It's such a glaring weakness that I would be mad as hell if he doesn't address it.
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2025 Detroit Lions: 0-0 X-Season in the books. Time for final cuts. (36 Viewers)
- Thread starter Da Guru
- Start date
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
He has practically had no missteps as a GM so far, right?
The one people used to point at and say "should have know there was risk with that pick" was Onwuzurike, and can't say that anymore - dude is finally healthy and he is balling out right now.
I will be pretty surprised and disappointed if he does nothing over the next six days. But I trust he will do what is best for the team. He has shown more competence than all the other Detroit Lion executives of our lifetime combined - from stacking four drafts, to resigning the core players to long term deals. He knows what they need and I am sure he's out there trying to piece something together.
Let him cook.
In hindsight, last season it was a mistake not to try to snag a decent CB before the deadline. But I am not sure they knew they were as close as they were. I am pretty sure they had this year marked out in their road map to compete for a championship.
Holmes addressed the DL issues in the offseason, but you can't really plan on four serious injuries to a positional group. Holmes is working this issue hard and I believe he will get a player or two to help the pass rush (either 2 DE, or a DE and a SAM). Yes I would be disappointed if he did not, but I am confident Holmes is seriously looking for the right deal. I don't want to mortgage the future, but giving up a second and third day pick would be fine.
I trust Holmes is doing. The Lions have a vision and a plan and there is a lot more which goes into the equation than what beat writers and content providers think.
Holmes addressed the DL issues in the offseason, but you can't really plan on four serious injuries to a positional group. Holmes is working this issue hard and I believe he will get a player or two to help the pass rush (either 2 DE, or a DE and a SAM). Yes I would be disappointed if he did not, but I am confident Holmes is seriously looking for the right deal. I don't want to mortgage the future, but giving up a second and third day pick would be fine.
I trust Holmes is doing. The Lions have a vision and a plan and there is a lot more which goes into the equation than what beat writers and content providers think.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Updated Superbowl odds:
KC +400
Lions +600
Baltimore +750
Buffalo +900
SF +1100
Philly +1400
GB +1500
Those wanting to bet the Lions kind of missed their window, they were +1000 just a couple weeks ago.
KC +400
Lions +600
Baltimore +750
Buffalo +900
SF +1100
Philly +1400
GB +1500
Those wanting to bet the Lions kind of missed their window, they were +1000 just a couple weeks ago.
I 100% disagree. I didn't see adding often injured Davenport as a good move at all. I would have preferred a much bigger splash at that position via free agency or draft.
It was a swing and a miss on Holme's part and here we are.
He needs to make a fairly big move in my opinion. I'm not interested in a small move and we miss another golden opportunity.
The time is now.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
It took 13 seasons, but Wisconsin native Kevin Zeitler ready for his Lambeau debut
Justin Rogers
October 31
Allen Park — Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler is a Wisconsin native through and through.
Born and raised in Waukesha, situated east of center between Milwaukee, where Zeitler went to high school, and Madison, where he starred for the Badgers, he still calls the state home during the offseason.
And, of course, he has a cabin upstate. Was there ever a question? It’s where he and his family spend the entirety of his offseason break each summer.
“From the moment OTAs end to the start of training camp, I live in northern Wisconsin all summer,” Zeitler said.
Just like owning a cabin, Zeitler growing up a Packers fan is equally predictable. His first football memory was the hometown team losing to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship in early 1996. The next year, the franchise won its first Super Bowl in 29 years, sealing six-year-old Zeitler’s allegiance until he entered the league as a first-round draft pick in 2012.
But get this. In 13 seasons and 188 games, Zeitler has yet to step on the grass at Lambeau Field as an NFL player. It’s an almost unbelievable coincidence, but a streak that ends Sunday when the Lions travel to Green Bay for a critical NFC North matchup.
He’s also never sat in the stadium's seats as a fan, nor owned a Packers jersey. It wasn’t from a lack of desire. His family just didn’t have that kind of money when he was growing up.
Still, he has fond memories of attending neighborhood parties for games each Sunday, and he remembers watching the team win its next Super Bowl at a friend’s apartment at the University of Wisconsin along with his future wife, Sarah, in 2010.
Zeitler has been to Lambeau. Once. It was for a banquet honoring the all-state team while he was in high school. He’s hoping this weekend's trip goes a little better than that disaster.
“I got food poisoning,” he said, chuckling. “That was a miserable night and that's the only time I've been. Great memories.”
Even with his wealth of football-playing experience, Zeitler still gets amped on game days. But this one is likely to hit a little differently, even if he’s trying to preemptively downplay it.
“I think, more than anything, it's meaningful because it's a heck of an opponent,” Zeitler said. “It's going to be tough as all get out. But taking it all in, seeing it, it's going to be cool to finally experience it in person. It won't matter after that. That's when you have to go.”
Zeitler is expecting a lot of family and friends to be in the Lambeau stands. How many and how they’re getting there, that’s on them. He’ll see everyone after the game, but he has to keep his focus narrowed on the week’s preparation. He can't afford any distractions, not with an attacking defensive front led by Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary on deck.
The Packers racked up 33 pressures against the Lions in the last meeting between the teams.
Most of Zeitler's family remains in Wisconsin. They were Packers fans, too, and it’s likely many still are. But if they plan to show up on Sunday, Zeitler said they better bury those sentiments.
“Basically, they'll never get invited back to any event,” he said. “We had that issue my rookie year. We played the Packers in the preseason when I was in Cincinnati. Some people came down and did that crap and they never got invited back. They learned really quickly I won't put up with that crap, especially if I’m the one providing (tickets).”
In his first season with the Lions, Zeitler has meshed well with his new surroundings. It’s been easy with how welcoming the other offensive linemen have been. The group, following his addition, has arguably been the NFL’s best.
For now, the pairing is scheduled to be a short-term marriage. At 34 years old, he signed a one-year deal as a free agent and he understands why any team was reluctant to make a longer-term offer, even after he earned Pro Bowl recognition in Baltimore last season.
Zeitler intends to play as long as a team wants him. But after a few months with the Lions, he truly hopes he’s wanted here after this season. But at this stage, there haven’t been any conversations between the two sides about an extension.
“I would love that, but it's just one of those things,” Zeitler said. “As nice as it would be to take care of it, sign now because I don't want to move again, I understand. It's hard to make that commitment when it's an old guy.”
That’s as much energy as he’s willing to put into the future. He’s focused on the present because as awesome a moment as it will be to play in Lambeau for the first time, there’s another place he hasn’t played that is far more important to the veteran: A Super Bowl.
“Got close last year,” he said. “I've been on some very good teams in my career and some really bad teams in my career, so I have perspective on success. Truly, there are only so many shots.”
Sunday is the next step. With a win over the 6-2 Packers, the Lions can take another step toward winning their division for the second consecutive year.
As I parted from Zeitler's locker, I asked him if he could imagine what young Kevin would think about the weekend ahead.
“I would have thought it would be pretty sweet,” Zeitler said. “It's going to be pretty cool, but wouldn't have imagined it being a Lion though, I can guarantee you
Justin Rogers
October 31
Allen Park — Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler is a Wisconsin native through and through.
Born and raised in Waukesha, situated east of center between Milwaukee, where Zeitler went to high school, and Madison, where he starred for the Badgers, he still calls the state home during the offseason.
And, of course, he has a cabin upstate. Was there ever a question? It’s where he and his family spend the entirety of his offseason break each summer.
“From the moment OTAs end to the start of training camp, I live in northern Wisconsin all summer,” Zeitler said.
Just like owning a cabin, Zeitler growing up a Packers fan is equally predictable. His first football memory was the hometown team losing to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship in early 1996. The next year, the franchise won its first Super Bowl in 29 years, sealing six-year-old Zeitler’s allegiance until he entered the league as a first-round draft pick in 2012.
But get this. In 13 seasons and 188 games, Zeitler has yet to step on the grass at Lambeau Field as an NFL player. It’s an almost unbelievable coincidence, but a streak that ends Sunday when the Lions travel to Green Bay for a critical NFC North matchup.
He’s also never sat in the stadium's seats as a fan, nor owned a Packers jersey. It wasn’t from a lack of desire. His family just didn’t have that kind of money when he was growing up.
Still, he has fond memories of attending neighborhood parties for games each Sunday, and he remembers watching the team win its next Super Bowl at a friend’s apartment at the University of Wisconsin along with his future wife, Sarah, in 2010.
Zeitler has been to Lambeau. Once. It was for a banquet honoring the all-state team while he was in high school. He’s hoping this weekend's trip goes a little better than that disaster.
“I got food poisoning,” he said, chuckling. “That was a miserable night and that's the only time I've been. Great memories.”
Even with his wealth of football-playing experience, Zeitler still gets amped on game days. But this one is likely to hit a little differently, even if he’s trying to preemptively downplay it.
“I think, more than anything, it's meaningful because it's a heck of an opponent,” Zeitler said. “It's going to be tough as all get out. But taking it all in, seeing it, it's going to be cool to finally experience it in person. It won't matter after that. That's when you have to go.”
