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2025 Detroit Lions: 2-1 Lions beat Ravens (38 Viewers)

The Lions are racking up a bunch of injuries:

Marcus Davenport reportedly has a torn triceps and is likely out for the year.

Derrick Barnes had a knee injury and will miss significant time.

Frank Ragnow has a partially torn pec and is week-to-week.

The others are all day-to-day.

The Lions play Monday night, then comes their much needed bye week.
 
Zeppelin said:
The Lions are racking up a bunch of injuries:

Marcus Davenport reportedly has a torn triceps and is likely out for the year.

Derrick Barnes had a knee injury and will miss significant time.

Frank Ragnow has a partially torn pec and is week-to-week.

The others are all day-to-day.

The Lions play Monday night, then comes their much needed bye week.
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Lions smartly haven't spent their entire cap, so moves are still possible as certain teams start to fall out of contention. For the time being their vaunted depth will have to come through.
 
Zeppelin said:
The Lions are racking up a bunch of injuries:

Marcus Davenport reportedly has a torn triceps and is likely out for the year.

Derrick Barnes had a knee injury and will miss significant time.

Frank Ragnow has a partially torn pec and is week-to-week.

The others are all day-to-day.

The Lions play Monday night, then comes their much needed bye week.
Click to expand...

Seems like Rags gets beat up every week.
 
Da Guru said:
Zeppelin said:
The Lions are racking up a bunch of injuries:

Marcus Davenport reportedly has a torn triceps and is likely out for the year.

Derrick Barnes had a knee injury and will miss significant time.

Frank Ragnow has a partially torn pec and is week-to-week.

The others are all day-to-day.

The Lions play Monday night, then comes their much needed bye week.
Click to expand...

Seems like Rags gets beat up every week.
Click to expand...
Yeah he's basically playing hurt every week. Perhaps that is taking it's toll on the o line performance lately.
 
We had been avoiding serious injury up until now with the exception of Moseley. Davenport is a huge loss since we lack any comparable replacement. Levi and Pascal will rotate in as his replacement and I expect Houston to finally see some playing time.

Barnes has been playing well, but does not show up much in the stat line. Not sure who our second SAM is as Houston was not able to adapt to the role.

Frank is probably more seriously hurt then we know, but he will play with one arm if he has too.
 
Should be an exciting week. Coming off a nice win on the road. Playing Monday night and breaking out the black uniforms. But a bit of a downer losing Davenport and Barnes and having several other key players with injuries which could limit them. Also facing a team that historically destroys us.

But next man up and what happened in the past has no bearing on this team. The defense looks much better, especially in the secondary. Hutch is playing like DPOY and Kerby Joseph is looking like one of the best safeties in the league. Offensively, the Lions have shown the ability to control the game via the run. The passing game seems as bit shaky as Goff is rushing his throws and is throwing more INTs than TDs. The Lions need to continue to pound their running game, but they will need a more balanced attack with a more effective passing game.

Lions are favored by +3 facing a Seattle team which is 3-0. I think the Lions cover this week and score a 27-20 win.
 
jon_mx said:
Should be an exciting week. Coming off a nice win on the road. Playing Monday night and breaking out the black uniforms. But a bit of a downer losing Davenport and Barnes and having several other key players with injuries which could limit them. Also facing a team that historically destroys us.

But next man up and what happened in the past has no bearing on this team. The defense looks much better, especially in the secondary. Hutch is playing like DPOY and Kerby Joseph is looking like one of the best safeties in the league. Offensively, the Lions have shown the ability to control the game via the run. The passing game seems as bit shaky as Goff is rushing his throws and is throwing more INTs than TDs. The Lions need to continue to pound their running game, but they will need a more balanced attack with a more effective passing game.

Lions are favored by +3 facing a Seattle team which is 3-0. I think the Lions cover this week and score a 27-20 win.
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Believe it or not, that 27-20 score over Seattle is the same one I got as well too. I don't know why I picked against them last week in Arizona.
 
