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[Detroit Lions]

Lions, Bears injury report: Taylor Decker misses 2nd practice, team hopeful

The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears were back on the practice field on Thursday, as they each look to get a tally in the win column this Sunday at Ford Field. The Lions had two starters sit out Wednesday’s practice, and while Jack Campbell was able to return on Thursday, Taylor Decker missed his second practice in a row.

Let’s take a look at Thursday’s initial injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from the previous injury report will be bolded.

No practice on Thursday​

• LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)

While Decker has missed the previous two practices, he and the team appear hopeful about his availability for Sunday.

After Wednesday’s practice, Decker spoke with the media and said that he “just got some stuff that I’m dealing with, hopefully be out there on Sunday.” On Thursday, Lions offensive coordinator John Morton was asked about Decker at his morning press conference, to which he stated, “We’re totally expecting Decker to play.”

With Jamarco Jones landing on season-ending injured reserve and practice squader Dan Skipper missing practices with tendonitis in his right knee (per Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers), the Lions have been using Giovanni Manu at left tackle in practices.

When Morton was asked if Decker was unable to play on Sunday, if the team would turn to Manu to start at left tackle, Morton said, “I would think so. You’d have to ask (coach) Dan (Campbell) that.” Reserve interior offensive lineman Kayode Awosika, who also has experience playing tackle, has also been identified as a possible replacement option by offensive line coach Hank Fraley.

Campbell is scheduled to hold a press conference on Friday morning before the Lions’ final practice of the week.

Limited practice​

• RB Sione Vaki (hamstring)
• LB Trevor Nowaske (elbow)

Vaki has been dealing with a hamstring injury for the majority of camp, and while he’s not in the clear just yet, getting two practices in a row is certainly a step in the right direction. Once Vaki is able to contribute in games, he’s expected to make an immediate impact on special teams.

“He’s just a tremendous talent. He’s super quick, he’s explosive, he’s powerful, he’s really like a lot of those safety, running back body types,” Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said on Thursday. “That’s what you want. You want a guy who’s 200-plus pounds, who’s very strong, very quick, very physical, athletic, so he can change direction. So he ends up being a very positive player both in coverage and return game. So, they have a versatile skillset, so that’s him. Obviously, him returning the ball, he’s got the running back background. And for him, he’s unique because he’s also got that defensive background, so it helps him in coverage. He played great for us a year ago, so yeah, we’re obviously excited to get him back as soon as we can.”

Nowaske missed all of last week with an elbow injury and has now stacked two days of practice. If available on Sunday, he’ll give the Lions depth at linebacker and starting capabilities on multiple phases of special teams.

Full Practice​

• LB Jack Campbell (ankle) — Upgraded from no practice
• CB Terrion Arnold (groin)
• S Daniel Thomas (hand)

Campbell was able to return to the practice field on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury. While the Lions are deep at linebacker, Campbell is an important player on this roster, and keeping him healthy and at the MIKE is a significant factor in the success of the Lions’ defense.

Arnold and Thomas were both injured in Week 1 but have been practicing in full this week. The Lions appear to be taking it a bit easy with them, but they’re on track to play on Sunday.

Bears’ injury report​

No changes from Wednesday’s estimated participation report from the Bears.

Note: Starters are bolded.

Did not practice

• DT Grady Jarrett (knee)
• NB Kyler Gordon (hamstring)

Limited practice

• RB Roschon Johnson (foot)
• WR Jahdae Walker (ankle)
• LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring)
• DB Josh Blackwell (groin)

Full practice

• WR DJ Moore (abdomen/groin)
• CB Jaylon Johnson (calf/groin)

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...aylor-decker-misses-2nd-practice-team-hopeful

 

[Detroit Lions]

Does the Packers, Commanders game change your opinion of the Lions offense?

After they handled their business in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers hosted the Washington Commanders on “Thursday Night Football.” In front of another rowdy crowd in Lambeau Field, the Packers thoroughly beat up on Washington. Similarly to their game against Detroit, they almost completely suffocated anything Washington attempted to get going offensively. Unfortunately, this Packers defense looks like it could be one of the best units in all of football once the 2025 season is over with.

