Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Lions Links for Wednesday 11-4-26

Articles:



Jack Campbell Statement: Has Lower Body Movement, Issues With Upper Body:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/jack-campbell-statement-has-lower-body-movement-issues-with-upper-body

Goff, St. Brown, Hutchinson React to Serious Jack Campbell Injury:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/goff-st-brown-hutchinson-react-serious-jack-campbell-injury

Pros and Cons of Detroit Lions Trading For Mike Sainristil:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/pros-cons-detroit-lions-trading-for-mike-sainristil

Report: Lions Will Ink Former Cardinals, Titans LB To Practice Squad:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/report-lions-will-ink-former-cardinals-titans-linebacker-practice-squad

Lions Week 8 Snap Counts Reveal Secret to Countering Vikings Defense:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-week-eight-snap-counts-reveal-secret-countering-vikings-defense





5 Lions vs. Dolphins thoughts after watching Miami’s loss to Patriots:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/179675/5-lions-dolphins-thoughts-film-miami-patriots



ESPN suggests surprising new cornerback trade target for Detroit Lions, and the potential price makes him hard to ignore: https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/espn-suggests-surprising-new-cornerback-trade-target-for-detroit-lions-and-the-potential-price-makes-him-hard-to-ignore/

Detroit Lions mailbag: Brad Holmes’ potential trade deadline plans, potential blockbuster moves and answers to fans’ biggest questions:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-mailbag-brad-holmes-potential-trade-deadline-plans-potential-blockbuster-moves-and-answers-to-fans-biggest-questions/

A closer look at the Detroit Lions’ linebacker experience reveals who makes the most sense to replace Jack Campbell:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/a-closer-look-at-the-detroit-lions-linebacker-experience-reveals-who-makes-the-most-sense-to-replace-jack-campbell/

Why we don’t know more about Detroit Lions star Jack Campbell’s injury, why that’s OK and what fans should do right now:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/why-we-dont-know-more-about-detroit-lions-star-jack-campbells-injury-why-thats-ok-and-what-fans-should-do-right-now/

Lions Benched a 2024 Second-Round Pick, and Now They Have to Decide What He’s Worth:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-benched-a-2024-second-round-pick-and-now-they-have-to-decide-what-hes-worth

Jack Campbell injury update: Detroit Lions head coach says status improving every 8 to 10 hours:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2026/11/04/jack-campbell-injury-update-detroit-lions-head-coach-says-status-improving-every-8-to-10-hours/

Team-by-team NFL trade deadline outlooks: What does each roster need? Which players could move? (Detroit Lions (5-2) - Chance to make playoffs: 78.3%. Projected first-round draft slot: No. 24.  What is the deadline goal? Adding help to the secondary. Lions GM Brad Holmes looks at everything, according to head coach Dan Campbell. "I mean, he's nonstop," Campbell said Oct. 30. Earlier this season, the coach acknowledged that the Lions were engaged in trade talks for corner Joey Porter Jr. (who ended up in Dallas), as they desired to add help to the unit. Detroit's defense could still benefit from an experienced cornerback, and the draft capital is there to help, as the Lions are projected to have 10 picks in 2027. -- Eric Woodyard. Who could be on the move? Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. The Lions don't have any obvious trade candidates, but Rakestraw, a 2024 second-round pick, was benched in Week 8. The Lions have depth issues in the defensive backfield, though, so that might be a nonstarter. -- Fowler.  Who should they target? Dolphins CB JuJu Brents. The Lions' secondary is helped immensely by getting safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch back from injury, but they could still use another cornerback. Brents becomes a free agent at the end of this season and has been surprisingly effective for the Dolphins, ranking third among qualifying cornerbacks in my coverage DVOA metric behind Trent McDuffie and Jahdae Barron. -- Schatz):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50370030/trade-deadline-team-preview-goals-buzz-players-deals-2026

2026 NFL offensive line rankings: Lions retain top spot, Colts fall without Quenton Nelson (1. Detroit Lions (no change) - The Lions went up against the Minnesota Vikings and Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defense and proceeded to have just four pressures charged to the offensive line in the game. A big part of that was because just 11 of their 32 pass-blocking snaps came on true pass sets, and even on those it was only Blake Miller who allowed any pressures.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-offensive-line-rankings-2026

NFL wide receiver rankings: Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains No. 1, Christian Watson jumps into top five (14. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (down 1).  St. Brown has 571 receiving yards this season, but more than half of that has come in just two of the Lions‘ seven games. He was held to 46 yards on seven receptions in the win against the Vikings on Sunday. He ranks 13th at the position with a 2.29 yards-per-route-run average and 16th with an 80.4 PFF receiving grade. 20. Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions (up 2).  The 70 yards Williams put up in Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Vikings were the third most he has recorded in a game this season. After not having a reception longer than 22 yards in the first three games of the season, he has now recorded a reception of at least 30 yards in each of his last four games.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-wide-receiver-rankings

Bengals WR Tee Higgins, Cardinals RB Tyler Allgeier highlight Players of the Week (NFC Special Teams Player of the Week - Jack Fox DET P:  As the Lions knocked the Vikings from the ranks of the unbeaten on Sunday, Fox played a pivotal role in Detroit's 19-15 win. Fox punted four times, averaging 46.5 yards per boot and placing three punts inside the 20-yard line. For his performance, Fox has earned his second career NFC Special Teams Player of the Week accolade, with his first coming in Week 3 of 2024.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-2026-week-8-tee-higgins-tyler-allgeier

Midseason All-Rookie Team: QB Jalon Daniels leads team (Right tackle: Blake Miller, Lions - Miller struggled in the preseason, which did not inspire much confidence. To his credit, he has responded and performed adequately for the Lions' offensive line. TruMedia credits him with one sack and 13 pressures allowed on 226 pass-blocking snaps. Defensive tackle: Skyler Gill-Howard, Lions:  Gill-Howard is not contributing much in the run game, but his 15 pressures and two sacks lead all rookie interior defenders. He got the final nod over the Jets' Darrell Jackson Jr.. Gill-Howard's value is exceeding his sixth-round selection for a franchise fighting to keep pace in the NFC North.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-midseason-all-rookie-team-jalon-daniels-browns-jets/

NFL MVP power rankings Week 9: Did Joe Burrow take the lead in MVP race? (8. RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions (9):  Gibbs is having a great season through eight weeks, and these last three weeks have been an especially phenomenal stretch. The Lions' rising star running back is up to three straight games with more than 100 rushing yards. In two of the last three games, he has more than 150 yards and a touchdown.  Gibbs' 153 yards on 23 attempts (6.7 yards per attempt) against the Vikings' outstanding defense in Week 8 was a major reason the Lions handed Minnesota its first loss.  After Kenneth Walker and Bijan Robinson dominated the early MVP conversation among non-QBs, Gibbs has taken over the mantle. The Lions' lead back is atop the NFL with 110.4 yards per game and tied for the top spot in the league with 10 touchdowns from scrimmage. His 4.9 yards per carry rank 10th.  9. QB Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (8):  Gibbs was Detroit's shining star in Week 8, but Goff had a solid game of his own to complement the run game. Though he threw his first interception of the year, he was otherwise excellent, finishing 18-of-25 (72%) with 176 yards and a touchdown.  Goff has been quietly outstanding this year. His 176 yards were a season-low against the Vikings' top-rated defense in Week 8, but he's still third in the NFL with 280.6 yards per game. Goff also ranks fifth in completion rate (67.7%), is tied for fifth with 15 touchdowns and is fourth in Pro Football Reference's success rate metric (51.5%).  Gibbs' excellence has helped Goff succeed off of play-action passes, as the Lions deploy play fakes at one of the highest rates in the NFL. The Lions' quarterback's lack of eye-popping throws at the rate of Williams or Mahomes, his lack of rushing heroics like Allen, and the exceptionally strong cast of playmakers around him all take away from his MVP case.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/11/04/nfl-mvp-power-rankings-odds-week-9/92594154007/