Those that said the Lions have a tough early schedule were not kidding. This week it's a 3-0 Seattle team that hasn't missed a beat even with the old gum chomper HC retiring. That said the Lions have played a better group of teams so far. I'm looking for an emphasis on the running game this week to set up the play action. Defensively they have to get pressure on Geno before he can get it to his receivers. 🦁
 
Will be a very good game against two physical teams. Seattle has owned the Lions forever. But this is a different Lions team. Also, the last three games have been very high scoring. I think both defenses are better, so I would not expect another shootout. The only caveat is, I expect Seattle to be in a hurry up offense to combat the crowd noise, so that could drive up the number of plays.

Quite a few significant injuries for both teams. DE Davenport of course is done for the season. LB Barnes is out. C Frank Ragnow is out through the bye week. S Brian Branch is doubtful. LB Anzalone ststus is unknown. Defense is missing key pieces at all levels and Geno has feasted on the Lions.

The biggest hole is at DE opposite Hutch. I expect Hutch to see double teams all night as Seattle is on their third string RT. Pascal will see most of the time at the other DE, solid at setting the edge and stopping the run, but has yet to show he can put pressure on the QB. I still think Houston is a better option on push rush situations, but the coaching staff sees otherwise. They seem to like rotating in Levi and Wingo instead. Campbell and Rodrigo will have to step up at LB or it will be a long night as Seattle's running game is dangerous.

The Lions will want to pound the ball and control the game, so expect Monty to have a lot of touches. Seattle has a very solid secondary, perhaps we will have to look at LaPorta more this week. Saint will still get his though. To win will we need our speed guys, Williams and Gibbs, to break off a couple of big plays.
 
Leroy Hoard said:
Da Guru said:
Paging @BobbyLayne Hello???

MNF and there is no sticky yet and we are on the 4th page of SP without you.
Click to expand...
He's been gone now for a couple weeks, could be taking some time off of the boards judging by his last post.
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I’m good, just trying to be more present at home. Wifey is dealing with some medical stuff. Just normal circle of life stuff, we’ll be OK.

Great win considering we were down 4 starters. Felt good to finally got past Seattle. Happy for Jamo, legit locker room game ball from MCDC - bc he also had several awesome blocks - to put next to the NBCSNF game ball he got Opening Night.

On a personal note (NCAYFT), started Goff for the first time. Down by 4ish, 30% win probability, villain had JSN & Waddle. The Alcatraz play (ARSB 2 Jared) put me in the lead and hit ‘em with a Waymo sealed the deal.
 
Da Guru said:
BobbyLayne said:
Leroy Hoard said:
Da Guru said:
Paging @BobbyLayne Hello???

MNF and there is no sticky yet and we are on the 4th page of SP without you.
Click to expand...
He's been gone now for a couple weeks, could be taking some time off of the boards judging by his last post.
Click to expand...

I’m good, just trying to be more present at home. Wifey is dealing with some medical stuff. Just normal circle of life stuff, we’ll be OK.

Great win considering we were down 4 starters. Felt good to finally got past Seattle. Happy for Jamo, legit locker room game ball from MCDC - bc he also had several awesome blocks - to put next to the NBCSNF game ball he got Opening Night.

On a personal note (NCAYFT), started Goff for the first time. Down by 4ish, 30% win probability, villain had JSN & Waddle. The Alcatraz play (ARSB 2 Jared) put me in the lead and hit ‘em with a Waymo sealed the deal.
Click to expand...
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Glad you are back and OK, hope your wife is doing well and nothing too serious.

The circle of life stuff is catching up with our family too. We had 2 tickets to MNF and was pumped all week. My wife actually for the first time was all geared up in Lion apparel. We were meeting a bunch of people at 6pm to tailgate.

My wife`s sister who is only 52 has cancer and we get a call yesterday afternoon that she is having some serious issues, and we needed to get to the hospital. Since she lives over an hour away from us I knew we could not make the game and gave the tickets to my daughter. We watched the first half in the hospital waiting room on a 32 inch TV and listened to the second half on the radio driving home. Caught the last couple minutes of the 4th at home.
 