Up front, the addition of All-Pro edge defender Micah Parsons cannot be overstated. Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is already moving Parsons around the line depending on the down and distance. And on pass rushing downs, Parsons affords Green Bay the luxury of being able to rush only four or five, allowing more players to cover ground in the secondary. It seems like a simple concept, but it’s typically one all of the great defenses of the past have in common.

So after watching Green Bay dismantle another NFC contender that was also a playoff team in 2024, does that change your opinion of what happened with the Lions’ offense in Week 1?

My answer: Only slightly. I am of the belief that a lot of what we see early in the season are lies. With that said, it does look like the Packers defense is the real deal, even though I am still unsure about aspects of their secondary if the pass rush ever has an off day. Seeing them shut down a quarterback and offensive scheme like Jayden Daniels was impressive, and after how they slowed down the Lions a week ago, the rest of the league should be well aware of how they are playing defensively.

What about you? Did the result of the Commanders and Packers game change how you viewed the Lions’ performance in Week 1? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/nfl-...game-change-your-opinion-of-the-lions-offense

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions vs. Bears: Two key matchups in Ford Field home opener

The current Detroit Lions regime has a history of slow starts — but Week 1’s meltdown in Green Bay was uncharacteristically treacherous. The good news for Detroit is that it also has a history of roaring back. The Lions have won 10 straight games following a loss dating back to October 2022.

That’s why Lions fans have been pointing to a handful of “no-show” games (2022 Panthers, 2023 Ravens, 2023 Packers, 2023 Bears) when comparing last week’s defeat at Lambeau. Few teams are lucky enough to have so few of those over two and a half seasons. This is still a resilient bunch built on competition, physicality, and winning football. The staff has earned the benefit of the doubt to clean up shortcomings and look more like the team fans have come to expect.

Dan Campbell sounded exactly like that leader on Tuesday:

“What fuels my tank is losing. That fuels me because I don’t like losing, our players don’t like it, and you go back to work, man. And you get back to the basics of what you do, man, and you hit it head-on. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, we’re all accountable. And if we want to win, we have to do the little things right and prepare that way. And then we have to play that way, so that’s what gets me going.”

Campbell will have them ready for a divisional rival led by former Lions offensive coordinator turned Bears head coach, Ben Johnson, returning to Detroit and looking for its first road win. Let’s dive into two key matchups.

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all statistics are sourced from NFL Pro, TruMedia, FTN Fantasy, or Pro Football Reference.

Corralling Caleb Williams​

The biggest takeaway from Chicago’s Monday night win over Minnesota wasn’t Ben Johnson’s play design — that will take time — but it was Caleb Williams’ natural gifts in off-script improvisation. His secondary reaction plays were where the Bears’ offense lived. That’s a problem area for Detroit’s front seven, which struggled to finish pressures late last season and again in Week 1.

Williams set career highs with six scrambles, 58 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown. He hit the two fastest top speeds of any quarterback in Week 1 (20.45 mph and 20.29 mph — both top-11 among all ball carriers). He was also essentially Chicago’s run game; the Bears finished dead last with a 19.0% rushing success rate.

When plays extended beyond three seconds to throw, Williams ranked:
• 6th in offensive success rate (55.6%)
• 11th in EPA/dropback (0.36)
• T-5th in first downs (5 on 14 attempts)

But on in-rhythm throws under three seconds, he plunged to 28th (36.4% success rate). His best quarterbacking came outside the structure of the play call.

Detroit must not only pressure him but actually finish. Despite blitzing at the league’s third-highest rate (34.8% of dropbacks), the Lions pressured Jordan Love on just 26.1% of his dropbacks (27th), totaling six pressures, no sacks, and only two hits.

The good news: Chicago’s offensive line gave up the second-most pressures (20) and the second-highest pressure rate (46.5%) of any team in Week 1. Braxton Jones (6), Jonah Jackson (5), Joe Thuney (4), and Drew Dalman (4) all surrendered four-plus pressures. Only eight interior linemen league-wide allowed four-plus — the Bears had three of them.

This is a prime chance for D.J. Reader, Tyleik Williams, and Detroit’s blitzing back seven to make an impact, and for Aidan Hutchinson to bounce back to his dominant self. While Detroit’s offense works through its own personnel changes, a statement game from the defense would go a long way.

Return of the Run​

For Detroit’s offense to reset, it needs to win at the point of attack. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for 20 carries, 46 yards, only two first downs, and a 22.7% rushing success rate (third-worst in Week 1).