QB Rankings:

NFL QB rankings: Familiar name back at No. 1, Cam Ward out of basement (2. Jared Goff Detroit Lions QB:  Jared Goff (176 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception on 18-of-25 passing) and the Detroit Lions dethroned the Minnesota Vikings to hand them their first loss of the year; that's a signature win. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs (153 yards rushing and a touchdown on 23 carries) led the way, but Goff did enough against Brian Flores' blitz. Goff is averaging 280.6 passing yards per game (third in the NFL) with 15 passing touchdowns (tied for fifth in the NFL) and just one interception. Goff is the fourth quarterback to have those numbers through the first seven games of a season, joining Tom Brady (2015 and 2016), Alex Smith (2017) and Patrick Mahomes (2019). Goff is third in the NFL in EPA per dropback (0.25), and he is second in these rankings entering Week 9. (-1)):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-9-qb-power-rankings-josh-allen-cam-ward/

NFL QB rankings, Week 9: Dak Prescott exits top 10; Cam Ward heating up (4. Jared Goff DET - 2026 stats: 7 games | 67.7 pct | 1964 pass yds | 7.9 ypa | 15 pass TDs | 1 INT | 15 rush yds | 1 rush TD | 6 fumbles.  Detroit’s win over Minnesota carries more weight than the average victory because of the defense the Lions defeated and the fashion in which they did it. Jared Goff was central to the fourth-quarter comeback effort, leading an excellent go-ahead touchdown drive against an elite opponent. They keep finding ways to deliver in the clutch, thanks in part to Goff (and Jahmyr Gibbs, of course).):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-qb-rankings-index-week-9-2026-nfl-season

NFL quarterback rankings: Joe Burrow leads the way, Caleb Williams enters top five (6. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (down 1):  Against the Vikings, Goff finally threw his first interception, ironically coming in a game where he had no turnover-worthy plays. He ties for third with an 81.8 PFF passing grade this season, and is also tied for the sixth-best turnover-worthy play rate at 1.8%.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-quarterback-rankings

Sporting News' NFL midseason All-Pro team: 26 best players by position (so far) in 2026 (Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions - Gibbs leads the NFL with 50 rushing first downs, 110.4 rushing yards per game average, 191 touches, 1,058 scrimmage yards and 10 total TDs. He's delivered after Detroit elevated his status to a full-time workhorse.  Tackle - Penei Sewell, Lions:  Sewell (6-5, 335 pounds) is also destroying with his amazing agility for his size to open up big running holes and also keeping Jared Goff clean.  Edge - Aidan Hutchinson, Lions:  Hutchinson is pushing Detroit's defense to much better play. He has dominated, both in playing the run and wrecking passing games with pressure, despite getting consistent major blocking attention. He is a worthy favorite to take Defensive Player of the Year honors.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/sporting-news-nfl-midseason-all-pro-team-best-players/a072a067b7112801e764793f

NFL midseason report: The best, worst, wildest and wackiest so far in 2026 (Defensive Player of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Lions.  Don't be fooled by the fact that Hutchinson has only five sacks. He gets a lot of blocking attention on the Lions' front seven and despite that, he consistently pressures and hits QBs. He also has been a force against the run and keeps coming through in coverage when needed. The fruits of his labor have shown up more in recent games with the secondary playing better.  Offensive Coordinator of the Year: Drew Petzing, Lions.  Petzing was called upon to get the Lions' offense back on track after some hiccups post-Ben Johnson last season. The former Cardinals OC has made the most of elite skill and line talent to get steadier play from Jared Goff and elite workhorse production from Jahmyr Gibbs.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-midseason-report-best-worst-wildest-and-wackiest-so-far-2026/c56a6a62f3c0b01877adcc0e

Dolphins Media:

Malik Willis on facing the Lions defense: 'They're a well-coached team':  https://www.miamidolphins.com/video/malik-willis-on-facing-the-lions-defense-they-re-a-well-coached-team

Jeff Haley talks about the difficulty in facing the Lions:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jeff-haley-talks-about-the-difficulty-in-facing-the-lions

Video:









Stacey Dales breaks down the NFC North with 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/stacey-dales-breaks-down-the-nfc-north-with-gmfb

Posted by LionsFan at 8:43 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Lions Links for Tuesday 11-3-26

Articles:

TWENTYMAN: 5 stats that stand out following Lions' Week 8 victory:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-stats-that-stand-out-following-detroit-lions-week-8-victory-gibbs-reed-hutchinson

Lions Create Two Roster Spots After Cutting DB, Placing LB on IR:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-create-two-roster-spots-after-cutting-defensive-back-linebacker

Lions Give Further Jack Campbell Update, Avoid What We Want to Hear:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-gives-further-jack-campbell-update-avoid-what-we-want-to-hear

Lions Can Be Serious Contenders If They Make Key Defensive Additions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-can-be-serious-contenders-if-they-make-key-defensive-additions

Detroit Lions Provide Clear Role For Kerby Joseph This Week:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-provide-clear-role-for-kerby-joseph-this-week

Three Linebackers Lions Could Trade For After Recent Injuries:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/three-linebackers-lions-could-trade-for-after-recent-injuries





The Detroit Lions need to have an uncomfortable conversation about Cade Mays, Juice Scruggs and their future at center:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-detroit-lions-need-to-have-an-uncomfortable-conversation-about-cade-mays-juice-scruggs-and-their-future-at-center/

Detroit Lions sign veteran linebacker after devastating injuries, but there’s a catch with what he brings to defense:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-sign-veteran-linebacker-after-devastating-injuries-but-theres-a-catch-with-what-he-brings-to-defense/

Lions Will Be Without Kerby Joseph vs. the Dolphins, Testing a Secondary Already Short-Handed:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-kerby-joseph-out-dolphins-secondary

Blake Miller Lost Only Two Pass-Rush Reps Against the Vikings, but the Lions Saw a New Problem:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/blake-miller-lions-pass-blocking-run-blocking-vikings

Jared Goff suggests Vikings should be fined for play where "I got punched in the face":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/jared-goff-vikings-punch

Ahmed Hassanein 'probably getting his opportunity' for Lions this week:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/ahmed-hassanein-lions

More good signs for Jack Campbell: 'We know things are headed in the right direction':  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/jack-campbell-lions-recovery

Dan Campbell challenged Lions' offense to run for 200 against Vikings. Everyone delivered:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-run-game

Jack Campbell injury update: What Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2026/11/03/jack-campbell-injury-update-what-detroit-lions-head-coach-dan-campbell-said-tuesday/

Could NFC North be first modern division with four playoff teams?:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfc-north-four-playoff-teams-looking-more-likely-than-ever/