Zeitler is expecting a lot of family and friends to be in the Lambeau stands. How many and how they’re getting there, that’s on them. He’ll see everyone after the game, but he has to keep his focus narrowed on the week’s preparation. He can't afford any distractions, not with an attacking defensive front led by Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary on deck.
The Packers racked up 33 pressures against the Lions in the last meeting between the teams.
Most of Zeitler's family remains in Wisconsin. They were Packers fans, too, and it’s likely many still are. But if they plan to show up on Sunday, Zeitler said they better bury those sentiments.
“Basically, they'll never get invited back to any event,” he said. “We had that issue my rookie year. We played the Packers in the preseason when I was in Cincinnati. Some people came down and did that crap and they never got invited back. They learned really quickly I won't put up with that crap, especially if I’m the one providing (tickets).”
In his first season with the Lions, Zeitler has meshed well with his new surroundings. It’s been easy with how welcoming the other offensive linemen have been. The group, following his addition, has arguably been the NFL’s best.
For now, the pairing is scheduled to be a short-term marriage. At 34 years old, he signed a one-year deal as a free agent and he understands why any team was reluctant to make a longer-term offer, even after he earned Pro Bowl recognition in Baltimore last season.
Zeitler intends to play as long as a team wants him. But after a few months with the Lions, he truly hopes he’s wanted here after this season. But at this stage, there haven’t been any conversations between the two sides about an extension.
“I would love that, but it's just one of those things,” Zeitler said. “As nice as it would be to take care of it, sign now because I don't want to move again, I understand. It's hard to make that commitment when it's an old guy.”
That’s as much energy as he’s willing to put into the future. He’s focused on the present because as awesome a moment as it will be to play in Lambeau for the first time, there’s another place he hasn’t played that is far more important to the veteran: A Super Bowl.
“Got close last year,” he said. “I've been on some very good teams in my career and some really bad teams in my career, so I have perspective on success. Truly, there are only so many shots.”
Sunday is the next step. With a win over the 6-2 Packers, the Lions can take another step toward winning their division for the second consecutive year.
As I parted from Zeitler's locker, I asked him if he could imagine what young Kevin would think about the weekend ahead.
“I would have thought it would be pretty sweet,” Zeitler said. “It's going to be pretty cool, but wouldn't have imagined it being a Lion though, I can guarantee you
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Jadeveon Clowney would be cheap
really good run defender, not much pass rush production this year but had 9.5 a year ago
dude has a phenomenal work ethic
first year of a 2 yr, $11M deal, 10th year - he was supposed to be the Brian Burns replacement, not part of Carolina's long term plans
really good run defender, not much pass rush production this year but had 9.5 a year ago
dude has a phenomenal work ethic
first year of a 2 yr, $11M deal, 10th year - he was supposed to be the Brian Burns replacement, not part of Carolina's long term plans
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
S Xavier McKinney has won NFC Defensive Player of the Month for Oct0ber
Brian Branch in October:
Brian Branch in October:
- 3 Games
- 3 Interceptions
- 4 Passes Defended
- 1 Forced Fumble
- 2 QB Hits
- 16 Tackles
- 46% Completions Allowed
- 79 Yards Allowed
- 4 Games
- 2 Interceptions
- 3 Passes Defended
- 0 Forced Fumbles
- 1 QB Hit
- 19 Tackles
- 60% Completions Allowed
- 122 Yards Allowed
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Thery need a body of some sort for sure. Teams know the Lions are desperate for some d line help at this point. Still think Holmes will bring in guys that won`t cost more than a third or fourth round pick. Broderick Martin has done nothing so far but looks like he will get some reps this weekend so will be intersted to see what he does.
Unless something changes drastically it looks like Houston is about at the end of his Lion career. A 2 sack game with some pressures might extend it though.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Last week was the best of the season for JH4. Modest production (1 pressure) but at least he wasn’t actively doing harm by getting flagged or pancaked.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
The Lions averaged 21 QB pressures and 3 sacks a game WITH Aidan Hutchinson.
They're at 19 pressures and 2.5 sacks a game without.
They're at 19 pressures and 2.5 sacks a game without.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Has anybody else noticed Terrion Arnold gets better each week?
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Detroit Football Network
What the Lions are saying about rookie class development and contributions beyond Terrion Arnold
Justin Rogers
Nov 01, 2024
∙ Paid
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw got on the field in the late stages of the team’s wins over Dallas and Tennessee. (Getty Images)
Allen Park — In the early stages of an NFL rebuild, rookies tend to see the field early and often.
In 2021, coinciding with the arrival of general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions’ rookies played a league-high 5,280 snaps. That reliance on first-year players calmed down a bit as the rebuild rounded into contention, but the team still squeezed more than 7,000 snaps from its rookie classes the past two seasons.
Entering the 2024 campaign as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, with stellar depth throughout much of the roster, the Lions simply haven’t needed those immediate contributions as they have in the past.
Sure, first-round selection Terrion Arnold has been on the field nearly 90% of the team’s defensive snaps, but who else? The team’s remaining rookies — both draft picks and undrafted free agents — have combined for just 189 offensive and defensive snaps through seven games, and nearly three-quarters of those belong to sixth-round defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo.
With that in mind, let’s check in on the group of newcomers outside Arnold:
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw
Five games, 25 defensive snaps, 66 special teams snaps
To start the regular season, Rakestraw was the team’s No. 3 outside cornerback, behind starters Carlton Davis III and Arnold. The second-round pick even popped on for three snaps during the opener as an injury replacement.
But after suffering a hamstring injury during pre-game warmups in Week 2, sidelining him two games, Rakestraw was displaced as the top backup by veteran Kindle Vildor.
Rakestraw has seen the majority of his defensive playing time in the closing stages of blowout victories two of the past three weeks. Against Dallas, the work was primarily on the outside, while the snaps came in the slot against Tennessee last Sunday.
Position coach Deshea Townsend praised Rakestraw’s budding versatility this week, and the rookie feels he demonstrated his growth when he fired through a gap to make a run stop in the fourth quarter against the Titans.
“Tackling, for me, is what I've always something I've liked to do,” Rakestraw said. “So that's nothing. It's about being more intentional with the details. There are different gaps you have to fit (as the nickel) if a player moves or a player comes from the other side (of the formation).
"I'm just learning those details, so I can hit the gaps faster," he said. "I made one good tackle where I shot the gap pretty well. That's all because of the reps I've been getting. In fall camp, I probably wouldn't have shot the gap the way I did because I didn't understand it.”
Coming off the bench is unfamiliar territory for Rakestraw. This is the first time he hasn’t been a starter since his sophomore year of high school. As a three-star recruit out of Duncanville (Texas), Rakestraw immediately earned a starting role as a freshman for the Tigers.
During that time, he would preach patience and hard work to his young teammates who didn’t earn early opportunities to contribute. Now, he’s having to convey that same message into the mirror.
“It teaches you to be humble,” Rakestraw said. “When I was starting as a freshman in the SEC, there were a lot of guys who didn't get those opportunities and I was telling them to keep their head up, not knowing that four years later I'd be in that same situation. The things I said to them, I just have to be real, remember those same words I told them, and do the same things they did to elevate themselves where they were able to play at Missouri and be good ball players.
“I have to keep that mindset,” Rakestraw said. “I can't think about anybody else, I just have to think about my development every single day.”
Barring an injury ahead of him on the depth chart, Rakestraw’s role will likely remain unchanged this season. In fact, there’s a good chance he’ll be pushed further down the depth chart once Emmanuel Moseley returns from the torn pec that’s sidelined him to start this season.
In the meantime, Rakestraw will continue to contribute on special teams, where he’s getting reps on kickoff return, kickoff coverage and punt return.
Looking forward, he could have a path to compete for a starting job in 2025. Davis and Moseley are both on expiring deals, while Robertson’s cap hit jumps from $2.85 million to $6.4 million in 2025, making him a potential cap casualty in the offseason. Those odds increase if the Lions feel Rakestraw is primed to take over the nickel role.
Offensive tackle Giovanni Manu
0 games, 0 snaps
Despite making the 53-man roster out of training camp, Manu has been a healthy scratch for each of the team’s first seven games. And, to be fair, that was always the plan.
The physically gifted Tongan, who played collegiately in Canada, was selected as a developmental project by Holmes. During the offseason program, that was often apparent. The jump in speed and strength regularly looked overwhelming for the third-round pick.
Following training camp and three preseason games, where he logged nearly 150 snaps at left tackle, we haven’t had eyes on how Manu’s development. That's because media is barred from the meaningful portions of practice this time of year.
Last week, I asked offensive line coach Hank Fraley where Manu has been making the biggest strides behind the scenes.
"He’s progressing with the consistency of the play and starting to get more of the big picture, too," Fraley said. "When things move pre-snap, what’s happening? Where does the call need to adjust to? Do I need to adjust? I think the play speed has definitely picked up over time."
Like many young players not contributing on Sundays, Manu’s practice work comes on the scout team, where he gets a chance to go head-to-head with Detroit’s defensive starters.