Campbell and offensive coordinator John Morton emphasized confidence this week in refining communication and execution, aiming to rediscover their identity from last year, when their success rate was nearly double (44.6%). The retooled interior line of Christian Mahogany, Graham Glasgow, and Tate Ratledge now has a game together to build on — and the Bears’ run defense might be just the tonic.

Chicago, under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, allowed Minnesota:

• 4.6 yards per rush (T-21st)
• 61.5% rushing success rate (19th)
• 3.27 yards after contact per carry

Last year, they were bottom-12 in all three metrics, including third-worst at 4.8 yards per carry. In Week 1, Aaron Jones (3.00 yards after contact) and Jordan Mason (3.73) both ranked top-10 in yards after contact per carry while running through Bears defenders.

If the Lions’ “Sonic & Knuckles” backfield can produce a similar effort, it will give Jared Goff manageable downs and distances — and let Detroit’s offense get back on track.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...rs-two-key-matchups-in-ford-field-home-opener

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions’ roster elevations a good sign for Taylor Decker

The Detroit Lions may have tipped their hand when it comes to the injury status of left tackle Taylor Decker. The team announced on Saturday afternoon that they are only elevating newly-signed linebacker Monty Rice from the practice squad. That’s notable because the Lions did not add any offensive linemen from the practice squad, when they could have elevated Devin Cochran, Michael Niese, or Dan Skipper (currently injured).

That leaves the Lions with just eight offensive linemen currently eligible to be active on gameday:

• LT Taylor Decker
• LG Christian Mahogany
• C Graham Glasgow
• RG Tate Ratledge
• RT Penei Sewell
• iOL Kingsley Eguakun
• iOl Kayode Awosika
• OT Giovanni Manu

If Decker were to be inactive, that would leave Manu to start at left tackle, and no backups behind him—although Awosika is noted to be Detroit’s emergency offensive tackle. Even so, if Decker were inactive, that would leave only seven active offensive linemen in total. That’s significant because there is a gameday roster rule that if a team has eight offensive linemen active on their roster, they are allowed to have 48 active players on game day instead of the normal 47. The Lions almost always utilize this rule, so it would be a pretty big surprise to see Detroit go into Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears with only seven active offensive linemen.

On Friday, coach Dan Campbell said Decker had a chance to play despite not practicing all week with a shoulder injury.

“Decker’s played a lot of football. And so, he’ll be ready as long as it feels right,” Campbell said. “But yeah, we feel good right now. And there again, we still have another day here, and we’ll see. So, I can’t give you a definitive yes (he’ll play), but that’s where it’s at.”

We won’t know for sure if Decker will be active until 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, when the Lions will declare their Week 2 inactives.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...ster-elevations-a-good-sign-for-taylor-decker

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bear second half live chat

The Detroit Lions lead the Chicago Bears 28-14 at halftime. Can they hold on for the win? Stick with us to find out.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/game...t-lions-vs-chicago-bear-second-half-live-chat

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions Week 2 snap counts: Shake up on the interior DL

The Detroit Lions dismantled the Chicago Bears in Week 2, 52-12, leveling their season record to 1-1. Let’s take a closer look at the Lions’ snap counts to see what we can divulge from their personnel usage that may have led to this rapid return to success.

Quarterbacks:​

• Jared Goff: 56 snaps (95%)
• Kyle Allen: 3 (5%)

Goff was masterful in his Ford Field debut this season, completing 23 of 28 passing attempts for 334 yards, five touchdowns, and a near-perfect passer rating (156.0). With the game in hand, the Lions turned to their backups for the final offensive series, with Allen running three clock-draining snaps.

Running backs:​

• Jahmyr Gibbs: 33 (56%)
• David Montgomery: 23 (39%)
• Craig Reynolds: 3 (5%) — 19 special teams snaps (59%)
• Jacob Saylors: 0 (0%) — 19 (59%)
• Sione Vaki: Inactive (injury)

The running back splits continue to favor Gibbs, but not as drastically as they did in Week 1. Some of that is likely due to game situations, but there is also a ‘Montgomery getting opportunities against his old team’ factor to consider. Reynolds ran the ball on all three of his offensive snaps as the Lions worked to get to the end of the game.