MCDC indicated today Derrick Barnes injury is worse than they thought. Likely season ending.

“Yeah, I think it’s tough to say right now,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said Monday. “I think we will be fortunate to get him at any point this year. I don’t want to say it’s not going to happen, but I think we would be pretty fortunate if it does.”
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Detroit Football Network

Pressers and Scrums: Joseph making middle of the field a scary place; Mahogany returns to practice​

JUSTIN ROGERS
OCT 8

Allen Park — As we approach Halloween, Detroit Lions defensive assistant Jim O’Neil is quick to remind everyone that safety Kerby Joseph has made the middle of the field one of the scariest places for an NFL quarterback to visit.

O’Neil, the former Northwestern defensive coordinator who works with Detroit’s safeties, says Joseph is uniquely capable of instilling fear two ways. The first, and most obvious, is if a quarterback wants to throw to the middle of the field, they risk Joseph taking the ball away. Through three games, the playmaking defender has already snagged three interceptions.

Secondly, the 6-foot-1, 208-pounder isn’t afraid to make a ball carrier or intended target pay for traversing into his space.

“Most safeties don't have both, right?” O’Neil said. “They usually don't make it scary on quarterbacks, ball is in the air he's going to go get it, and then they make it scary on ball carriers where he's going to knock the hell out of you. He's one of the few that I've been around that possess both those characteristics.”

Under O’Neil’s tutelage, Joseph has taken off in his third year. Already a productive player with four interceptions in each of his two seasons, Joseph has been even better to start the 2024 campaign, making improvements in multiple areas.

“The biggest improvements I see from him is, one, I think his communication has been outstanding for the back seven,” O’Neil said. “We talked a lot this offseason about great safeties aren't just great players, great safeties make people around them better. I think he's embraced that and I think he's done a really good job communicating with the back-end guys.”

“I think his strike, when he's down in the box, has improved — the way he's striking blockers and getting off,” O’Neil continued. “I think his tackling has improved this year, compared to last year. And I think his man coverage has improved. Last two games, he's climbed down and played man coverage on tight ends and wide receivers and done a pretty good job.”

Joseph was asked to play more in the box last week, when the other half of Detroit’s safety pairing, Brian Branch, was sidelined by an illness. Joseph's ability to transition to the role is a luxury for the Lions, knowing they have interchangeable safeties capable of keeping opponents off balance.

“It's awesome,” O’Neil said. “I think it was really good with Kerby last week, obviously with (Branch) not playing, he was able to show his versatility and go down in the box. But if the game is on the line, you definitely want Kerby deep and you want (Branch) down in the box.

“I think it says a lot about those two players that Kerby just doesn't want to be looked at as a deep safety, and BB just doesn't want to be looked at as a box safety. I think both of those guys want to be in that 60/40 world, which would be ideal because that makes it harder on offenses. They can't always look at us and say, 'OK, that's the safety that's dropping down.' It makes them have to work a little bit harder.”

Return to practice​

The Lions are in good shape coming out of bye with every player on the active roster participating in Tuesday’s practice. The team isn’t required to file an injury report until Wednesday, when players have the day off, so that will be an estimation.

Beyond every active player participating, Christian Mahogany’s practice clock was started on Tuesday. The rookie guard, who has been on the physically unable to perform list after contracting mono this summer, can practice for up to three weeks before he needs to be added to the active roster.

Leveling up​

After earning Pro Bowl honors as a rookie, Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is off to an even better start to his second season. Through four games, he’s on pace to rack up more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage, while scoring a touchdown per week.

Of course, the coaching staff will always be looking for ways to squeeze more juice from the orange. With Gibbs, that means finding ways to turn some of his big plays into longer gains.

“His biggest challenge this week is to make people miss on the second and third levels,” Montgomery said. “And that is a challenge because it’s how you get to the second and third level. If we can get there clean with his feet in place and square on defenders, he can make people miss.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Gibbs has made 16 tacklers miss as a ball carrier, which is tied for seventh in the league, but he’s had just seven carries of 10 or more yards and three of 20 or more, with a long of 24. Heading into Week 6, 38 players have had a longer carry this season.