"Our defense does a lot of pre-snap movements and all these pressures, so he’s learning on the fly here and he’s playing faster and making calls and stuff," Fraley said. "So that’s where I think he’s progressed a lot more than what you saw in training camp. It was, 'All right, let me get my first couple steps down, let me see this.' Now it’s seeing, 'Oh, adjust, here’s our adjustment to it.' without somebody relying on him (knowing) how to make the calls, so he’s gotten better there."
Don’t expect to see Manu this season. The Lions will turn to Dan Skipper or Colby Sorsdal if they need an injury replacement at offensive tackle. There’s also a strong chance the team would activate practice squader Jamarco Jones before trusting Manu.
Next offseason will be significant for the rookie. He’ll have the opportunity to showcase his development and prove whether he’s worthy of a game-day role backing up Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell.
Running back Sione Vaki
Seven games, nine offensive snaps, 128 special teams snaps
Vaki is firmly fourth on the backfield depth chart, which isn’t surprising given he’s still raw at the position, making the full-time conversion of offense this offseason after primarily playing safety at Utah.
Realistically, he was never going to be a threat to take playing time from David Montgomery or Jahmyr Gibbs, and even in the lopsided wins over Dallas and Tennessee, veteran Craig Reynolds has received the bulk of mop-up duties.
Most of Vaki’s limited offensive work has been as a lead blocker in I-formations. It’s unusual, given his 213-pound frame, but there’s an overlapping skill set and mentality from his work on special teams.
“We just really like his ability to strike on the move,” position coach Scottie Montgomery said. “He targets well, and because of his leverage and power in his lower quarters, he's just always striking on the move, which is timing. It's like a boxer's timing, at times. He knows how to get to that point, maybe take that extra step and go in and engage. We've seen a lot of good things out of him.”
Special teams have unquestionably been Vaki’s calling card. That was expected coming out of the draft, where the Lions talked him up as one of the top performers in this class on those units.
“I think Vaki’s done a great job for us,” special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said. “He’s got a good skillset. Obviously, his college experience probably helps. He was a defensive player and an offensive player in college, so he can play coverage aspects on special teams and return.
“He’s done a good job in protection on punt, and really, on all four phases I feel like he’s done a good job,” Fipp said. “Whatever he’s got to continue to improve, all of us do, myself included, but I think he’ll continue to get better and better and better.”
Most notably, Vaki was able to utilize his unique skill set to help the Lions execute a fake punt, catching a 17-yard pass from punter Jack Fox against Tampa Bay in Week 2.
Showcasing explosive ability as a ball carrier during the preseason, Vaki could overtake Reynolds as the No. 3 back in 2025 with continued development and assignment reliability. Regardless, the special teams contributions alone are adequate value for his fourth-round draft position.
(continues in next post)
What the Lions are saying about rookie class development and contributions beyond Terrion Arnold
Justin Rogers
Nov 01, 2024
∙ Paid
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw got on the field in the late stages of the team’s wins over Dallas and Tennessee. (Getty Images)
Allen Park — In the early stages of an NFL rebuild, rookies tend to see the field early and often.
In 2021, coinciding with the arrival of general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions’ rookies played a league-high 5,280 snaps. That reliance on first-year players calmed down a bit as the rebuild rounded into contention, but the team still squeezed more than 7,000 snaps from its rookie classes the past two seasons.
Entering the 2024 campaign as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, with stellar depth throughout much of the roster, the Lions simply haven’t needed those immediate contributions as they have in the past.
Sure, first-round selection Terrion Arnold has been on the field nearly 90% of the team’s defensive snaps, but who else? The team’s remaining rookies — both draft picks and undrafted free agents — have combined for just 189 offensive and defensive snaps through seven games, and nearly three-quarters of those belong to sixth-round defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo.
With that in mind, let’s check in on the group of newcomers outside Arnold:
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw
Five games, 25 defensive snaps, 66 special teams snaps
To start the regular season, Rakestraw was the team’s No. 3 outside cornerback, behind starters Carlton Davis III and Arnold. The second-round pick even popped on for three snaps during the opener as an injury replacement.
But after suffering a hamstring injury during pre-game warmups in Week 2, sidelining him two games, Rakestraw was displaced as the top backup by veteran Kindle Vildor.
Rakestraw has seen the majority of his defensive playing time in the closing stages of blowout victories two of the past three weeks. Against Dallas, the work was primarily on the outside, while the snaps came in the slot against Tennessee last Sunday.
Position coach Deshea Townsend praised Rakestraw’s budding versatility this week, and the rookie feels he demonstrated his growth when he fired through a gap to make a run stop in the fourth quarter against the Titans.
“Tackling, for me, is what I've always something I've liked to do,” Rakestraw said. “So that's nothing. It's about being more intentional with the details. There are different gaps you have to fit (as the nickel) if a player moves or a player comes from the other side (of the formation).
"I'm just learning those details, so I can hit the gaps faster," he said. "I made one good tackle where I shot the gap pretty well. That's all because of the reps I've been getting. In fall camp, I probably wouldn't have shot the gap the way I did because I didn't understand it.”
Coming off the bench is unfamiliar territory for Rakestraw. This is the first time he hasn’t been a starter since his sophomore year of high school. As a three-star recruit out of Duncanville (Texas), Rakestraw immediately earned a starting role as a freshman for the Tigers.
During that time, he would preach patience and hard work to his young teammates who didn’t earn early opportunities to contribute. Now, he’s having to convey that same message into the mirror.
“It teaches you to be humble,” Rakestraw said. “When I was starting as a freshman in the SEC, there were a lot of guys who didn't get those opportunities and I was telling them to keep their head up, not knowing that four years later I'd be in that same situation. The things I said to them, I just have to be real, remember those same words I told them, and do the same things they did to elevate themselves where they were able to play at Missouri and be good ball players.
“I have to keep that mindset,” Rakestraw said. “I can't think about anybody else, I just have to think about my development every single day.”
Barring an injury ahead of him on the depth chart, Rakestraw’s role will likely remain unchanged this season. In fact, there’s a good chance he’ll be pushed further down the depth chart once Emmanuel Moseley returns from the torn pec that’s sidelined him to start this season.
In the meantime, Rakestraw will continue to contribute on special teams, where he’s getting reps on kickoff return, kickoff coverage and punt return.
Looking forward, he could have a path to compete for a starting job in 2025. Davis and Moseley are both on expiring deals, while Robertson’s cap hit jumps from $2.85 million to $6.4 million in 2025, making him a potential cap casualty in the offseason. Those odds increase if the Lions feel Rakestraw is primed to take over the nickel role.
Offensive tackle Giovanni Manu
0 games, 0 snaps
Despite making the 53-man roster out of training camp, Manu has been a healthy scratch for each of the team’s first seven games. And, to be fair, that was always the plan.
The physically gifted Tongan, who played collegiately in Canada, was selected as a developmental project by Holmes. During the offseason program, that was often apparent. The jump in speed and strength regularly looked overwhelming for the third-round pick.
Following training camp and three preseason games, where he logged nearly 150 snaps at left tackle, we haven’t had eyes on how Manu’s development. That's because media is barred from the meaningful portions of practice this time of year.
Last week, I asked offensive line coach Hank Fraley where Manu has been making the biggest strides behind the scenes.
"He’s progressing with the consistency of the play and starting to get more of the big picture, too," Fraley said. "When things move pre-snap, what’s happening? Where does the call need to adjust to? Do I need to adjust? I think the play speed has definitely picked up over time."
Like many young players not contributing on Sundays, Manu’s practice work comes on the scout team, where he gets a chance to go head-to-head with Detroit’s defensive starters.
"Our defense does a lot of pre-snap movements and all these pressures, so he’s learning on the fly here and he’s playing faster and making calls and stuff," Fraley said. "So that’s where I think he’s progressed a lot more than what you saw in training camp. It was, 'All right, let me get my first couple steps down, let me see this.' Now it’s seeing, 'Oh, adjust, here’s our adjustment to it.' without somebody relying on him (knowing) how to make the calls, so he’s gotten better there."
Don’t expect to see Manu this season. The Lions will turn to Dan Skipper or Colby Sorsdal if they need an injury replacement at offensive tackle. There’s also a strong chance the team would activate practice squader Jamarco Jones before trusting Manu.
Next offseason will be significant for the rookie. He’ll have the opportunity to showcase his development and prove whether he’s worthy of a game-day role backing up Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell.
Running back Sione Vaki
Seven games, nine offensive snaps, 128 special teams snaps
Vaki is firmly fourth on the backfield depth chart, which isn’t surprising given he’s still raw at the position, making the full-time conversion of offense this offseason after primarily playing safety at Utah.
Realistically, he was never going to be a threat to take playing time from David Montgomery or Jahmyr Gibbs, and even in the lopsided wins over Dallas and Tennessee, veteran Craig Reynolds has received the bulk of mop-up duties.
Most of Vaki’s limited offensive work has been as a lead blocker in I-formations. It’s unusual, given his 213-pound frame, but there’s an overlapping skill set and mentality from his work on special teams.
“We just really like his ability to strike on the move,” position coach Scottie Montgomery said. “He targets well, and because of his leverage and power in his lower quarters, he's just always striking on the move, which is timing. It's like a boxer's timing, at times. He knows how to get to that point, maybe take that extra step and go in and engage. We've seen a lot of good things out of him.”