Saylors didn’t see any snaps on offense, and he didn’t have a return on kickoffs, but he did make one of the best special teams plays of the day, helping to make sure the Bears’ opening kickoff went out of bounds and thus giving the Lions offense great starting field position. Five plays later, the Lions were up 7-0.

Wide receivers:​

• Jameson Williams: 52 (88%)
• Amon-Ra St. Brown: 50 (85%) — 1 (3%)
• Kalif Raymond: 32 (54%) — 5 (16%)
• Isaac TeSlaa: 17 (29%) — 8 (25%)
• Dominic Lovett: 3 (5%)

With TeSlaa full go—after being limited in Week 1 due to an illness—his snaps increased from three to 17, and as expected, they came from Raymond’s pool of snaps. TeSlaa was heavily used as a blocker, but he also made his second catch of the season, another one-handed masterpiece that set up Amon-Ra St. Brown’s first of three touchdowns on the day. Both St. Brown and Williams went over 100 yards receiving, and each had at least one touchdown.

Tight ends:​

• Sam LaPorta: 50 (85%) — 1 (3%)
• Brock Wright: 31 (53%) — 16 (50%)
• Shane Zylstra: 0 (0%) — 3 (9%)

LaPorta and Wright each caught three passes for 26 and 28 yards, respectively, but their splits were as expected. Zylstra was injured early in the game on special teams, was carted to the field, and was spotted in the locker room in a walking boot. Hopefully, we’ll get an update on his status on Monday.

Offensive line:​

• Christian Mahogany: 59 (100%) — 9 (28%)
• Tate Ratledge: 59 (100%) — 9 (28%)
• Penei Sewell: 56 (95%) — 9 (28%)
• Taylor Decker: 56 (95%)
• Graham Glasgow: 56 (95%)
• Kayode Awosika: 4 (7%) — 9 (28%)
• Giovanni Manu: 3 (5%) — 9 (28%)
• Kingsley Eguakun: 3 (5%) — 9 (28%)

The Lions’ offensive line returned to form against the Bears, with their starting five looking confident and determined. On the ground, they helped their running backs gain an average of 3.55 yards before contact (best in the NFL in Week 2), and they didn’t allow a sack in the passing game.

When it was time to pull the starters—because they only had eight offensive linemen dressed for the game—two starters needed to play with the reserves, and the two young guards pulled extra duty. Of note, Manu played his first offensive snaps of his NFL career, all coming at left tackle, while Eguakun manned the pivot, and Awosika took over at right tackle.

Defensive end:​

• Aidan Hutchinson: 57 (84%)
• Al-Quadin Muhammad: 36 (53%) — 9 (28%)
• Marcus Davenport: 23 (34%) — 3 (9%)
• Pat O’Connor: 21 (31%) — 24 (75%)
• Tyrus Wheat: Inactive

Hutchinson, Davenport, and O’Connor saw all their snaps on the edge for the second week in a row, with the starters seeing traditional defensive end reps, and O’Connor at the 4i. With Hutchinson appearing to be working through some discomfort, and Davenport exiting the field with two separate injuries, Muhammad was called upon to fill in the gaps on the edge. With Muhammed needing to rep more on the outside, he only saw two snaps inside this week.

Defensive tackle:​

• Mekhi Wingo: 37 (54%)
• Roy Lopez: 31 (46%) — 3 (9%)
• Tyleik Williams: 25 (37%) — 2 (6%)
• DJ Reader: 24 (35%)
• Tyler Lacy: Inactive
• Chris Smith: Inactive

The interior defensive line saw a complete flip in opportunities from Week 1 to Week 2. After leading the interior in snaps in Week 1, Reader’s snaps were scaled back significantly (less than half the previous week’s percentage), and he checked it at a reasonable pace in order to maximize his effectiveness. Williams saw his snaps decline from 35 to 24, but it certainly wasn’t because of his lack of production. Williams made the most of his opportunities and was arguably the key component in both the Lions’ fourth down stops—submarining the Caleb Williams quarterback sneak attempt and knocking down a Williams passing attempt. Lopez saw his snaps increase from 17 to 31 as he allowed Reader to get some snaps off, while Wingo went from inactive in Week 1 to leading the interior defensive line in opportunities in Week 2. Wingo brings passing juice to the Lions’ interior, something that has been missing while Alim McNeill is recovering from an ACL tear. While Wingo isn’t going to break into the starting lineup, expect him to see chunks of snaps moving forward.