Mr. Perfect? Who me?​

Even before completing all 18 of his passes in last Monday’s victory over Seattle, Lions QB Jared Goff picked up the nickname Mr. Perfect somewhere along the line. He claims he doesn’t know where the moniker came from, but he’s not a fan.

“I don’t know,” Goff said. “I’m nowhere near it. I never will be. I don’t know where that came from, but it’s not something I’ve proclaimed.”

Goff wasn’t even comfortable with the word “perfect” being attached to his outing against Seattle.

“In that game in particular, there’s not going to be very many, maybe a couple that I’d like to have back,” Goff said. “But yeah, (that’s) always. Always some that you’re looking at, trying to improve on, ‘Why didn’t I see that? Why didn’t I throw it there?’ That game is no different.

“…I’ve had games where I feel even better, and things are clicking even more,” Goff said. “I think we can get there. We can do even better and continue to improve.”

Developmental projects​

The top of Detroit’s depth chart at safety is in a good place, even with Ifeatu Melifonwu landing on injured reserve with a nagging ankle injury. Joseph and Branch are playing at a high level, while Brandon Joseph proved to be a reliable backup stepping in for Branch last week.

That doesn’t leave many defensive opportunities further down the depth chart, particularly once Melifonwu gets healthy, but the Lions like the developmental pieces they have in undrafted rookies Loren Strickland and Morice Norris.

Strickland had such a strong training camp that he was able to sneak on the 53-man roster.

“When we watched Strick as a part of our evaluation process, he just kind of — everything that we talk about culture-wise, he embodied with his play style,” O’Neil said. “…I think Strick’s gonna help us a lot on special teams and on defense (eventually).”

Before a late-camp surge, Strickland was arguably behind another undrafted rookie Morice Norris, who was derailed by a hamstring injury that resulted in his release.

But Norris was recently brought back as part of the team’s practice squad.

“I thought Mo had a really good offseason and a really good training camp,” O’Neil said. “For me, I’ve always looked for safeties that had corner in their background and that have the physicality to go inside and show the instincts to do that. To me, when I watched the college tape of Mo, he showed that even though he mostly played corner and nickel at Fresno State.”

O’Neil’s sentiments overlap with those of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who has similarly shown a preference for safeties with a background playing corner. That’s shown up with Melifonwu’s transition to the position, as well as Branch serving as the team’s slot corner for the duration of his rookie year.

Thoughts elsewhere during bye​

While we continue to enjoy the sun and some unseasonably warm weather in Michigan, the Southeastern portion of the country is bracing for Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm bearing down on the west coast of Florida.

Milton's anticipated landfall follows Hurricane Helene, which ravaged multiple states along the East Coast, none worse than North Carolina, where the death toll has topped 100 and entire communities have been wiped out by flood waters.

The Lions have multiple connections to the area, including offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Montgomery, who was not only born and raised in the state, but played there collegiately before coaching stints at both his alma mater Duke and East Carolina.

During the downtime provided by the team's bye week, Montgomery had the opportunity to check in on his many family members still living in the area.

“My heart is with them and what they're going through,” Montgomery said. “A lot of people without power. A lot of people lost family members. Thank God I haven't lost anybody. …That means a lot to us to be able to make sure that they're good. We're thinking about you if you're listening."
 
Any reports on how Vaki is progressing. He and Reynolds I dont think have a rushing carry this year. Lions going with a 2 back rotation of Monty and Gibbs for the time being. Interesting that Vaki and not Reynolds got the touch on the Lions very risky fake punt a few games back.
 
Just a guess but I think Reynolds would get the touches if Monty went down, and Vaki would maybe be the guy if Gibbs picked up an injury
 
Moonlight said:
Any reports on how Vaki is progressing. He and Reynolds I dont think have a rushing carry this year. Lions going with a 2 back rotation of Monty and Gibbs for the time being. Interesting that Vaki and not Reynolds got the touch on the Lions very risky fake punt a few games back.
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@TartanLion is probably correct

I know one thing, they LOVE what Vaki brings to Special Teams. Interestingly, both RBs have the exact same number of snaps. 7 on Offense (0 touches), 68 on STs, 1 fake. They both are what they call Four Phase Special Teams players - other than the FGA and FGBLK units, they have both played every kickoff snap and all but 3 punt snaps (whether kicking to OPP or receiving kickoffs/punts from OPP.)