Special teams have unquestionably been Vaki’s calling card. That was expected coming out of the draft, where the Lions talked him up as one of the top performers in this class on those units.
“I think Vaki’s done a great job for us,” special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said. “He’s got a good skillset. Obviously, his college experience probably helps. He was a defensive player and an offensive player in college, so he can play coverage aspects on special teams and return.
“He’s done a good job in protection on punt, and really, on all four phases I feel like he’s done a good job,” Fipp said. “Whatever he’s got to continue to improve, all of us do, myself included, but I think he’ll continue to get better and better and better.”
Most notably, Vaki was able to utilize his unique skill set to help the Lions execute a fake punt, catching a 17-yard pass from punter Jack Fox against Tampa Bay in Week 2.
Showcasing explosive ability as a ball carrier during the preseason, Vaki could overtake Reynolds as the No. 3 back in 2025 with continued development and assignment reliability. Regardless, the special teams contributions alone are adequate value for his fourth-round draft position.
(continues in next post)
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
(post 2 of 2)
Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo
Seven games, 140 defensive snaps, 26 special teams snaps
Because of some injuries along the defensive line, Wingo has had a larger role than initially expected. The undersized defensive tackle has helped backfill snaps that otherwise might have gone to Brodric Martin, Kyle Peko, Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, John Cominsky or Josh Paschal, depending on the week.
Viewed first and foremost as a penetrating interior option, Wingo has been getting cross-trained as a big edge along Detroit’s front since the offseason. His ability to handle those alignments has helped the team patch their depth issues at defensive end, with 40% of his workload coming on the edge.
“The thing that happened with him, once we started having these injuries, we have to move him around in different spots,” defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said. “But that’s the good thing about Wingo, his versatility and his lower-body strength to be able to handle different opportunities that we’re giving him to play different positions. He’s been playing inside, he’s been playing a big end for us.
“That was a pleasant surprise for us, honestly,” Glenn said. “We knew he was a good player, we knew that he was strong, but to see him be able to hold up at the point of attack was good to see so we can put him in those spots.
In terms of production, Wingo hasn't had much. He’s tallied five tackles (one solo) and five quarterback hurries in his first seven appearances. Regardless, his motor has resonated with his teammates.
“He's doing really good, chasing tackles, playing hard,” DJ Reader said. “That's what it's about as a young player. There are not going to be a lot of opportunities out there, but you go make them for yourself. Wingo chasing the ball (on) plays, those plays are important. Those plays help us stop them from getting first downs, keeping them in third downs and things like that. It might go unseen to the naked eye, but the way he's playing is really, really encouraging.”
Guard Christian Mahogany
0 games, 0 snaps
Whatever hope Mahogany had of earning one of Detroit’s top backup jobs was derailed by an offseason bout with mononucleosis. The illness kept him away from the team most of training camp and landed him on the physically unable to perform list until this week.
Mahogany was able to practice the three weeks prior to being added to the 53-man roster on Tuesday. Again, not being able to watch those practices, we have to lean on what his position coach has to say about the development.
“When he was first back, he can't do nothing but work out, lift, all that stuff,” Fraley said. “He's in the meetings, but he's not going out there to practice, to grind with the guys. Now that we've had him back, it's been great to see. He's put a lot of work in.
“(Director of Sports Performance Mike) Clark and those guys got him ready to go,” Fraley said. “We were trying to make sure he was ready when he was coming back, getting him in that cardio shape and everything, the strength. Honesty, watching him come back, it's kind of what you saw in OTAs. When you did see him play, it's like, 'Man, he's got something to him.' He's come back hungry and is really fitting well in the room. It's been exciting to see him.”
Fraley went on to praise Mahogany’s understanding of the playbook, football IQ and overall consistency. Despite those positive attributes, it probably won't be enough for the rookie to leapfrog Kayode Awosika on the depth chart any time soon. Still, Mahogany could conceivably be in the mix to compete for a starting job at right guard in 2025, depending on what the Lions do with pending free agent Kevin Zeitler, who turns 35 years old in March.
Safety Loren Strickland
Three games, 37 special teams snaps
A roster surprise, the undrafted rookie out of Ball State won over the coaching staff during the offseason program because of versatility and effort.
“Everything that we talk about culture-wise, he embodied with his play style,” position coach Jim O’Neil said earlier this month.
After breaking his thumb in the preseason, Strickland was limited to start the year. In the three games where he’s appeared, he’s been exclusively on special teams, seeing reps on kickoff coverage and block, punt return and field goal block.
In recent weeks, he’s been a healthy scratch, with the team having more significant roster needs at other spots.
Wide receiver Isaiah Williams
One game, five offensive snaps, three special teams snaps
Williams wowed in the preseason, leading the Lions in receptions and receiving yards. Despite largely being limited to the slot, the production and steady improvement were enough to earn him a roster spot out of camp, over veterans Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tom Kennedy and Daurice Fountain.
With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond currently blocking a path to playing time, and Williams offering minimal special teams value, he’s struggled to earn a role on game days. He finally got the call last Sunday with Jameson Williams suspended, catching a couple passes in the fourth quarter after the starters got the hook.
Williams’ under-the-radar value has come on the practice field, where coaches have raved about the preparatory looks he’s giving the starting defense while working on the scout team, often imitating the opponent’s top receiver.
“He’s been the guy that pops every week on scout team, and I know he’s won scout team player of the week several times for (Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) and the defensive staff,” offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said. “And so, you see it. You see what you saw in the preseason with the speed, the explosion, and now it’s just carrying over and you’re seeing it day in and day out. And so, the trust level’s certainly going up."
ASIDE FROM BL - neither here nor there, but I just think it's really cool he was Little League football teammates with Jamo back in St Louis; wild having two kids that fast playing together.
Long snapper Hogan Hatten
Seven games, one offensive snaps, 64 special teams snaps
Hatten’s rare athleticism for his position allowed him to unseat incumbent Scott Daly for the snapping job this offseason. And, to this point, the Lions have been thrilled with their decision.
“Number one is velocity (of his snaps),” special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said earlier this month. “The quicker he gets the ball back there, the more time (holder Jack) Fox has to get the ball down. Ultimately, what the kicker wants is, the kicker wants to see the ball down on the spot for longer.
“…Velocity is one thing, the next thing about getting it down on the spot would be location,” Fipp continued. “The better the location is, more right over the spot, the quicker Fox can get it down. Then you’re also talking about the laces, and if the laces need to be adjusted, that takes time, which, again, puts the kicker behind it a little bit.”
After Jake Bates’ game-winning kick against Minnesota, Fox echoed the praise for Hatten's snaps.
“It's an easy deflection, but Hogan has been snapping so well that I'm not worried about spinning the laces or that it's going to be high or low,” Fox continued. “He's crushing it. People don't understand that, but he's been giving me great laces, right where it needs to be every time.”
Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo
Seven games, 140 defensive snaps, 26 special teams snaps
Because of some injuries along the defensive line, Wingo has had a larger role than initially expected. The undersized defensive tackle has helped backfill snaps that otherwise might have gone to Brodric Martin, Kyle Peko, Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, John Cominsky or Josh Paschal, depending on the week.
Viewed first and foremost as a penetrating interior option, Wingo has been getting cross-trained as a big edge along Detroit’s front since the offseason. His ability to handle those alignments has helped the team patch their depth issues at defensive end, with 40% of his workload coming on the edge.
“The thing that happened with him, once we started having these injuries, we have to move him around in different spots,” defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said. “But that’s the good thing about Wingo, his versatility and his lower-body strength to be able to handle different opportunities that we’re giving him to play different positions. He’s been playing inside, he’s been playing a big end for us.
“That was a pleasant surprise for us, honestly,” Glenn said. “We knew he was a good player, we knew that he was strong, but to see him be able to hold up at the point of attack was good to see so we can put him in those spots.
In terms of production, Wingo hasn't had much. He’s tallied five tackles (one solo) and five quarterback hurries in his first seven appearances. Regardless, his motor has resonated with his teammates.
“He's doing really good, chasing tackles, playing hard,” DJ Reader said. “That's what it's about as a young player. There are not going to be a lot of opportunities out there, but you go make them for yourself. Wingo chasing the ball (on) plays, those plays are important. Those plays help us stop them from getting first downs, keeping them in third downs and things like that. It might go unseen to the naked eye, but the way he's playing is really, really encouraging.”
Guard Christian Mahogany
0 games, 0 snaps
Whatever hope Mahogany had of earning one of Detroit’s top backup jobs was derailed by an offseason bout with mononucleosis. The illness kept him away from the team most of training camp and landed him on the physically unable to perform list until this week.
Mahogany was able to practice the three weeks prior to being added to the 53-man roster on Tuesday. Again, not being able to watch those practices, we have to lean on what his position coach has to say about the development.
“When he was first back, he can't do nothing but work out, lift, all that stuff,” Fraley said. “He's in the meetings, but he's not going out there to practice, to grind with the guys. Now that we've had him back, it's been great to see. He's put a lot of work in.