Ten new coordinators changing their teams' fortunes at midseason (3. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing:  One could look at new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing putting together the NFL's No. 3 scoring offense (29.0 points per game) and say, "Well, anyone could do that." Detroit has the firepower with Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta and Penei Sewell. That group alone represents 17 trips to the Pro Bowl.  Petzing's predecessor, John Morton, lost his job after one season and had his play-calling duties stripped by Dan Campbell entering Week 10. Petzing has thrived at giving Gibbs a chance to shine with David Montgomery no longer in the picture. Gibbs totaled his third 150-yard rushing game of 2026 on Sunday in the 19-15 defeat against the Minnesota Vikings after having just two such games in his first three seasons combined.  Petzing also isn't afraid to get creative after having St. Brown line up 10 yards behind Goff on a third-and-8, and the pass play that allowed St. Brown to catch the ball while already moving at near top speed went for a first down against the NFL's No. 1 defense.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-coordinator-rankings-midseason-packers-jonathan-gannon-steelers/

Six lessons from Week 8: The Bears have arrived (2. Don't count out the Lions, though
*whispers* Here come the Lions.  It seems like all the discourse from the Lions' gritty 19-15 win over the Vikings was about how bad Kyler Murray has been. Maybe -- just maybe -- we should focus on Detroit.  The offense is currently third in EPA per play and success rate and sixth in explosive play rate. Jared Goff has thrown for 15 touchdowns and one interception and is playing like a legit MVP candidate. He won't win the award, but he should garner votes. His ability to manage pressure -- long his biggest weakness -- has been at career-best levels this year. Jameson Williams looks like a stud again, and we already know Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown are awesome. Detroit ranks third in run blocking and fourth in pass blocking in PFF's metrics.  The defense, meanwhile, is eighth in success rate and 13th in EPA per play over the past two weeks. Brian Branch's return has been huge. Kerby Joseph could be back soon. The secondary has been miles better since the bye. Up front, Aidan Hutchinson remains a star, and Alim McNeil and Tyleik Williams are playing well inside.  This could be the NFC version of the Bengals: elite offense plus just enough defensive playmaking to be a threat.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-8-lessons-bears-super-bowl-chiefs-kicker/

2026 midseason rookie grades: Ranking the early hits, misses and biggest surprises (17. Blake Miller, OT, Lions: B.  Miller's pass protection has been one of the more encouraging developments among all rookie offensive linemen. His balance, lateral agility and ability to redirect stood out at Clemson, and he's handled NFL edge rushers surprisingly well over the first two months. The running game is another story; he hasn't been nearly as good play in and play out.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-rookie-grades-midseason-surprises/

NFL Week 8 Plays That Stood Out: Cardinals Beat Dallas' Secondary; Lions Crack Flores Code (3. Detroit Lions - Lions And Jahmyr Gibbs Crack The Brian Flores Code.  The play-calling matchup between Brian Flores and Drew Petzing was decidedly one-sided in the first half, with the Vikings defensive coordinator getting the better of his counterpart on the Lions sideline. Minnesota’s blitzing overwhelmed Jared Goff and the Detroit offensive line, forcing Petzing to abandon the downfield passing game in the second half.  Fortunately, the Jahmyr Gibbs-led run game was more than capable of picking up the slack. That didn’t appear to be the case early, though. The Lions were held to just 53 yards in the first half, with 19 of them coming on one play in the final seconds before the half. The second half was a different story, with Detroit racking up 164 yards on the ground. Gibbs’ 30-yard touchdown run, which gave the Lions their first lead in the third quarter, was the biggest play of the day and showed how Petzing unlocked the run game against the NFL’s best defense.  A lot is made of Minnesota’s blitzing against the pass, but the run blitzes are just as effective. Flores will send linebackers and defensive backs to plug gaps that initially looked open. In many offenses, quarterbacks will make a predetermined check at the line against certain fronts.   Against the Vikings, you don’t know what front you’re getting until after the snap. It prevents the offense from creating blocking double teams at the point of attack. On top of that, Flores typically has a bead on where offenses want to run the football and designs his blitzes accordingly.  Petzing came up with a creative run plan to combat that tactic. He had Detroit line up in these funky backfields, with two tight ends aligned side by side and Gibbs behind them.  This creates two dilemmas for the defense:  1. Do they overload to that side of the formation to match the numbers, leaving them vulnerable to weak-side runs?
2. The two tight ends could be headed to either side, so which side do you target with those run blitzes? Flores and the Vikings struggled to answer either question. And Petzing wisely waited until the second half to really lean on those formations, giving Minnesota little time to adjust. By my unofficial count, the Lions ran out of these formations 10 times for 100 yards.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-week-8-plays-that-stood-out-cardinals-beat-dallas-secondary-lions-crack-flores-code

7 biggest takeaways from Week 8 of NFL season (Detroit’s rushing attack overwhelms Minnesota.  The Lions picked up a huge victory, with Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way with 23 carries for 153 yards and a touchdown. Gibbs was nearly unstoppable in the second half. Sione Vaki also contributed 11 carries for 65 yards as Detroit consistently attacked Minnesota’s run defense. Jameson Williams added four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown after finding ways to get open. Detroit’s defense has also shown significant improvement over the past couple of weeks.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/biggest-takeaways-week-8-2026-nfl-season/

Week 9 NFL MVP Power Rankings: Josh Allen, Joe Burrow gain ground (4. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions:  Goff didn't have his best week, throwing for 176 yards and one touchdown, and throwing his first interception. But the Lions are 5-2 after knocking off the undefeated Vikings to keep up momentum in a tight NFC North divisional race, and Goff is still among the league's top 10 with 1,964 passing yards and 15 passing touchdowns.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/touchdown/2026/11/03/week-9-nfl-mvp-power-rankings-josh-allen-joe-burrow-gain-ground/92591015007/


10 NFL Rookies Who Made Week 8 A Massive Statement: Ranking the Biggest Winners (3. Blake Miller, OT, Detroit Lions:  The Detroit Lions handed the Minnesota Vikings their first loss and closed the gap in the competitive NFC North. Lions rookie right tackle Blake Miller was quite good in protection. He was credited with allowing one sack and two pressures against an elite Brian Flores-coached defense. Miller has been the immediate steadying presence scouts thought he'd be.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/10-nfl-rookies-who-made-week-8-a-massive-statement-ranking-the-biggest-winners

QB Rankings:

QB Stock Market Week 9: Who's Been The Best Starter In The First Half Of 2026? (6. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - Previous ranking: 7.  Jared Goff got a signature win.  Did he get help from his running back? Of course. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown.  Did he get help from his defense? Yes. I did not see them frustrating the Vikings quite like this.  But Goff did what he has done all year, which was to facilitate and set up the offense for success. Which sounds kinda boring because it is kinda boring. His stat line wasn’t all that awesome. He was 18 of 25 for 176 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.  Even the advanced stats were … meh. His completion percentage over expected was -1.9%, per Next Gen Stats. But there’s context: The Vikings blitzed on 26 of 29 dropbacks (89.7%) in Week 8. All but three!  It was the highest blitz rate by a team since at least 2018, breaking the previous record set by … these Vikings in Week 7. (They blitzed the Colts on 85.2% of dropbacks, per Next Gen Stats.) Despite that, Goff tied the record for completions against the blitz (17) and managed 130 yards, a touchdown and an interception. That’s pretty good, especially because the Vikings’ blitzes are a head-spinning array of concepts that are designed (by the best defensive coordinator in the NFL, Brian Flores) to turn a QB into a shell of himself.   And it didn’t work against Goff.  He has the reputation of folding under pressure. He has been worse against the blitz this year than he has been since 2023, with an EPA per dropback of .13 against the blitz, per Next Gen Stats. And I’ve been holding that stat — among others — against him as he’s had an elite season of counting stats: 1,964 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, one interception.  But this game went a long way in reassuring me that those counting numbers are largely indicative of how well Goff is playing. His offensive line has been outstanding. His skill players are terrific. And it’s all linked to Goff’s performance.  I’ve got to give him credit for a well-managed game against the league’s most intimidating defense.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/qb-stock-market-week-9-whos-been-best-starter-first-half-2026

