews.com/article/lions-cardinals-score-be5ad2ec99c42efb0ff964377e51d9b4

Grades:

CBS (Lions (3-2) 45-21 over Cardinals (1-4) - Lions Grade:  A+.  The Lions offense was unstoppable on Sunday, but the bigger story is that Detroit's defense held an opponent under 30 points for the first time all season. The defense has been the team's biggest question mark this year, and this week, they answered the bell: The pass-rush came through with five sacks and Lions shut down Arizona's rushing attack. It's probably also worth mentioning that Jahmyr Gibbs continues to be one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. In this game, he totaled 207 yards -- 151 on the ground, 56 through the air -- and two touchdowns. It's still too early to know if the Lions defense finally turned things around or if the unit just played well against a bad team, but if it did turn things around, the Lions are going to be a serious threat in the NFC North.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-5-grades-for-every-team-patriots-packers-bears/

Video:









Jahmyr Gibbs' best plays from 2-TD, 151-yard game vs. Cardinals | Week 5:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/jahmyr-gibbs-best-plays-from-2-td-151-yard-game-vs-cardinals-week-5

Jared Goff's best plays from 4-TD, 271-yard game vs. Cardinals | Week 5:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/jared-goff-s-best-plays-from-4-td-271-yard-game-vs-cardinals-week-5

Jahmyr Gibbs' ninth TD of 2026 season boosts Lions' lead to 44-14 vs. Cardinals:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-gibbs-boosts-lions-lead-with-3-yard-td-run


Can't-Miss Play: Goff dials launch codes to Jameson Williams for 39-yard TD vs. Cardinals:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/can-t-miss-play-goff-dials-launch-codes-to-jameson-williams-for-39-yard-td-vs-cardinals

Jameson Williams' first TD of 2026 comes in Week 5 vs. Cardinals on fourth down:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-finds-williams-for-8-yard-td

Goff's 38-yard TD pass to wide-open LaPorta gives Lions a 13-10 lead in Arizona:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-hits-wide-open-laporta-for-38-yard-td-on-4th-down

Jahmyr Gibbs' eighth TD of 2026 season trims Cardinals' lead to 7-6 in first half:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-gibbs-punches-it-in-from-the-1-yard-line

Jared Goff throws 19-yard dart to tight end Sam LaPorta in the fourth:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jared-goff-throws-19-yard-dart-to-tight-end-sam-laporta-in-the-fourth

Jahmyr Gibbs' 22-yard dash gets Lions inside the 5 against Cardinals:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jahmyr-gibbs-22-yard-dash-gets-lions-inside-the-5-against-cardinals

Amon-Ra St. Brown takes off on 36-yard sprint through Cardinals defenders:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/amon-ra-st-brown-takes-off-on-36-yard-sprint-through-cardinals-defenders

Can't-Miss Play: Razzle-dazzle alert! Lions' trickery vs. Cards is reminiscent of the Ben Johnson era:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/can-t-miss-play-razzle-dazzle-alert-lions-trickery-vs-cards-is-reminiscent-of-the-ben-johnson-era

Gibbs' 18-yard sprint gives Lions red zone access:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/gibbs-18-yard-sprint-gives-lions-red-zone-access

Jahmyr Gibbs makes 23-yard dash through Arizona defenders:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jahmyr-gibbs-makes-23-yard-dash-through-arizona-defenders

Goff's fourth-down laser beam to LaPorta is as fast as it is accurate:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/goff-s-fourth-down-laser-beam-to-laporta-is-as-fast-as-it-is-accurate

HIGHLIGHT: Brissett sacked by Hutchinson & Rodriguez, bringing game total to 5:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-brissett-sacked-by-hutchinson-rodriguez-bringing-game-total-to-5

Jacoby Brissett split sacked by Alim McNeill and Skyler Gill-Howard:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-mcneill-gill-howard-meet-at-brissett-for-a-sack

HIGHLIGHT: Rookie Abney intercepts Brissett's deep pass:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-rookie-abney-intercepts-brissett-s-deep-pass

D.J. Wonnum's fourth sack of 2026 season forces Cardinals into punt formation:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-wonnum-gets-to-brissett-for-a-sack

Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett sacked by Derrick Barnes:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/cardinals-qb-jacoby-brissett-sacked-by-derrick-barnes

Posted by LionsFan at 10:14 PM 0 comments
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