“(Director of Sports Performance Mike) Clark and those guys got him ready to go,” Fraley said. “We were trying to make sure he was ready when he was coming back, getting him in that cardio shape and everything, the strength. Honesty, watching him come back, it's kind of what you saw in OTAs. When you did see him play, it's like, 'Man, he's got something to him.' He's come back hungry and is really fitting well in the room. It's been exciting to see him.”
Fraley went on to praise Mahogany’s understanding of the playbook, football IQ and overall consistency. Despite those positive attributes, it probably won't be enough for the rookie to leapfrog Kayode Awosika on the depth chart any time soon. Still, Mahogany could conceivably be in the mix to compete for a starting job at right guard in 2025, depending on what the Lions do with pending free agent Kevin Zeitler, who turns 35 years old in March.
Safety Loren Strickland
Three games, 37 special teams snaps
A roster surprise, the undrafted rookie out of Ball State won over the coaching staff during the offseason program because of versatility and effort.
“Everything that we talk about culture-wise, he embodied with his play style,” position coach Jim O’Neil said earlier this month.
After breaking his thumb in the preseason, Strickland was limited to start the year. In the three games where he’s appeared, he’s been exclusively on special teams, seeing reps on kickoff coverage and block, punt return and field goal block.
In recent weeks, he’s been a healthy scratch, with the team having more significant roster needs at other spots.
Wide receiver Isaiah Williams
One game, five offensive snaps, three special teams snaps
Williams wowed in the preseason, leading the Lions in receptions and receiving yards. Despite largely being limited to the slot, the production and steady improvement were enough to earn him a roster spot out of camp, over veterans Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tom Kennedy and Daurice Fountain.
With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond currently blocking a path to playing time, and Williams offering minimal special teams value, he’s struggled to earn a role on game days. He finally got the call last Sunday with Jameson Williams suspended, catching a couple passes in the fourth quarter after the starters got the hook.
Williams’ under-the-radar value has come on the practice field, where coaches have raved about the preparatory looks he’s giving the starting defense while working on the scout team, often imitating the opponent’s top receiver.
“He’s been the guy that pops every week on scout team, and I know he’s won scout team player of the week several times for (Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) and the defensive staff,” offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said. “And so, you see it. You see what you saw in the preseason with the speed, the explosion, and now it’s just carrying over and you’re seeing it day in and day out. And so, the trust level’s certainly going up."
ASIDE FROM BL - neither here nor there, but I just think it's really cool he was Little League football teammates with Jamo back in St Louis; wild having two kids that fast playing together.
Long snapper Hogan Hatten
Seven games, one offensive snaps, 64 special teams snaps
Hatten’s rare athleticism for his position allowed him to unseat incumbent Scott Daly for the snapping job this offseason. And, to this point, the Lions have been thrilled with their decision.
“Number one is velocity (of his snaps),” special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said earlier this month. “The quicker he gets the ball back there, the more time (holder Jack) Fox has to get the ball down. Ultimately, what the kicker wants is, the kicker wants to see the ball down on the spot for longer.
“…Velocity is one thing, the next thing about getting it down on the spot would be location,” Fipp continued. “The better the location is, more right over the spot, the quicker Fox can get it down. Then you’re also talking about the laces, and if the laces need to be adjusted, that takes time, which, again, puts the kicker behind it a little bit.”
After Jake Bates’ game-winning kick against Minnesota, Fox echoed the praise for Hatten's snaps.
“It's an easy deflection, but Hogan has been snapping so well that I'm not worried about spinning the laces or that it's going to be high or low,” Fox continued. “He's crushing it. People don't understand that, but he's been giving me great laces, right where it needs to be every time.”
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
K Jake Bates is not a rookie, but he sure has been solid in year 1 of his NFL career. Sunday will be his first time kicking in less than ideal conditions in an NFL game.
G FGM FGA XPM XPA
7 11 11 27 28
G FGM FGA XPM XPA
7 11 11 27 28
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Lions players ranked top 10 at their position heading into WK9 per PFF:
- S Brian Branch (1st)
- S Kerby Joseph (2nd)
- RT Penei Sewell (3rd)
- C Frank Ragnow (3rd)
- RB David Montgomery (4th)
- DI Alim McNeill (5th)
- HB Jahmyr Gibbs (8th)
- P Jack Fox (8th)
- RG Kevin Zeitler (9th)
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Hopefully gets on the field in Houston (he's out this week)
The best thing Brodric Martin might have done for his NFL career was move.
Martin, the Detroit Lions' second-year defensive tackle, got a place in Southfield as a rookie right next to a Jet's Pizza. More often than not, he'd come home from practice hungry and head next door to kill his craving.
"I ain't never heard it before until I got here, but it was literally right next to where I stayed," Martin said. "So I just walked over there. They had some good wings. It was good to me."
As tasty as it was, Martin knew he "wasn't being a pro" about his eating habits. He talked repeatedly with teammate Alim McNeill about how McNeill transformed his body and became a better player — McNeill dropped 22 pounds between his second and third seasons largely by changing what he ate and blossomed as a pass rusher — and he made a plan this offseason, with the help of the Lions' nutrition staff and his fiancée, to eat healthier.
Now, instead of pizza, fried chicken or wings for dinner, Martin eats salmon or pasta, rice and a vegetable. He tries not to eat after 7 p.m. And though he hasn't been able to show it on the field yet, he thinks he's better for it.
After playing last season around 340 pounds, Martin returned to practice from injured reserve this week a svelte 326 pounds.
"I feel like I can move a lot better," Martin said. "And not saying that I won't get back up in the weight, but well if I ever do get back up to 335, 336 or whatever, I want to be a right 335. Stronger, definitely. Like, last year, I was strong just my God-given natural, but now I feel like I've worked in the weight room. We work on small things. The things that I can't explain, they can explain it way better than me, but I just feel a lot better, feel stronger."
Martin likely remains a week or two away from making his season debut after hyperextending his knee in the Lions' preseason finale. The Lions have three weeks to activate him to the 53-man roster or keep him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
But after a quiet rookie year — he made three tackles and appeared in three games in 2023 — he's better equipped to contribute to a Lions defense that's suffered significant injury losses on its defensive line.
Aidan Hutchinson (broken leg), Marcus Davenport (torn triceps) and Kyle Peko (torn pectoral) are likely out for the season, and John Cominsky hasn't played this year after tearing his MCL in training camp.
"I feel like I'll be able to show that hopefully I'm stronger — well, I know for a fact that I’ll show that I'm stronger, moving better, my wind is up a little more," Martin said. "And just understanding the game a lot more. My technique is what I really want to be good at, so it’s just getting better into it."
Martin said he's fortunate to have teammates like McNeill, Peko and D.J. Reader, who've helped him become a better pro, and a fiancée who has looked after him in the kitchen.
He admitted it hasn't been easy to stick with his diet.
"Food get good, man," he said. "I might have a cheat (day) around the corner."
But his craving for Jet's is gone, and the only thing he's licking his lips for now is to get back in action.
"I be trying not to get too anxious just cause the Lord say don't be anxious," Martin said. "I be trying ... to block it out. I really want to play though. I'm really ready to play and I just can't wait to get back out there, hit somebody, do what I can do."
Leaner Detroit Lions DT Brodric Martin ready to 'hit somebody' after summer injury setback
Dave BirkettThe best thing Brodric Martin might have done for his NFL career was move.
Martin, the Detroit Lions' second-year defensive tackle, got a place in Southfield as a rookie right next to a Jet's Pizza. More often than not, he'd come home from practice hungry and head next door to kill his craving.
"I ain't never heard it before until I got here, but it was literally right next to where I stayed," Martin said. "So I just walked over there. They had some good wings. It was good to me."
As tasty as it was, Martin knew he "wasn't being a pro" about his eating habits. He talked repeatedly with teammate Alim McNeill about how McNeill transformed his body and became a better player — McNeill dropped 22 pounds between his second and third seasons largely by changing what he ate and blossomed as a pass rusher — and he made a plan this offseason, with the help of the Lions' nutrition staff and his fiancée, to eat healthier.
Now, instead of pizza, fried chicken or wings for dinner, Martin eats salmon or pasta, rice and a vegetable. He tries not to eat after 7 p.m. And though he hasn't been able to show it on the field yet, he thinks he's better for it.
After playing last season around 340 pounds, Martin returned to practice from injured reserve this week a svelte 326 pounds.
"I feel like I can move a lot better," Martin said. "And not saying that I won't get back up in the weight, but well if I ever do get back up to 335, 336 or whatever, I want to be a right 335. Stronger, definitely. Like, last year, I was strong just my God-given natural, but now I feel like I've worked in the weight room. We work on small things. The things that I can't explain, they can explain it way better than me, but I just feel a lot better, feel stronger."
Martin likely remains a week or two away from making his season debut after hyperextending his knee in the Lions' preseason finale. The Lions have three weeks to activate him to the 53-man roster or keep him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
But after a quiet rookie year — he made three tackles and appeared in three games in 2023 — he's better equipped to contribute to a Lions defense that's suffered significant injury losses on its defensive line.