Albert Breer: The Lions Gave the NFL a Playbook to Combat the Vikings’ Blitz Scheme:  https://www.si.com/nfl/albert-breer-lions-gave-nfl-playbook-to-combat-vikings-blitz-scheme



Grades:

Report card grades for every NFC team in NFL Week 8 (Detroit Lions: A.  The Detroit Lions have delivered wins in back-to-back games against this tough NFC North. Jahmyr Gibbs had another huge game for the offense and helped them win another key game. They continue to rely on him in big moments, and he performed the best on defense in the NFL.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/report-card-grades-nfc-teams-2026-nfl-week-8/

Power Rankings:

Week 9:  

Video:

Exploring Why Detroit Lions Fans Still Trust Lions GM Brad Holmes:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/exploring-why-detroit-lions-fans-215904023.html

Jack Campbell’s injury update from Detroit Lions didn’t offer much:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/jack-campbell-injury-detroit-lions-001600799.html



Albert Breer on if Chargers Would Trade Herbert, Steelers Need WR Help and Lions’ Defensive Problems:  https://www.si.com/nfl/video/albert-breer-on-if-chargers-would-trade-herbert-steelers-need-wr-help-and-lions-defensive-problems-01m6gx66e2yqxr8msb57
Posted by LionsFan at 7:46 PM 0 comments

Week 9 Power Rankings

SI (4. Detroit Lions (4–3) - Last week’s ranking: No. 7.  Last week’s result: beat Vikings, 19–15.  This week: at Dolphins.  Drew Petzing has been on my ascending head coaches list but has put himself on many others after a sterling performance against the Vikings. Petzing managed to get the job done against Brian Flores and add a flourish, a particular feat that seems almost impossible given how talented this Minnesota defense is.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/conor-orr-week-9-nfl-power-rankings-broncos-cowboys-chiefs

NFL.com (5. Detroit Lions:  This might not age well, given the serious injury questions facing the Lions, but I’m giving them the boost because of how they finished their victory over the previously undefeated Vikings. Facing a 15-12 deficit in the fourth quarter, Detroit sliced right through Minnesota’s terrifying defense with apparent ease, leaning on Jahmyr Gibbs before finishing the drive with a beautiful touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Jameson Williams. The Lions won by sticking to their offensive identity, getting another encouraging showing from the defense and outlasting the Vikings in a victory that feels bigger than most.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-2026-nfl-season

TheBigLead (5. Detroit Lions:  The Lions defense showed up on Sunday against the Vikings. It’s not clear yet if that says more about them or the Vikings at this point. They have a cakewalk this week, heading to Miami, so we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see if the Lions defense has actually turned a corner.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-power-rankings-entering-week-9-2026/

USA Today (7. Detroit Lions (11): Does there need to be concern about RB Jahmyr Gibbs' usage at some point? He's on pace for 464 touches, which would be the second-highest total in NFL history. (James Wilder had 492 in 1984.)):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2026/11/03/jack-campbell-beloved-by-detroit-lions-teammates/92574642007/

Fox sports Brooks (8. Detroit Lions - Previous ranking: 9.  Super Bowl odds: +1800.  The Lions’ offensive pizzazz and physicality give them a chance to whoop any opponents at home or on the road. Jared Goff can throw for 300-plus on any given Sunday, or Jahmyr Gibbs can set the pace as a 100-yard rusher with big-play potential.  If the defense continues to come up with a few key stops in clutch moments, the Lions could scratch and claw their way into the championship rounds in the playoffs.  Who Stood Out: Gibbs became the fifth player in NFL history prior to age 25 to have at least 1,000 scrimmage yards and 10-plus touchdowns in his team's first seven games of a season. He joins Christian McCaffrey (2019), Edgerrin James (2000), Eric Dickerson (1983) and Jim Brown (1958) as the only players to do so.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/monday-morning-nfl-top-10-rankings-big-movement-top-undefeated-vikings-loss

Walter Football (8. Detroit Lions (5-2)Team Hub - Previously: 11.  It's a small sample size, but the Lions have shown much better defense in the past two weeks. They've limited their opposition to 17 and 15 points, although one of those teams was Minnesota. Still, Brian Branch's return to the secondary has helped a lot, and Kerby Joseph will be back soon.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php



Yahoo (8. Detroit Lions (5-2, LW: 10) - Biggest need: Defense, particularly at cornerback.  The Lions' fan base wasn't happy when the Cowboys overpaid to get cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in a trade. They know that cornerback is an issue and it seems hard to believe the deadline will pass without Detroit doing something at the position.  Yet, there are other issues on a defense that has struggled most of the season, though it has allowed just 32 points the last two games. While the human element of linebacker Jack Campbell's neck injury is overwhelming, and his recovery is the biggest part of that story, there is a football side to it as well. Detroit will presumably be without one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL indefinitely. While the team's thoughts are primarily on their young star's health, the Lions also have to deal with the reality of perhaps adding a linebacker before the deadline.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/nfl-power-rankings-entering-week-9-broncos-are-6-2-but-need-to-improve-perhaps-with-some-pre-deadline-trades-042648675.html

ESPN (9. Detroit Lions (5-2) - Week 8 result: Beat the Vikings 19-15.  Week 8 ranking: 11.  Best in-season trade acquisition ever: DE Za'Darius Smith in 2024.  The Lions have plenty of impactful offseason trades, including ones that helped them land quarterbacks in Jared Goff (2021) and Bobby Layne (1950). But the best in-season deal in terms of immediate impact likely goes to Smith. He had four sacks in eight regular-season games for the Lions, who had a team-record 15 wins and earned the NFC's No. 1 seed in 2024. Detroit received Smith and a 2026 seventh-round draft selection from the Browns for a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 sixth-rounder. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50359434/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-teams-best-season-trades-deadline

Fox sports (9. Detroit Lions - Previous ranking: 10.  Super Bowl odds: +1800 (10th).  It took a Herculean effort from RB Jahmyr Gibbs for the Lions to beat the Vikings, but they get points for running for 230 yards (153 from Gibbs) against the best defense in the league. The Lions’ supposedly revived defense had a few too many lapses against awful Vikings QB Kyler Murray, and that bears watching going forward. They’ll need to do much better against the Patriots in two weeks and even better than that two weeks later against the Bears, in a game that might determine who controls their destiny in the NFC North.  Next game: @ Dolphins (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET).  Stat To Know: The Lions have allowed 17.7 points per game over their last three games, their best three-game stretch since Weeks 11 through 13 of the 2024 season, when they allowed 10.7 per game.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-power-rankings-week-9

CBS (9. Lions: They beat the Packers and the Vikings in consecutive weeks in low-scoring games. That's a new formula for this team to win games, but a good sign.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-9-power-rankings-bills-steelers/