Linebacker:​

• Jack Campbell: 60 (88%) — 4 (12%)
• Alex Anzalone: 60 (88%) — 1 (3%)
• Derrick Barnes: 53 (78%) — 16 (50%)
• Zach Cunningham: 9 (13%) — 19 (59%)
• Grant Stuard: 6 (9%) — 23 (72%)
• Monty Rice: 0 (0%) — 19 (59%)
• Trevor Nowaske: Inactive (injury)

The Lions continue to use three linebackers at a blistering pace, well ahead of the league average. Campbell and Anzalone are their base off-ball linebackers, while Barnes is the versatile chess piece that defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard uses in a multitude of ways. Cunningham and Stuard got reps late in the game once the starters were pulled.

Cornerback:​

• Terrion Arnold: 60 (88%) — 1 (3%)
• D.J. Reed: 60 (88%)
• Amik Robertson: 34 (50%)
• Khalil Dorsey: 8 (12%) — 16 (50%)
• Rock Ya-Sin: 8 (12%) — 11 (34%)

After not using much nickel against the Packers in Week 1, the Lions turned to Robertson to give them a lot more snaps in Week 2, with the Lions spending half their defensive snaps with five defensive backs on the field. Dorsey and Ya-Sin got reps on the outside after the starters were pulled.

Safety:​

• Brian Branch: 59 (87%) — 4 (12%)
• Kerby Joseph: 48 (71%) — 2 (6%)
• Avonte Maddox: 20 (29%) — 8 (25%)
• Daniel Thomas: 9 (13%) — 18 (56%)
• Thomas Harper: Inactive

After not seeing any reps in week 1, Maddox shifted away from his reserve nickel role and into a reserve safety role, helping take some of the stress off Joseph, who entered the game with a knee injury. Branch missed one expected snap due to cramping and then exited with the starters, making way for Thomas to get his first defensive snaps since arriving in Detroit.

Specialists:​

• Jake Bates: 18 (56%)
• Jack Fox: 12 (38%)
• Hogan Hatten: 12 (38%)

Bates missed a 55-yard field goal and placed a kickoff short of the landing zone, but beyond that, the Lions’ special teams looked improved from last week.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...eek-2-snap-counts-shake-up-on-the-interior-dl

 

[Detroit Lions]

NFL Week 2 recap: Was that the real Detroit Lions?

This early in the season, it’s always hard to find where a team’s true identity lies. And in the case of the 2025 Detroit Lions, you have two polar opposite performances to deal with. Just look at the difference in yards per play in each game, and it’s like you’re talking about two completely different teams.

Week 1:

• Lions: 3.8
• Packers: 5.7

Week 2:

• Lions: 8.8
• Bears: 5.3

Now the question becomes: Who are the Detroit Lions? Is the offense all the way back to 2024 levels after hanging 52 points on a Chicago Bears team that is still figuring out their own identity? Or are there still some lingering issues on offense that may have been masked by a bad Bears teams?

On defense, there was a lot to like, and some things that still need to be cleaned up. So where does this leave the Lions as they head into a Week 3 clash with the 1-1 Baltimore Ravens.

On this week’s PODcast, we discuss everything about the Lions’ massive win over the Bears, and what it means for the rest of the 2025 season.

Other topics discussed on this week’s show:

• What’s the concern level for Terrion Arnold’s slow start?
• Is it time to end the Grant Stuard experiment at kick returner?
• Is Amon-Ra St. Brown a top-three receiver? Is the Jared Goff/St. Brown connection the best duo in the NFL?
• Marcus Davenport injured AGAIN?!? Discussing about our concern level for Detroit’s EDGE depth.
• How about Tyleik Williams, though?

You can enjoy the show on whatever your favorite podcasting platform is by searching “Pride of Detroit,” or you can just listed in the Spotify embed below.