Aidan Hutchinson (broken leg), Marcus Davenport (torn triceps) and Kyle Peko (torn pectoral) are likely out for the season, and John Cominsky hasn't played this year after tearing his MCL in training camp.
"I feel like I'll be able to show that hopefully I'm stronger — well, I know for a fact that I’ll show that I'm stronger, moving better, my wind is up a little more," Martin said. "And just understanding the game a lot more. My technique is what I really want to be good at, so it’s just getting better into it."
Martin said he's fortunate to have teammates like McNeill, Peko and D.J. Reader, who've helped him become a better pro, and a fiancée who has looked after him in the kitchen.
He admitted it hasn't been easy to stick with his diet.
"Food get good, man," he said. "I might have a cheat (day) around the corner."
But his craving for Jet's is gone, and the only thing he's licking his lips for now is to get back in action.
"I be trying not to get too anxious just cause the Lord say don't be anxious," Martin said. "I be trying ... to block it out. I really want to play though. I'm really ready to play and I just can't wait to get back out there, hit somebody, do what I can do."
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Bunch of transactions this afternoon:
- Released TE Parker Hesse.
- Signed LB Abraham Beauplan and DL Chris Smith to the Active Roster.
- Elevated TE Shane Zylstra and OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad from the Practice Squad to the Active/Inactive list.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
Yogibear
Footballguy
I was reading on SI.com that they should send a conditional third-round pick to Cleveland for Za'Darius Smith. Is that something Brad Holmes might consider?
Yes. Smith is #1 on our wish list at this point.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I haven't heard that, and no, I don't think Brad Holmes would send a Day 2 pick for that player. What I have heard is the Browns are looking for a "good" day three pick for Smith. That makes it sound like a fourth-round pick would get a deal done.
But there is a non-zero chance they do not make a trade. That seems like a mistake to me, but we'll see how it plays out.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
I went to a Lions practice last year and this year. Martin is big but he is noticeably fat! Carries way too much weight in the midsection. They had t shirts on one practice and his belly was jiggling and busting out below the shirt.
I know d tackles are bigger but he did not look like any of the other lineman. Sewell is a big person, but he is big from head to toe and is in shape to play a whole game. Martin does not look like that at all. Looks like a big, overweight kid that has never been in shape.
Hopefully that has changed since August. Said he is working on his body and diet so that is a good thing as Lions some production from him now.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
It was tough losing Hutch; they were really teed up & he was on his way to winning DPotY.
They can cobble together a pass rush against the bottom 75% of the league. But it’s a different equation trying get by GB or SF without him.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
I see what you are doing here BL. Pack fans know we are the underdog today!!!
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
If there was a game that one would predict the Lions to lose it would be this one. On the road, in the elements, minus their best player on defense, against a very good team.I see what you are doing here BL. Pack fans know we are the underdog today!!!
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
If there was a game that one would predict the Lions to lose it would be this one. On the road, in the elements, minus their best player on defense, against a very good team.I see what you are doing here BL. Pack fans know we are the underdog today!!!
Maybe if they lose they’ll realize Isaiah Thomas & Al-Quadin Muhammad are not the answers we were expecting at Edge
Not much choice. Teams like Cleveland have to decide if they are really going to give up on this season. If the pounding by the Chargers continues, the Browns should be ready to trade Za'Darius Smith, hopefully to the Lions. Brad has been in contact with every team in the league mapping out potential deals.
It sounds like a deal for Smith is close to being final. His current contract:
Za'Darius Smith signed a 2 year , $23,000,000 contract with the Cleveland Browns, including $10,790,000 signing bonus, $12,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $11,500,000. In 2024, Smith will earn a base salary of $1,210,000 and a signing bonus of $10,790,000, while carrying a cap hit of $5,235,000 and a dead cap value of $19,468,000.
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Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Yes, teams on their way out of contention have no reason to make early deals. They want to see how things play out, plus they know as it gets closer to the trade deadline they are likely to get a little more.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Kerb' Stomped
6 interceptions - that's his first TD, right?
13 tackles by Jack Campbell today
0 sacks for the team
Mike Florio (who I would not consider reliable) reporting Za'Darius Smith will be a Lion by tomorrow
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profo...mith-to-lions-is-expected-tonight-or-tomorrow
6 interceptions - that's his first TD, right?
13 tackles by Jack Campbell today
0 sacks for the team
Mike Florio (who I would not consider reliable) reporting Za'Darius Smith will be a Lion by tomorrow
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profo...mith-to-lions-is-expected-tonight-or-tomorrow
Wasn't a lot of pressure on Love. McNeil blew up a few plays. Houston provided occasional pressure and caused at least one false start. The Blitz work a few times getting pressure. The Lions were effective on stopping 3rd downs, but some of that was because of drops and mistakes. Secondary was solid.
Most of Kirby's INTs are in the other end zone.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
The Lions have won three-straight road games at Green Bay for the first time since 1986-88.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs has averaged 5.0+ yards per rushing attempt in seven-straight games, an NFL record-long streak (10 attempt per game minimum).
First six-game winning streak in a season since 1995.
At 7-1, the Lions are off to their best start to a season since 1956.
Gibbs has rushed for a TD in five-straight games against divisional opponents.
The only Lions to accumulate 4+ INTs and a pick-six against the Packers since 1940:
1. Kerby Joseph (2022-24)
2. Lem Barney (1967-77)
3. Jack Christiansen (1951-58)
4. Bob Smith (1950-53)
Kerby has 14 interceptions through the first three seasons of his career. This ranks as the third-most INTs any Lions player has had through three-career seasons since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger. He is the NFL's first safety to accumulate at least 14 INTs through three-career seasons since Ed Reed (2002-04). He is also the first Lions safety to log at least six interceptions and a pick-six in a single season since James Hunter in 1976.
ARSB has produced a TD reception in six-straight games, tying the franchise record-long streak (Herman Moore in 1994).
RB Jahmyr Gibbs has averaged 5.0+ yards per rushing attempt in seven-straight games, an NFL record-long streak (10 attempt per game minimum).
First six-game winning streak in a season since 1995.
At 7-1, the Lions are off to their best start to a season since 1956.
Gibbs has rushed for a TD in five-straight games against divisional opponents.
The only Lions to accumulate 4+ INTs and a pick-six against the Packers since 1940:
1. Kerby Joseph (2022-24)
2. Lem Barney (1967-77)
3. Jack Christiansen (1951-58)
4. Bob Smith (1950-53)
Kerby has 14 interceptions through the first three seasons of his career. This ranks as the third-most INTs any Lions player has had through three-career seasons since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger. He is the NFL's first safety to accumulate at least 14 INTs through three-career seasons since Ed Reed (2002-04). He is also the first Lions safety to log at least six interceptions and a pick-six in a single season since James Hunter in 1976.
ARSB has produced a TD reception in six-straight games, tying the franchise record-long streak (Herman Moore in 1994).
kutta
Footballguy
That almost seems impossible
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Great win.
My BIL lives in Appleton. Goes to half the GB home games and always running his mouth for decades and rightly so. Today he would not answer my texts and still hasn`t.
Love has talent but he makes some stupid decisions. Goff knows when the play is not there and cuts bait.
Branch deserve to be flagged but not ejected. The dome team dealt with the elements better than the home team today.
Watching the game I hated that GB had the alternates that look nothing like their regular colors. We are playing in GB and it did not loo like them on TV.
My BIL lives in Appleton. Goes to half the GB home games and always running his mouth for decades and rightly so. Today he would not answer my texts and still hasn`t.
Love has talent but he makes some stupid decisions. Goff knows when the play is not there and cuts bait.
Branch deserve to be flagged but not ejected. The dome team dealt with the elements better than the home team today.
Watching the game I hated that GB had the alternates that look nothing like their regular colors. We are playing in GB and it did not loo like them on TV.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Locker room buzz: St Brown on trolling shirt, Joseph’s pick 6, Branch’s ejection, and a former teammate shares what Lions would be getting in Za’Darius Smith
Justin Rogers
Green Bay — Here’s what I learned bouncing around the Detroit Lions’ locker room following the team’s 24-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Fashion choices
Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown arrived at Lambeau looking to make a statement, stepping off the team bus in a black hoodie with plain white wording that read, “Greenbay (sic) sucks.”
For anyone who has ever watched St. Brown’s podcast with his brother, Equanimeous, you understand how much they enjoy banter. Asked what kind of statement he was trying to send with his fashion decision, Amon-Ra cracked a wry smile.
“Just having fun with it,” St. Brown said. “I got beer poured on me last year, so, you know, giving a little something, something back to them.”
St. Brown did a victory lap after the game, celebrating with the healthy contingent of Lions fans who showed up for the road matchup. But he was thrilled to get into the locker room and out of the cold and the rain. He marveled at how well quarterback Jared Goff was able to operate in the conditions.
“It was super impressive,” St. Brown said. “I'm out there freezing my *** off and I don't know how he can possibly throw it in that weather, in the rain, the wind. Credit to him, he's put the work in.”
The duo’s connection has reached new heights as of late. The last 30 throws Goff has made to St. Brown have resulted in completions, while the receiver matched the franchise record with six consecutive games with a receiving touchdown.