Fox sports Cowherd (9. Detroit Lions
Record: 5-2 - Previous ranking: 7.  Cowherd’s thoughts: "They’re playing better defense! Jack Campbell, though — cross your fingers. Great player, great human. He’s going to be out, and that doesn’t help. "They’ve outgained opponents in five straight games. They are very reliant on the health of their O-line, because Jared Goff can be a sitting duck if he doesn’t have time. I never really trust their defense in a big spot — maybe I have them low, I have them No. 9."):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/herd-hierarchy-bears-nfls-best-team-seahawks-chiefs-slide

FTW (10. Detroit Lions - Last week: 12.  Can the Lions make a long playoff run with a bottom-three defense? Probably not. Can they be appointment viewing with a top-five offense leading them face-first into fireworks displays? Absolutely. So long as the Vikings aren't involved. — CD):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/11/03/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-bears-broncos-chiefs/92572167007/

The Athletic (New York Times) - This week: 10.  “Detroit’s defensive EPA through eight weeks (minus-60.22) is the 16th-worst of any team in the last 10 years, according to TruMedia. Jahmyr Gibbs saved them Sunday by rushing for a career-best 99 yards after forcing a missed tackle, according to NextGenStats. He finished with 23 carries for 153 yards and now has more touchdowns in his first four seasons (59) than anyone other than Terrell Davis and LaDainian Tomlinson.” -- Chad Graff and Josh Kendall):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2026/11/nfl-week-9-power-rankings-lions-get-a-boost-but-gibbs-workload-raises-concerns.html

SN (11. Detroit Lions 5-2 (12): The Lions have come through with huge back-to-back home division wins against the Packers and Vikings. The big surprise is the improved defense. After allowing an average of almost 30 points in the first five games, the Lions have given up only 32 total the past two weeks. They should keep up that play with the Dolphins in Miami next.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-broncos-steelers-vikings-cowboys-eagles/2beb6e091cbe88e9ab220e8c

Fansided Jason LaCanfora (12. Detroit Lions - Last Rank: 13.  Week 8 Result: beat Vikings, 19-14.  This defense really needed to make a statement that what we saw the first two months of the season wouldn’t just be the norm. Even bad offenses were going off against them. This was like a playoff game for them and that was quite a response. You run for 200 yards on Brian Flores’s defense, you get a lot of people’s attention. Bet we see even more six-O-linemen stuff in the second half.):  https://fansided.com/nfl/nfl-power-rankings-entering-week-9-broncos-vault-over-chiefs-vikings-take-a-tumble

PFT (12. Lions (No. 13; 5-2): The injuries are piling up on defense, again.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-9-2026-nfl-power-rankings

PFN (14. Detroit Lions - Last Week’s Ranking: 16.  Offense Rank: 3.  Defense Rank: 28.  Playoff Odds: 29.90%.  With their 19-15 victory over the Vikings on Sunday, the Detroit Lions became the first team in the NFL to defeat Minnesota this season. The Lions improved to 5-2, keeping them firmly competitive in an NFC North division that looks like arguably the strongest in the NFL.  The Lions’ defense looked a lot better on Sunday than we’ve been used to seeing so far this year. That’s fantastic news for a team that’s been successful primarily based on its offensive performance so far in 2026. With even a league-average defense, Detroit could be a legitimate contender atop the NFC.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-9-nfl-power-rankings-2026/

Average Ranking (166/19):  9
Posted by LionsFan at 7:46 PM 0 comments

Monday, November 2, 2026

Lions Links for Monday 11-2-26

Articles:




Jack Campbell injury update: Lions say 'preliminary indications are positive':  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2026/11/02/detroit-lions-jack-campbell-positive-update/92569089007/


Lions Sign Veteran LB Off Patriots Practice Squad: Will He Help?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-sign-veteran-lb-off-patriots-practice-squad-will-he-help

Detroit Lions Injury Updates: Rolder, Reed, Mays, Wonnum, Branch:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-injury-updates-rolder-reed-mays-wonnum-branch

Detroit Lions get devastating injury news on rookie linebacker as Dan Campbell provides updates on 7 injured players:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-get-devastating-injury-news-on-rookie-linebacker-as-dan-campbell-provides-updates-on-7-injured-players/

Detroit Lions provide encouraging new update on Jack Campbell following frightening injury against Vikings, decline to offer more out of resepct:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-provide-encouraging-new-update-on-jack-campbell-following-frightening-injury-against-vikings-decline-to-offer-more-out-of-resepct/

The Lions have a really good reason to make their trade before deadline day, like this week:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-have-a-really-good-reason-to-make-their-trade-before-deadline-day-like-this-week/

3 weakside linebackers the Lions could trade for ahead of the trade deadline, including one of the NFL’s best coverage defenders:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/3-weakside-linebackers-the-lions-could-trade-for-ahead-of-the-trade-deadline-including-one-of-the-nfls-best-coverage-defenders/

We graded every Lions player from the Vikings win, and Jahmyr Gibbs nearly had a perfect game, Lions need help opposite D.J. Reed after this one:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/we-graded-every-lions-player-from-the-vikings-win-and-jahmyr-gibbs-nearly-had-a-perfect-game-lions-need-help-opposite-d-j-reed-after-this-one/

Why aren’t we talking about D.J. Reed? The Lions cornerback has quietly become one of the NFL’s best:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/why-arent-we-talking-about-d-j-reed-the-lions-cornerback-has-quietly-become-one-of-the-nfls-best/

Something has changed dramatically with the Detroit Lions’ defense, and three weeks of numbers tell the story:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/something-has-changed-dramatically-with-the-detroit-lions-defense-and-three-weeks-of-numbers-tell-the-story/

What the box score didn’t tell you: Jahmyr Gibbs’ negative runs are hurting the Lions — just not as much as it feels:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/what-the-box-score-didnt-tell-you-jahmyr-gibbs-negative-runs-are-hurting-the-lions-just-not-as-much-as-it-feels/

Lions Snap Counts Show Sione Vaki Carving Out a Real Role Next to Jahmyr Gibbs:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-snap-counts-sione-vaki-week-8-vikings

NFL Analyst Says the Lions Could Soon Be Back on Top of the NFC North if This Defense Holds Up:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-defense-nfc-north-vikings-cbs-grade

Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Announces Kyler Murray Injury Update After Lions Game:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/trending/vikings-kevin-oconnell-announces-kyler-murray-injury-update-after-lions-game

Jack Campbell's family viewing his injury as "small setback":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/jack-campbell-injury-update

NFL Week 8: Team of the Week & Player Awards (LT: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-8-team-of-the-week-player-awards