PFF Special Teams Grades ​
(TM rank - Player - ST Snap Counts - PFF Grade)​
  1. Khalil Dorsey 72-71.4
  2. Sione Vaki 68-68.8
  3. Ben Niemann 70-68.5
  4. Loren Strickland 37-68.1
  5. Hogan Hatten 31-68.1
  6. Jalen Reeves-Maybin 84-67.2
  7. Malcolm Rodriguez 85-67.1
  8. Brandon Joseph 22-65.5
  9. Derrick Barnes 27-64.1
  10. Craig Reynolds 68-63.6

For context, Detroit ranks 10th overall in Special Teams per PFF Grades. Anything 60+ is considered adequate. 80+ is exceptional, 90+ is rare.

Whether he carves out a role on offense or not, Vaki is a special talent. Football player who has a defensive mindset - he loves to hit - and is extremely raw as a halfback. His entire college career + his first 4 games as an NFL rookie, he has only 83 snaps. Eight Three.

Yeah, if someone went down, they are going to trust Craig more. But Vaki could end up being a really, really good player when he has a little more time on task.
 
BobbyLayne said:
Moonlight said:
Any reports on how Vaki is progressing. He and Reynolds I dont think have a rushing carry this year. Lions going with a 2 back rotation of Monty and Gibbs for the time being. Interesting that Vaki and not Reynolds got the touch on the Lions very risky fake punt a few games back.
Click to expand...

@TartanLion is probably correct

I know one thing, they LOVE what Vaki brings to Special Teams. Interestingly, both RBs have the exact same number of snaps. 7 on Offense (0 touches), 68 on STs, 1 fake. They both are what they call Four Phase Special Teams players - other than the FGA and FGBLK units, they have both played every kickoff snap and all but 3 punt snaps (whether kicking to OPP or receiving kickoffs/punts from OPP.)

PFF Special Teams Grades ​
(TM rank - Player - ST Snap Counts - PFF Grade)​
  1. Khalil Dorsey 72-71.4
  2. Sione Vaki 68-68.8
  3. Ben Niemann 70-68.5
  4. Loren Strickland 37-68.1
  5. Hogan Hatten 31-68.1
  6. Jalen Reeves-Maybin 84-67.2
  7. Malcolm Rodriguez 85-67.1
  8. Brandon Joseph 22-65.5
  9. Derrick Barnes 27-64.1
  10. Craig Reynolds 68-63.6

For context, Detroit ranks 10th overall in Special Teams per PFF Grades. Anything 60+ is considered adequate. 80+ is exceptional, 90+ is rare.

Whether he carves out a role on offense or not, Vaki is a special talent. Football player who has a defensive mindset - he loves to hit - and is extremely raw as a halfback. His entire college career + his first 4 games as an NFL rookie, he has only 83 snaps. Eight Three.

Yeah, if someone went down, they are going to trust Craig more. But Vaki could end up being a really, really good player when he has a little more time on task.
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Yeah I've got Vaki on my dynasty team. Sets up as a potential Montgomery replacement in the long run. Lions/Holmes unorthodox approach? But its really upside wins championships.
 
Justin Rogers (Detroit Football Network) is back after a medical procedure. Dude is a treasure trove of Lions info.

DFN Mailbag: Importance of Cowboys game, Martin's potential role, Mahogany's roster odds and more​

Oct 12

We’re back after a bye-week hiatus and ready for your Lions questions.

Q: Are there any position groups you think the Lions could target at the trade before the deadline? — Phil Johnson

Justin: In my years as a sports journalist, I’ve found there's always a greater interest in what can be than what is. The most-read stories always center around the draft, free agency, coaching hirings/firings and trades.