“That's pretty crazy, huh?” Goff said. “He's the friendliest target I've ever thrown to and I'm lucky to play with him. I hope to play with him for quite some time. He's a hard worker, he does everything right. I love him.”
On the touchdown, St. Brown ran a unique route from speed motion; a stop-and-go he noted had created a ton of separation when they first practiced it in training camp two years ago. But the Packers cornerback defended it well, forcing a tight throw on the fourth-down play.
“As I was running it, I didn't really create the separation that I wanted and I felt like (the corner) was still on me, so I didn't think he was going to throw it,” St. Brown said. “I looked back and he threw it, he threw a great ball back shoulder, and I was able to catch it and get two feet in.”
At long last
For the first time since he played wide receiver in high school, Lions safety Kerby Joseph found the end zone, returning an interception at the end of the first half 27 yards for the score.
“It's been a long time since I had a touchdown,” Joseph said. “It was just amazing I got a pick-six on my sixth interception. That's just amazing.”
A Packers fan growing up, Joseph said the moment was surreal. But you didn’t need him to say it because his reaction to reaching the end zone said it all. Almost always ready with a choreographed celebration, he appeared stunned until his teammates swarmed him.
“I didn't even know what to do,” Joseph said. “I just had so much emotion rush through my body, man. I was just happy to celebrate with my teammates. That's what matters most. I just love these guys.”
Even getting into the end zone for the first time, Joseph said this takeaway didn’t trump intercepting Aaron Rodgers twice during the defender's rookie season. Those remain his favorite interceptions and he remains hopeful to get Rodgers to sign one of the balls someday.
Joseph is now tied for the league lead with six picks and his 14 through his first three seasons is the most since Hall of Famer Ed Reed.
“He has a knack about it,” Campbell said. “He is a football player and that is one of the things that we liked about him when he was coming out. There was a rawness to him, but he had ball skills and the ability to track the ball and we felt like he could grow and become a pretty good safety in this league. He certainly has done that, and he is not done. He is not done. That is what excites you.”
As it turns out, Joseph is chasing Reed in more ways than one.
“Oh, man, it's just everything, even just the comparison,” Joseph said. “I feel like one thing I always tell myself, 'I'm chasing a gold jacket.' I always tell them boys, 'What do you want your legacy to be?' Every time I'm out there, man, I'm just showing on tape this is who I am, this is what I want to be.”
Insight on potential addition
Before the game, Pro Football Talk reported the Lions have a tentative agreement in place to acquire Cleveland Browns edge rusher Za’Darius Smith ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
My constricted efforts to confirm that report during and after the game have fallen flat, but I was able to catch up with one of Smith’s former teammates, defensive end Isaiah Thomas, to ask what Smith would bring to the table.
The young lineman focused more on the person than the player.
“Leadership, first and foremost,” Thomas said. “And that guy, he's like a sponge. Whatever the team asks of him, he can adjust quicker than anybody I've been around, just because of his experience and what he's seen throughout his career.”
Thomas said the most important lesson he learned from Smith was the value of being able to push through and grow from adversity.
“The thing he always spoke about, as far as success, he talked about all the times that were rough for him," Thomas said. "He would say, 'Appreciate those moments because the work you put in will pay off for you.' At that time, I was going through a rough patch, in terms of having success as an individual. He would talk to me about how he pushed through to have the success that he had. He taught me to put the past behind me, by building off those experiences and not making the same mistakes.”
Anatomy of a fourth-down stop
It might not have ultimately mattered to the outcome, but a fourth-down stop in the red zone during the fourth quarter was arguably the final nail in the coffin for the Packers on Sunday.
On the snap, DJ Reader got significant push, freeing linebacker Jack Campbell to come downhill and meet running back Josh Jacobs in the hole for the no-gain stop.
“They got me earlier in the game on the Y (tight end) sneak and I was like, 'You know what, I don't care what they're running this time, I'm going forward,’” Reader said. “I did my job, my guy came up behind me, filled it in, got the big stop, defense is off the field, and Lions win again.”
Campbell said he couldn’t have made the play without Reader taking up multiple blocks. And even though the defensive tackle won’t get credit in the box score, he said there’s no better feeling than playing that role.
“For a nose tackle, fourth-and-1 stop?” Reader said. “No way, bro, because they're trying you. They're going to line up over you and feel they're going to whoop your ***. Nah, no better **** than that.”
There was a short delay before the officials confirmed the turnover on downs, but once they did, Campbell raced down the field with teammate Alex Anzalone in a rare celebratory moment for the second-year linebacker.
“I knew it was short right way,” Campbell said. “Anzo came up to me and said, 'We've got to celebrate, so we did celebrate. Just having fun with it.”
Sewell doing Sewell things
On Jahmyr Gibbs’ 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell delivered a monstrous block that collapsed that side of the defensive formation, opening a huge lane for the back.
“It feels good, just to see your guy running into the end zone like that,” Sewell said. “I'm pretty sure he was untouched on that play. Yeah, just a lot of emotion on that one, knowing we got it in.”
Humorously, Gibbs wasn’t even impressed. He’s grown accustomed to seeing Sewell do superhuman things.
“I mean, I've been around him for a year and a half now, I kind of expect him to do that,” Gibbs said. “I'm not really surprised by the things he does anymore. That's Penei. That's what he does. It's the expectation.
Justin Rogers
Green Bay — Here’s what I learned bouncing around the Detroit Lions’ locker room following the team’s 24-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Fashion choices
Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown arrived at Lambeau looking to make a statement, stepping off the team bus in a black hoodie with plain white wording that read, “Greenbay (sic) sucks.”
For anyone who has ever watched St. Brown’s podcast with his brother, Equanimeous, you understand how much they enjoy banter. Asked what kind of statement he was trying to send with his fashion decision, Amon-Ra cracked a wry smile.
“Just having fun with it,” St. Brown said. “I got beer poured on me last year, so, you know, giving a little something, something back to them.”
St. Brown did a victory lap after the game, celebrating with the healthy contingent of Lions fans who showed up for the road matchup. But he was thrilled to get into the locker room and out of the cold and the rain. He marveled at how well quarterback Jared Goff was able to operate in the conditions.
“It was super impressive,” St. Brown said. “I'm out there freezing my *** off and I don't know how he can possibly throw it in that weather, in the rain, the wind. Credit to him, he's put the work in.”
The duo’s connection has reached new heights as of late. The last 30 throws Goff has made to St. Brown have resulted in completions, while the receiver matched the franchise record with six consecutive games with a receiving touchdown.
“That's pretty crazy, huh?” Goff said. “He's the friendliest target I've ever thrown to and I'm lucky to play with him. I hope to play with him for quite some time. He's a hard worker, he does everything right. I love him.”
On the touchdown, St. Brown ran a unique route from speed motion; a stop-and-go he noted had created a ton of separation when they first practiced it in training camp two years ago. But the Packers cornerback defended it well, forcing a tight throw on the fourth-down play.
“As I was running it, I didn't really create the separation that I wanted and I felt like (the corner) was still on me, so I didn't think he was going to throw it,” St. Brown said. “I looked back and he threw it, he threw a great ball back shoulder, and I was able to catch it and get two feet in.”
At long last
For the first time since he played wide receiver in high school, Lions safety Kerby Joseph found the end zone, returning an interception at the end of the first half 27 yards for the score.
“It's been a long time since I had a touchdown,” Joseph said. “It was just amazing I got a pick-six on my sixth interception. That's just amazing.”
A Packers fan growing up, Joseph said the moment was surreal. But you didn’t need him to say it because his reaction to reaching the end zone said it all. Almost always ready with a choreographed celebration, he appeared stunned until his teammates swarmed him.
“I didn't even know what to do,” Joseph said. “I just had so much emotion rush through my body, man. I was just happy to celebrate with my teammates. That's what matters most. I just love these guys.”
Even getting into the end zone for the first time, Joseph said this takeaway didn’t trump intercepting Aaron Rodgers twice during the defender's rookie season. Those remain his favorite interceptions and he remains hopeful to get Rodgers to sign one of the balls someday.
Joseph is now tied for the league lead with six picks and his 14 through his first three seasons is the most since Hall of Famer Ed Reed.
“He has a knack about it,” Campbell said. “He is a football player and that is one of the things that we liked about him when he was coming out. There was a rawness to him, but he had ball skills and the ability to track the ball and we felt like he could grow and become a pretty good safety in this league. He certainly has done that, and he is not done. He is not done. That is what excites you.”
As it turns out, Joseph is chasing Reed in more ways than one.
“Oh, man, it's just everything, even just the comparison,” Joseph said. “I feel like one thing I always tell myself, 'I'm chasing a gold jacket.' I always tell them boys, 'What do you want your legacy to be?' Every time I'm out there, man, I'm just showing on tape this is who I am, this is what I want to be.”
Insight on potential addition
Before the game, Pro Football Talk reported the Lions have a tentative agreement in place to acquire Cleveland Browns edge rusher Za’Darius Smith ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
My constricted efforts to confirm that report during and after the game have fallen flat, but I was able to catch up with one of Smith’s former teammates, defensive end Isaiah Thomas, to ask what Smith would bring to the table.