It’s Time For A Coaching Change In Dallas; Lions QB Jared Goff Silences The Noise (2. Detroit Lions - I Can’t Shake This One Thought: The Criticism Of Jared Goff Has Gotten Out Of Hand.  Say what you want about the Detroit Lions. But let’s hold off on the discussion — the relentless criticism — around Jared Goff. Particularly the storylines about how he folds against pressure.  I’m guilty myself. I wrote about it in September. In 2025, it was empirically true: Goff was the NFL quarterback most impacted by pressure. He swung from playing like one of the best QBs in the league in a clean pocket to being one of the worst when facing pressure. (I also noted his steady improvement — with some hesitation.)  But those statistics are dated. That storyline is tired.  Because this season, Goff has improved massively against pressure, now the sixth-best QB in the NFL with a minus .19 expected points added per dropback, per Next Gen Stats. (For context, every QB in the NFL has a negative EPA against pressure.) And this puts Goff just above Cincinnati's Joe Burrow, another pocket QB who gets way more love than Goff.  Before giving Goff his flowers, I wanted to see how he fared against the Vikings, the absolute champions of blitzes and pressures. Because Detroit has actually done a nice job protecting Goff this year, with the QB ranking 21st in pressures this season. He is also 26th in QB pressure rate (30.1%), down with Josh Allen (31%) and Matthew Stafford (29.7%).  Now, the Lions’ schedule up until Week 8 had been nothing special. But this win over the previously undefeated Vikings changes that.  The Minnesota defense was able to pressure Goff on only three of his 25 dropbacks. That was despite the fact that the Vikings blitzed on almost 90% of the Lions’ passing plays. In Goff’s three dropbacks against pressure, he was 2-of-3 for 14 yards. Nothing special. Nothing catastrophic. Against the blitz, he was 17-of-23 for 130 yards, one touchdown and one interception. And the interception — Goff's first of the season — looked more like the result of a stumble and/or a miscommunication with receiver Jameson Williams and not a case of the defense outsmarting or pressuring the QB into a mistake.  You can’t pressure Goff as easily as you could last year. So to me, that means two things. Detroit's offensive line has been absolutely excellent. And it was especially good against the Vikings.
Goff is processing better and quicker than he ever has.  I’m not saying that pressure won’t crop up as an issue for Goff. It does for every QB. But this has been an impressive season from Goff, who has quietly improved in the area that was his biggest weakness. And now we’ve seen it’s for real, with the QB holding up against the Vikings’ front — even if some of it is thanks to the offensive line. This Minnesota defense rendered Bears star QB Caleb Williams basically useless. This defense twisted veteran Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield into knots. But not Goff.  He looked unbothered.  Goff looked as good — if not better — than he ever has.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/its-time-coaching-change-dallas-lions-qb-jared-goff-beats-vikings

NFL contenders & pretenders after Week 8 (Contender: The Lions have defeated back-to-back NFC North opponents. They were very close, but great teams finished games. They won this game because they dominated possession time, and Jahmyr Gibbs delivered a strong game. They continue to have momentum and are building up steam heading into the trade deadline. Do they add a defensive player at the trade deadline? Time will tell.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-contenders-pretenders-after-week-8-2026/

32 things we learned in NFL Week 8: NFL's two best divisions going in opposite directions? (1.The number of losses suffered by the Minnesota Vikings, who endured their first defeat of the 2026 season Sunday at Ford Field, where the Detroit Lions prevailed 19-15. The result could be a turning point in the NFC North, which began the week projected to send all four of its teams into the NFC playoff field. Had the Vikes won, they would have improved to 3-0 against their division rivals, with one win apiece over each. But now the Lions are only one game out of first place while getting an important W of their own in the tiebreaker department.  1a. The number of interceptions thrown this season by Lions QB Jared Goff, who suffered his first against Minnesota … albeit after Detroit WR Jameson Williams slipped on the play.  2. The Vikings had hoped a two-man running back committee – along with contributions from QB Kyler Murray – would mean a potent run game. But Minnesota entered the weekend with the league’s 29th-ranked offense while averaging 4.0 yards per rushing attempted, 22nd league-wide. It wasn’t even that good in the loss to Detroit, RBs Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason producing 42 yards on 13 carries − this on a day when the vaunted Vikes defense was shredded for 230 yards on the ground, including 153 by Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2026/11/01/nfl-week-8-takeaways-afc-nfc-north-trade-deadline-lions-vikings/92554163007/

NFL Week 8 Winners and Losers: Cowboys’ Embarrassing Loss to Cardinals Sinks Their Playoff Hopes (Winner: The Lions became the first team to beat the Vikings this season in part because of Drew Petzing’s play-calling. The Lions managed just six points in the first half, but Petzing did a good job relying on the run game with Jahmyr Gibbs to propel Detroit to victory—especially as Brian Flores’s ferocious defense blitzed on 26 of Goff’s 29 dropbacks (89.7%). Gibbs responded, rushing for 153 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries while averaging 6.7 yards per carry.  Along with leaning into the run game, Petzing showed some creativity with a run play that saw him line receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Jared Goff threw to St. Brown, who gained 10 yards on first down. The Lions went on to score a touchdown on that drive, helping propel them to victory. Detroit has missed Ben Johnson at times since his departure to become the Bears’ coach, but Petzing has stepped up in the role. —EG): https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-week-8-winners-and-losers-cowboys-loss-to-cardinals-sinks-playoff-hopes

Albert Breer’s Week 8 NFL Takeaways: Why These Bengals Are Different Than Previous Teams (Detroit Lions:  I want to give the Lions their credit, but first address what happened to fourth-year linebacker Jack Campbell. The 26-year-old husband and new father injured his neck on Sunday tackling Vikings WR Jauan Jennings and TE T.J. Hockenson on consecutive third-quarter plays. On the first, he hit Jennings over the middle and their heads collided. On the second, Campbell drove at Hockenson’s hip and his head bent back.  On impact, it looked like the Pro Bowler’s body went limp. Trainers and doctors came out. Players on both sides were clearly shaken. He was placed on a backboard and loaded onto a cart, then an ambulance, and taken to a Detroit hospital. An hour later, after the Lions beat the Vikings, Dan Campbell addressed his players in the locker room on the win, then said, “All right, I wanna do this, I’m gonna lower this mood a little bit. I do not have any more information on Jack. We don’t know anything else at this point. So here’s what I wanna do, man. We’re gonna take a knee. I wanna pray for Jack. OK, and let’s keep him in our thoughts and prayers, man.”  After the prayer, Jared Goff, voice trembling, broke the team down with this: “Hey, I love you boys. Stick together. I know that’s tough with Jack. Stick together. Lean on each other, alright?”  Later, the Lions put out a statement that was ominous in its lack of information on progress.  Here’s hoping Campbell is on the road to recovery soon. .As for his team, I figured we’d save most of our thoughts, given the circumstances, on them for our Tuesday notes. But I will say that to rush for 230 yards on the Vikings and put together a seven-play, 69-yard dive to win the game in the fourth quarter was damn impressive. And as is the case with the Bills, if Detroit’s defense—which has Brian Branch back, is getting Kerby Joseph soon but may be without Campbell—can be more competitive, you really might have something.  As it is, they’re right in the thick of a hyper-competitive NFC North chase.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/albert-breer-week-8-nfl-takeaways-why-bengals-are-different