So I understand the intrigue around next month's deadline, but consider it a friendly reminder that it’s difficult to find impact mid-stream in football more than other sports. Most positions require an acclimation period to adjust to verbiage and scheme, while establishing workable chemistry with new teammates.

The best moves are when you can acquire a piece with long-term potential, even if it requires a contract extension. A recent example would be Chicago’s addition of Montez Sweat last year. But that franchise and this one are in different places. The Bears were still searching for foundational pieces, while the Lions are built for long-term contention. With the number of big contracts already in place, and more on the docket in the next couple of years, I wouldn’t classify a Sweat-like deal as likely.

You’re more likely to see a move that mirrors the Donovan Peoples-Jones pick-up from a year ago. A versatile, low-cost piece that provides depth at a position where the Lions feel they're lacking.

And it’s not easy to readily identify that spot.

I think we can continue to point to edge defender, and given the Lions wouldn't mind a one-trick pony so long as that trick is a powerful bull rush, there’s a possibility a name emerges that wouldn’t cost much more than a Day 3 pick. Still, don’t be surprised if they are content to ride things out with former second-round picks Levi Onwuzurike and Josh Paschal leading the charge.

Q: What are your thoughts about Christian Mahogany’s chances of making the 53? — MrJT

Justin: Without seeing him practice, it’s difficult to gauge where he’s at physically, without blindly relying on second-hand opinions. That said, we know the Lions are committed to the development of their draft picks. They felt fortunate to land Mahogany where they did in the draft and didn’t feel a need to bail on the sixth-round choice during his lengthy bout with mononucleosis.

Given the team has been sitting on an open roster spot for the past couple of weeks, there’s no reason to think space is an immediate issue. Assuming they feel good about where he’s at following his three-week acclimation window, I’d say the odds are pretty high he will be added to the 53, even if he’s inactive on game days in favor of Kayode Awosika for the remainder of the 2024 campaign.

Q: What type of flexibility does an open roster spot provide. Is it more than just holding a spot for someone coming off IR? I know that practice squad elevations don’t take a roster spot but are we full on the PS right now? — Paul Van Randwyk

Justin: It’s a good question. I’d suggest the only meaningful flexibility is not having to unnecessarily add a young player the team likes off its practice squad, only to have to expose them to waivers if an injury situation requires a roster adjustment in the coming weeks.

In other words, they’d prefer to avoid what happened with linebacker Trevor Nowaske last season. They had to cut him shortly after signing him to the active roster, only to see the Cardinals swoop in and snag the linebacker off waivers.

Understand, a player can be poached off the practice squad at any time, but there’s an understood ability of the current team to match the job offer. With waivers, you briefly cede control of the player’s rights.

Q: After hearing about Robert Saleh, I thought about Aaron Glenn as the next Jets head coach and how it would somewhat parallel Dan Campbell’s story. But the Jets ownership looks a lot different from the Lions ownership. How much do you think assistant coaches in Detroit recognize Sheila Hamp’s management style, and do you think that makes them reticent to jump at an opening because they can appreciate good leadership from the ownership where they’re at? — Dave Reimink

Justin: While I believe there’s a strong appreciation for Hamp throughout the organization, I don’t think it would persuade an assistant to stay in Detroit with a lesser title.

The fact remains there are only 32 of those jobs available. They come with unmatched prestige and life-changing financial security. And while there are some situations (cough, Carolina, cough) that merit hesitation, there aren’t many scenarios where I could see Glenn declining a top job if offered.

But given the Jets just fired a defensive coach who actually fielded a great defense, I would anticipate that franchise looking for something different than what Glenn offers.

Q: Did you expect more from Jahmyr Gibbs when it comes to catching the ball out of the backfield or slot? — Dean Pippio

Justin: Yeah, I did, but I also expected Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown to repeat their 2023 production, but both are currently falling short of the bars they’ve set.

But here’s the counter. The Lions offense is averaging nearly 400 yards and 26.0 points per game. They have a lot of weapons, are running the ball better than last year, and are enjoying a breakout performance from Jameson Williams. With the depth of talent, there will be an ebb and flow to the production. Some pieces are up now that will be down later and vice versa.