The young lineman focused more on the person than the player.
“Leadership, first and foremost,” Thomas said. “And that guy, he's like a sponge. Whatever the team asks of him, he can adjust quicker than anybody I've been around, just because of his experience and what he's seen throughout his career.”
Thomas said the most important lesson he learned from Smith was the value of being able to push through and grow from adversity.
“The thing he always spoke about, as far as success, he talked about all the times that were rough for him," Thomas said. "He would say, 'Appreciate those moments because the work you put in will pay off for you.' At that time, I was going through a rough patch, in terms of having success as an individual. He would talk to me about how he pushed through to have the success that he had. He taught me to put the past behind me, by building off those experiences and not making the same mistakes.”
Anatomy of a fourth-down stop
It might not have ultimately mattered to the outcome, but a fourth-down stop in the red zone during the fourth quarter was arguably the final nail in the coffin for the Packers on Sunday.
On the snap, DJ Reader got significant push, freeing linebacker Jack Campbell to come downhill and meet running back Josh Jacobs in the hole for the no-gain stop.
“They got me earlier in the game on the Y (tight end) sneak and I was like, 'You know what, I don't care what they're running this time, I'm going forward,’” Reader said. “I did my job, my guy came up behind me, filled it in, got the big stop, defense is off the field, and Lions win again.”
Campbell said he couldn’t have made the play without Reader taking up multiple blocks. And even though the defensive tackle won’t get credit in the box score, he said there’s no better feeling than playing that role.
“For a nose tackle, fourth-and-1 stop?” Reader said. “No way, bro, because they're trying you. They're going to line up over you and feel they're going to whoop your ***. Nah, no better **** than that.”
There was a short delay before the officials confirmed the turnover on downs, but once they did, Campbell raced down the field with teammate Alex Anzalone in a rare celebratory moment for the second-year linebacker.
“I knew it was short right way,” Campbell said. “Anzo came up to me and said, 'We've got to celebrate, so we did celebrate. Just having fun with it.”
Sewell doing Sewell things
On Jahmyr Gibbs’ 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell delivered a monstrous block that collapsed that side of the defensive formation, opening a huge lane for the back.
“It feels good, just to see your guy running into the end zone like that,” Sewell said. “I'm pretty sure he was untouched on that play. Yeah, just a lot of emotion on that one, knowing we got it in.”
Humorously, Gibbs wasn’t even impressed. He’s grown accustomed to seeing Sewell do superhuman things.
“I mean, I've been around him for a year and a half now, I kind of expect him to do that,” Gibbs said. “I'm not really surprised by the things he does anymore. That's Penei. That's what he does. It's the expectation.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
(concluding from previous post)
Ejection explanation
Safety Brian Branch was ejected in the second quarter after the decision was made at the league level. A pool reporter spoke to Senior Vice President of Officiating Perry Fewell after the contest to get an explanation.
“We reviewed all the angles, and we clearly felt that he had time and space to make a different choice, as the act was a flagrant foul,” Fewell said. “And he clearly had the opportunity to avoid the head and neck area.”
Campbell commended the officiating staff on their overall performance but didn’t have a lot to add on the Branch ejection because he hadn’t seen the replay.
“I have a lot of respect for what (the officials) do and they just said it came from New York, so that is all I’ve got on it,” Campbell said. “That is the first time that I have ever been a part of something like that since I’ve been a head coach, that somebody got ejected. So I didn’t see it. I don’t know.”
Campbell said once he reviews the play, he’ll determine the coaching points for Branch to avoid these situations.
“I’m assuming he hit (the receiver’s) head,” Campbell said. “Certainly try to lower your target to where it doesn’t become that, but I never want to take away his aggressiveness and the skills that make him the player that he is. But it doesn’t help us when he isn’t available in the game either. So I would tell him just to lower (his target).”
It’s worth noting that Branch briefly knocked himself out and landed in concussion protocol after lowering his head to make a tackle on Arizona tight end Trey McBride (who also lowered his head on the play) earlier this season. So just as much as penalty avoidance, it's worth correcting the technique for Branch's health.
Memorable debut
Guard Kevin Zeitler was among the first Lions to take the field before Sunday's game. Despite the chilly temperatures and steady rainfall, he did what offensive linemen often do, showing up to warm-ups wearing shorts and a tank top.
This game was special for Zeiter — a Wisconsin native — because he was making his first appearance at Lambeau Field. A Packers fan growing up, he hadn’t played at the stadium previously during his 13-year career.
“It was incredible,” Zeitler said. “It was cool. The field actually held up really well, even with all that rain. I was impressed. At least that's my opinion, but I'm a giant man with giant cleats on.
“I didn't really know what to expect,” Zeitler continued. “I had only seen it on TV and it was cool to get a chance to walk out there and play. Obviously, any time you go on the road, especially in a tough environment like this, and you get a victory, that's big. Hopefully, we can learn from it and build on it.
Zeitler’s comments about the field conditions exceeding expectations were echoed by several teammates.
Smart play by backup
Brandon Joseph replaced Branch in the lineup following the ejection and made a smart, situational play at the end of the first half, avoiding a pass interference penalty that would have stopped the clock, but allowing a long reception that ran out the remaining time.
“It was a situational call from the jump,” Joseph explained. “(Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) AG called one of our situational calls. I'm not going to give away the game plan, but we knew if they caught the ball (in the middle of the field), they only had so much time. We just knew they wouldn't have time to get up and get back under (center). “
Additionally, after the catch, Joseph subtly pinned the receiver to the ground, as the final few seconds ticked off the clock.
“I knew he could catch that,” Joseph said. “You could see I laid on him for a little bit. That's something AG always tells us to do. I'm looking at the clock, there's five seconds and I knew they couldn't snap the ball.”
Ejection explanation
Safety Brian Branch was ejected in the second quarter after the decision was made at the league level. A pool reporter spoke to Senior Vice President of Officiating Perry Fewell after the contest to get an explanation.
“We reviewed all the angles, and we clearly felt that he had time and space to make a different choice, as the act was a flagrant foul,” Fewell said. “And he clearly had the opportunity to avoid the head and neck area.”
Campbell commended the officiating staff on their overall performance but didn’t have a lot to add on the Branch ejection because he hadn’t seen the replay.
“I have a lot of respect for what (the officials) do and they just said it came from New York, so that is all I’ve got on it,” Campbell said. “That is the first time that I have ever been a part of something like that since I’ve been a head coach, that somebody got ejected. So I didn’t see it. I don’t know.”
Campbell said once he reviews the play, he’ll determine the coaching points for Branch to avoid these situations.
“I’m assuming he hit (the receiver’s) head,” Campbell said. “Certainly try to lower your target to where it doesn’t become that, but I never want to take away his aggressiveness and the skills that make him the player that he is. But it doesn’t help us when he isn’t available in the game either. So I would tell him just to lower (his target).”
It’s worth noting that Branch briefly knocked himself out and landed in concussion protocol after lowering his head to make a tackle on Arizona tight end Trey McBride (who also lowered his head on the play) earlier this season. So just as much as penalty avoidance, it's worth correcting the technique for Branch's health.
Memorable debut
Guard Kevin Zeitler was among the first Lions to take the field before Sunday's game. Despite the chilly temperatures and steady rainfall, he did what offensive linemen often do, showing up to warm-ups wearing shorts and a tank top.
This game was special for Zeiter — a Wisconsin native — because he was making his first appearance at Lambeau Field. A Packers fan growing up, he hadn’t played at the stadium previously during his 13-year career.
“It was incredible,” Zeitler said. “It was cool. The field actually held up really well, even with all that rain. I was impressed. At least that's my opinion, but I'm a giant man with giant cleats on.
“I didn't really know what to expect,” Zeitler continued. “I had only seen it on TV and it was cool to get a chance to walk out there and play. Obviously, any time you go on the road, especially in a tough environment like this, and you get a victory, that's big. Hopefully, we can learn from it and build on it.
Zeitler’s comments about the field conditions exceeding expectations were echoed by several teammates.
Smart play by backup
Brandon Joseph replaced Branch in the lineup following the ejection and made a smart, situational play at the end of the first half, avoiding a pass interference penalty that would have stopped the clock, but allowing a long reception that ran out the remaining time.
“It was a situational call from the jump,” Joseph explained. “(Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) AG called one of our situational calls. I'm not going to give away the game plan, but we knew if they caught the ball (in the middle of the field), they only had so much time. We just knew they wouldn't have time to get up and get back under (center). “
Additionally, after the catch, Joseph subtly pinned the receiver to the ground, as the final few seconds ticked off the clock.
“I knew he could catch that,” Joseph said. “You could see I laid on him for a little bit. That's something AG always tells us to do. I'm looking at the clock, there's five seconds and I knew they couldn't snap the ball.”
Donnybrook
Footballguy
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Well that's two different talking heads saying that now. Hopefully they know what they are talking about.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Nope
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Chaka
Footballguy
No. But might I interest you in a shiny, Tyree Wilson? Still in the original packaging.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
I remember many pundits had Detroit drafting Wilson.