$.10 After NFL Week 8 ($.04: The Minnesota Vikings headed into Ford Field as the NFL’s final unbeaten team. They left Detroit with their first loss of the season. The Lions ran the Vikings out of the ranks of the unbeaten, finding just enough success to vanquish the visitors, 19-15. Detroit ran the ball 39 times for 230 yards in the game. Jahmyr Gibbs put up 153 of those on his 23 carries, forcing several broken tackles along the way. Yet it was little-used backup Sione Vaki who made a huge difference with his hard-charging, downhill style. Minnesota had no answers for Vaki’s size and speed; 11 carries for 65 yards doesn’t seem all that critical, but the changeup and ability to attack Minnesota right up the gut made a massive difference in the second half.  The Vikings offense had no such luck. Detroit’s defense held Kyler Murray and company to just 266 total yards and 15 first downs. There’s a balance between strong defense and bad offense. Both teams were plagued with being on the wrong side of the bad offense equation in this one, despite all of Detroit’s rushing success. The Lions were assessed several back-breaking penalties, some of which they were actually guilty of committing. Jared Goff threw his first INT of the season, though it wasn’t his fault (his receiver slipped). Minnesota stuffed several runs and sacked Goff 4 times, three by LB Andrew Van Ginkel. Yet it was Detroit’s defense, in conjunction with a largely punchless Vikings attack, that was the better unit on the day. That’s the kind of unexpected turn that defines this NFL season, and it took away the league’s final unbeaten. With the win, the Lions improve to 5-2 and drop the Vikings to 6-1. Two home divisional wins in a row for Detroit coming out of the bye have salvaged an uneven start for Dan Campbell’s Lions. In the hyper-competitive NFC North, this was one Detroit couldn’t afford to drop, even if it was to a previously unbeaten team. It might have been a costly one (see the $.10 below) but the Lions proved they are back to being a viable NFC contender. $.10: I don’t hide the fact that I’m a Detroit Lions fan. While I like to think I can objectively analyze my team, there are times when the emotions definitely get hard to bury. Sunday was one of those days. Any great buzz or thrill of victory in Detroit’s win over previously unbeaten Minnesota is definitely curbed by something that happened in the game. Lions All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell suffered a serious neck injury that required him to be rushed immediately to a local hospital. Campbell lay motionless, face down on the Ford Field turf after a collision that didn’t look too injurious. Teammate Jimmy Rolder was also injured on the play and appeared, at least at first, to take the worst of the action.  Then the chill hit. Campbell still isn't moving. The FOX broadcast went to a 3-minute ad break. When Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady returned to air, Captain Jack still hadn’t moved a muscle. A stadium of nearly 65,000 people was silent. Fellow Lions defenders were openly crying. Vikings players looked like they’d just seen a ghost, too. Still motionless, Campbell left the field strapped onto a gurney. No “thumbs up” as the medical cart exited the field, as we’ve grown accustomed to hoping for in other situations like this one. That gesture was made famous by Lions OL Mike Utley when he suffered a neck injury in a 1991 game that ultimately resulted in him being paralyzed. Not getting that thumbs-up was oddly disconcerting. Campbell was rushed to a local hospital. Updates have been very minimal. Here’s the latest one from the Lions as the Sunday Night Football game hits halftime: “Jack Campbell is resting and will remain in a local hospital tonight, for continued evaluation and monitoring. The team will provide further updates as we have them.” I don’t know Jack Campbell well. We’ve met, and I’ve asked him a couple of press conference questions during training camps, but that’s it. I’m still quite shaken by Campbell’s injury. I can’t imagine how it must have been at the game. In reaching out to a couple of Lions media members Sunday evening, I can tell you they’re very upset and concerned at what they witnessed. As should be expected.  Campbell’s scary situation is a tragically unfortunate reminder that these are real humans out there. Someone’s son. Someone’s brother. Someone’s dad. Someone’s husband. Someone’s best friend. Someone’s trusted teammate. Football doesn’t matter right now to any of them. I thought the emotional leadership shown by Aidan Hutchinson and others to get the Lions defense back to playing football after seeing their captain carted off spotlights the beauty of being a team, a brotherhood. Dan Campbell is probably the best coach possible to have in a situation like this. I’m proud of them for holding it together and getting the win, but again—the football is secondary.  Get as well as you can, as soon as you can, Jack Campbell. We’re all praying for you.):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3732/$10-After-NFL-Week-8

Grades:

Grades: Battered Lions Outlast Vikings Defense, Earn Gritty Win:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/grades-battered-lions-outlast-vikings-defense-earn-gritty-win


CBS Grades (Lions (5-2) 19-15 over Vikings (6-1) - Lions Grade:  B+. The Vikings have the best defense in the NFL, but Jahmyr Gibbs made the unit look mortal. The Lions superstar running back rushed for 153 yards, with 63 of those coming during a pivotal fourth quarter where the Lions scored a go-ahead TD. The Lions beleaguered pass defense had its best game of the year. Kyler Murray was under constant pressure, and that led to three sacks and a clutch second-quarter interception from D.J. Reed that seemed to flip the momentum in the game. The Lions took a page out of Minnesota's playbook and won a game by playing great defense. If Detroit's defense looks even remotely like this going forward, the Lions could soon be back on top of the NFC North.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-8-grades-cowboys-get-an-f-steelers-surge-to-a/

Video:



Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Week 8 analysis NFL Pro:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/minnesota-vikings-vs-detroit-lions-week-8-analysis-nfl-pro

NFL Pro Reacts to EVERY Sunday Week 8 Game:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-pro-reacts-to-every-sunday-week-8-game

What do you make of Lions Week 8 win vs. Vikings | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/what-do-you-make-of-lions-week-8-win-vs-vikings-gmfb

Vikings vs. Lions Week 8 Recap | NFL Daily:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/vikings-vs-lions-week-8-recap-nfl-daily

Every Angle: Lions run Arena Football-inspired play:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/every-angle-lions-run-arena-football-inspired-play

Dr. Solomon Cogan talks about Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell: https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/fmc-btc5mrp4btr0qtr5

Cornerback Trade Targets For Lions Who Would Upgrade Defense:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/cornerback-trade-targets-detroit-lions-222723277.html


Will Detroit Lions Keep Up, Make Bold Trade in NFC Arms Race?:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/detroit-lions-keep-bold-trade-184935221.html

The Lions Defense Is NOT The Same Team Anymore:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/lions-defense-not-same-team-181711352.html

Lions QB Jared Goff Is Gaining Respect, In MVP Conversation:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/lions-qb-jared-goff-gaining-123312320.html



Sione Vaki has made a massive leap for Detroit Lions:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/sione-vaki-made-massive-leap-013858416.html


Posted by LionsFan at 9:05 PM 0 comments

2027 Mock Draft Round Up #4

Walter Football Charlie (21. Ashton Hampton , CB, Clemson :  The Lions' terrible cornerback play is a result of Brad Holmes decisions like drafting Hendon Hooker instead of Tyrique Stevenson, selecting Terrion Arnold over Nate Wiggins or Kamari Lassiter, and signing D.J. Reed instead of re-signing Carlton Davis. Detroit badly needs cornerback talent. In 2026, Hampton has 19 tackles, one interception, and nine passes broken up thus far. To open 2026, on the second play of the blowout loss to LSU, Hampton had a nice interception of Sam Leavitt. Hampton was excellent versus Miami, showing the speed and twitch to cover the ultra-fast Malachi Toney. That was a huge tape for Hampton to show he can run with speed receivers. Hampton (6-3, 204) is a big cover corner who is long and physical. In 2025, he totaled 45 tackles with eight passes broken up and an interception. He had 27 tackles with two interceptions and five breakups as a freshman.) (10-30-26):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2027charlie.php?rbBot

Athlonsports Easterling (25. Detroit Lions - Ashton Hampton | CB | Clemson:  Even before they had to move on from a recent first-round pick in Terrion Arnold, the Lions already had depth issues in the secondary, and now they need to find a new No. 1 corner. Hampton has an ideal combination of size and length for the position, and he’s shown impressive technique and competitiveness so far this season. If he continues to make the most of his physical tools while showing all of those intangible traits, he could quickly become the best corner on this roster.) (10-29-26):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2027-nfl-mock-draft-updated-darian-mensah-drew-mestemaker-arch-manning-trinidad-chambliss