Will Gibbs’ pass-catching impact ever take that leap into Alvin Kamara territory? I’m increasingly skeptical. I’d say the more immediate concern is increased efficiency with the opportunities, which I’ve written about in the past. That’s a problem for Ben Johnson to solve.

Q: Since Dak Prescott typically shreds man coverage, do you expect Glenn to keep calling mostly zone looks this week? — Josh Dalley

Justin: I’m not sure Prescott is less efficient against zone coverage when he’s at his best. He torched zone looks in the second half of 2023. Similarly, Ceedee Lamb destroys man and zone coverage with near-equal efficiency.

While I can’t say with certainty, I imagine QB mobility impacts the coverage plan for Detroit. Prescott is mobile, but not a significant run threat. He’s only gained 50 or more yards twice in his career, and the last time was five years ago.

Q: We haven’t seen much of Craig Reynold or Sione Vaki this season. Do you think we’ll see either of them get involved in the offense more moving forward? — @LionsFan097

Justin: As long as David Montgomery and Gibbs are healthy and producing, I wouldn't expect to see much of Reynolds. He’s a highly reliable third back, capable of executing as a ball carrier, receiver and blocker, but he’s nowhere near as dynamic as the starting tandem.

As for Vaki, the rookie's explosiveness remains intriguing. I’m sure they’ll want to find ways to situationally work him into the mix, if only hoping to catch an opponent napping on a screen or wheel route from a fullback alignment.

Q: What does the Dallas’ run defense look like in the past two weeks compared to the first three? How will Bland change the game plan if he plays? — Jeff Merrill

Justin: It’s tightened up the past couple weeks, for sure. Cleveland and New Orleans both averaged nearly 5.0 yards per carry the first couple of games, while Baltimore gouged them as Baltimore can for 274 yards on the ground.

The Giants and Steelers, two teams who average under 4.0 yards per carry, had less success in losses to the Cowboys the last two games. The Giants were particularly brutal in their efforts, mustering just 26 yards on 24 carries.

As for Bland, he’s a big-time playmaker. He led the league with nine interceptions last season and has 14 in his first two years. He has a great feel for zone and good route-matching ability in man, with elite anticipation. If you try to force a ball into a tight window against him, you do so acknowledging there’s a good chance he’ll come up with a takeaway.

Q: How important is this matchup? — @LionsFanAccount

Justin: With only 17 games, they’re all important, especially given the Lions already coughed up one loss to an NFC contender earlier this season.

A defeat here obviously doesn’t take Detroit out of contention for their division or the best record in the NFC, but it makes the road a little rockier, particularly with the collectively strong start of the North. It’s shaping up to be a dogfight in December, so falling short in Dallas reduces margin for error later in the year.​
 
Two players stand out to keep an eye on this week to step in for a couple positions we have not gotten enough production out of.

Ukwu being elevated to the 53-man roster would indicate they plan to make him active and get a few snaps. Ukwu made a big splash at edge with 3 sacks and 5 QB pressures in the preseason, and he also has some experience in college as a SAM. I am not sold at Rodrigo being an effective SAM. Houston seems to be deep in the doghouse for some unknown reason and two offsides penalties did not help his case. I think both Houston and Ukwu are active as we are too shallow here and Pascal is not generating the pressure we need at the edge opposite Hutch.

A second player to watch is Allen Robinson. Not too many people talk about him, but Dan Campbell keeps bringing his name up when he talks about Tim Patrick. Tim has looked decent, but still only has 5 catches in 4 games.
 
Last edited:
Leroy Hoard said:
The Lions have to put behind them their recent history with Dallas the same way they did vs Seattle earlier this season. This is a new year, let's make it the Lions year.
Click to expand...

This is a statement game for Detroit. Not sure why Lions have to play back to back years in Dallas though.
 
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Travdogg's final 2025 mock draft (3 rounds) (post draft grades on page 2)
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BassNBrew
BassNBrew

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