AtoZ Sports Crabbs and Gregson (24. Detroit Lions: Kade Pieper, IOL, Iowa - We have seen growth from Christian Mahogany this year, but is it enough to not completely sure up the offensive line? I think Kade Pieper could step in and be a stalwart for the Lions, and potentially be their long-term option at center if Cade Mays doesn’t work out. 56. Audavion Collins, CB, Penn State  88. CB DJ McKinney) (10-29-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/3-round-2027-nfl-mock-draft-jeremiah-smith-lanorris-sellers-darian-mensah/

AtoZ Sports DeLeone and Roberts (24. Detroit Lions: Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State - The Lions address a major need in the secondary by selecting Jones.  Detroit has built much of its identity around a physical offensive line and a defense capable of creating pressure. However, that pressure becomes less effective if opposing quarterbacks can consistently find open receivers in coverage. Jones would give the Lions another young cornerback to develop in a position where quality depth is essential. The team needs players who can handle difficult assignments outside while giving the coaching staff flexibility with its coverage schemes.  Interior offensive lineman Greg Johnson was another possibility, but the need at cornerback makes Jones the more compelling choice in this mock draft. Improving the secondary would give Detroit a better chance to turn defensive pressure into incomplete passes and turnovers.) (10-29-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/2027-nfl-mock-draft-dolphins-cardinals-jets-browns-find-quarterbacks-jeremiah-smith-drew-mestemaker-colin-simmons-darian-mensah/

CBS Edwards (25. DE Boubacar Traore - PROSPECT RNK:  29th, POSITION RNK:  6th. Cornerback is a bigger need, but it may be easier to attack that position on Day 2. Detroit used a second-round pick on edge rusher Derrick Moore in 2026, but the team should not stop there, given its issues in recent years.) (10-28-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2027-nfl-mock-draft-week-8-jets-three-top-12-picks/

Walter Football Walt (25.  Damon Wilson II, DE, Missouri:  The Lions really liked Keldric Faulk, but had to pass on him for a tackle. Here's another bookend for Aidan Hutchinson.  Damon Wilson has great speed off the edge.) (10-27-26):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2027_1.php

Tankathon (21. CB Kelley Jones) (10-25-26):  https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock-draft

SI Manzano (21. Detroit Lions (3–2): Devan Thompkins, edge, Alabama:  The USC transfer has made the most of the extra attention he’s gotten from playing next to Yhonzae Pierre at Alabama. He’s bigger than most edge rushers (6'5", 300 pounds) and knows how to use his size and strength to his advantage. He’s a polished pass rusher who could end Detroit’s long search for a serviceable No. 2 opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Thompkins has three sacks and one forced fumble.) (10-21-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2027-nfl-mock-draft-gilberto-manzano-pick-predictions-rounds-1-2

Draft Tek (20. Kelley Jones.  20. TE Jamari Johnson) (10-21-26):  https://www.drafttek.com/2027-NFL-Mock-Draft/2027-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round-1.asp

USA Today Middlehurst-Schwartz (19. Detroit Lions – Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia: Whether in free agency or the draft, Detroit has to take drastic steps to upgrade a woefully undermanned secondary. A former five-star recruit, Robinson offers the size and athleticism to hang in man coverage as well as the coverage instincts and ball skills to thrive in zone looks. The former five-star recruit might take some time to settle in as a pro, but he gives the defense some hope for holding up against top receivers in the long term.) (10-14-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/10/14/nfl-mock-draft-2027-arch-manning/92235302007/

PFF McGuiness (25. Detroit Lions: IOL Kade Pieper, Iowa - PFF Big Board Rank: 37.  Juice Scruggs is playing the best football of his career with the Lions this season, but he is set to become a free agent in 2027. That could make center one of Detroit's top needs heading into next season. Pieper has played right guard this season, earning PFF grades above 85.0 in both pass blocking and run blocking, and should be capable of making the move to center.) (10-13-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-mock-draft-1-jeremiah-smith-goes-no-1-to-titans-five-qbs-land-in-first-round

Fox sports Rang (15. Detroit Lions: Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson - Compelled to release former first-round pick Terrion Arnold following an offseason arrest, the Lions have since struggled in coverage and acknowledged they were in on Joey Porter Jr. trade talks. With Porter now in Dallas, Detroit may have little choice but to wait until next year to patch the position. Hampton has the size and agility to project as a future star in the NFL.) (10-8-26):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2027-nfl-mock-draft-arch-manning-first-qb-selected-jeremiah-smith-no-1-overall

Yahoo Tice (15. Detroit Lions — Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State:  As the late Owen Hart would say, "enough is enough and it's time for a change." The Lions desperately could use two things: A center (Minnesota's Greg Johnson came to mind) or a cornerback. They choose to improve one of the biggest holes in the NFL right now, even with three cornerbacks off the board. Jones has been a more consistent player to start this season and can fit in both zone or man schemes. His Inspector Gadget arms head up north to Detroit.) (10-8-26):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2027-nfl-mock-draft-first-version-includes-a-huge-trade-that-powers-arch-manning-to-no-1-spot-170653524.html

Yahoo (15. Detroit Lions — Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina:  Figuring out where Stewart fits in this class now — or whether he might stay in college — is trickier than it was a month ago. Stewart's suspension has raised some character questions, although it appears he's back on a track to return to playing. Stewart's production has also been somewhat underwhelming considering his rare gifts. If he can find a way to display those skills, this might be too tempting for Detroit to pass on. The Lions badly need a rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.) (10-8-26):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2027-nfl-mock-draft-10-5-quarterbacks-land-in-round-1-but-wr-jeremiah-smith-lands-at-no-1-154904997.html

Athletic Baumgartner (19. Detroit Lions: Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia - Detroit’s situation in the secondary is a mess right now, and few teams are as light at corner. Robinson is a bit undersized, at 6-0, 180, but he is very long and extremely fluid athletically. This could be about the first-round floor for the former five-star prospect.) (10-7-26):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7665591/2026/10/07/nfl-mock-draft-2027-smith-carr/

CBS Wilson (25. Ty Benefield S - PROSPECT RNK:  57th.  POSITION RNK:  4th.  The Lions have two of the best safeties in football ... when they're healthy. Benefield is a tackling machine coming downhill, but he's been good in coverage, too.) (10-5-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2027-nfl-mock-draft-arch-manning-first-round-quarterback/

Draftwire Banks (16. Detroit, Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama:  The OnePride really needs to improve pass defense.) (10-5-26):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/10/05/time-for-a-full-nfl-mock-draft-update-with-more-player-descriptions/92105596007/ 

OnSI Melo (21. Detroit Lions: Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State - The Detroit Lions were allowing a league-high 299.3 passing yards per game prior to Sunday Night Football. The Terrion Arnold situation did not help. Cornerback will be high on Brad Holmes' offseason to-do list. Mississippi State's Kelley Jones has carried over the momentum from his breakout 2025 season to 2026, having already recorded six pass breakups.) (10-5-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/2027-nfl-mock-draft-trinidad-chambliss-crashes-the-qb1-race

Round 1 (9 CB, 4 DE, 2 S, 2 G, 1 TE):

3 CB Kelley Jones
3 CB Ashton Hampton 
2 CB Ellis Robinson IV
2 G Kade Pieper
1 CB Zabien Brown
1 S Ty Benefield 
1 S KJ Bolden
1 DE  Damon Wilson II
1 DE Dylan Stewart
1 DE Boubacar Traore
1 DE Devan Thompkins
1 TE Jamari Johnson 

Round 2 (1 CB):

1 CB Audavion Collins

Round 3 (1 CB):

1 CB DJ McKinney



Posted by LionsFan at 7:59 PM 0 comments
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