You can also watch an extended edition of the PODcast by heading to either our YouTube or Twitch pages, where there is an extra hour of between-segments chatter.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...-week-2-recap-was-that-the-real-detroit-lions

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions place Shane Zylstra on IR, elevate 1 player, sign 2

The Detroit Lions made a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon, including changes to both their active 53-man roster and their practice squad. Here’s a full list of the moves:

• Signed OL Trystan Colon from the practice squad to the 53-man roster
• Placed TE Shane Zylstra on IR
• Cut LB Monty Rice from the practice squad
• Signed QB/WR Malik Cunningham to the practice squad
• Signed TE Ross Dwelley to the practice squad

Let’s start with the most straightforward moves: placing Zylstra on injured reserve and signing Dwelley to the practice squad. Zylstra suffered an ankle injury early in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears and did not return. It’s unclear how long Zylstra will be out, but by being placed on injured reserve, he will have to miss at least the next four games before he can even return to practice.

Dwelley joins the team as a seven-year veteran who spent most of his career with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s played in a total of 101 games, including 17 starts. Most of his contributions have come on special teams (1,263 snaps), but he has also logged a lot of time on offense, as well (1,378 snaps). Of those offensive snaps, more than half of them have been spent as a run blocker. If the Lions want a third tight end for Monday’s game against the Ravens, they could call up Dwelley or rookie Zach Horton from the practice squad.

We previously covered the signing of Cunningham, which certainly seems like a move to help the Lions prepare for Lamar Jackson this week.

Dwelley and Cunningham take the practice squad spots of Rice and Colon. Rice was only with the Lions for a single week. He was called up to play against the Bears, participated in 19 snaps, but was called for a personal foul penalty after one play.

Colon is perhaps the most notable of roster moves. He takes Zylstra’s place on the roster, giving the Lions extra depth on the interior offensive line. Colon was in the mix for the backup center job in training camp, competing with Kingsley Eguakun and Michael Niese. Colon suffered an injury late in camp, giving the job to Eguakun, but now both are on the 53-man roster. It’s worth noting that starting guard Christian Mahogany was fighting off an injury on Sunday. However, coach Dan Campbell noted on Monday that he should be fine.

“I think he’ll be okay. Yeah, I think he’ll be alright, we’ll see,” Campbell said. “He’s another one we’re checking out.”

With the Lions playing on Monday this week, their first injury report of the week will be filed on Thursday.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...e-shane-zylstra-on-ir-elevate-1-player-sign-2

 

[Detroit Lions]

Jared Goff named NFC Offensive POTW in Week 2

After a historic performance in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. This marks Goff’s fourth time winning this award since joining the Lions in 2021, tying him with Calvin Johnson for the second-most times a Lions player has won this award in team history (Barry Sanders leads the way with 11 NFC POTW awards).

Against the Bears, Goff completed 23 of 28 passes for 334 yards, five touchdowns, and a 156.0 passer rating. Goff is currently near the top of the NFL leader board in several statistics, including producing:

• Six passing touchdowns on the season (T-1st)
• an 80.6% completion percentage (1st)
• +11.9% Completion percentage above expectation (2nd)
• 125.1 passer rating (3rd)
• EPA: +22.4 (4th)
• EPA per drop back +0.31 (4th)
• DYAR: Best performance by a Lions QB since 1978

“I thought Goff played out of his mind, it was awesome,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said on Monday following the win over the Bears. “He was composed, he was on point, and I just thought he commanded the offense to precision, and it was great to see.“

In 2024, Goff won this award in Week 4, following a “perfect game” against the Seahawks, and also took home the NFC Player of the Month award for October.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...jared-goff-named-nfc-offensive-potw-in-week-2

 

[Detroit Lions]

5 Qs Lions vs. Ravens preview: Kyle Van Noy’s absence a ‘significant loss’ for Ravens pass rush

The Detroit Lions got their season back on track last week with a win over the Chicago Bears, but the celebration didn’t last long. Brian Branch earned a game ball from Dan Campbell for his efforts against the Bears, which included a forced fumble, a sack, a pass defended, two tackles for loss, and posting six solo tackles. But in the Lions locker room, surrounded by his teammates and coaches, Branch was quick to point out in his impromptu speech that a matchup with the Baltimore Ravens was right around the corner.

So we’re back for another installment of “5 Questions,” this time with Nikhil Mehta—Baltimore Beatdown’s newly appointed Site Manager—and some of their other writers on staff (Zach Canter, Dustin Cox) to give us some insight into this week’s matchup with the Ravens.

1. The Baltimore Ravens are the exact kind of football team built to give the Lions a run for their money. We saw the Ravens make short work of them in 2023 when the game felt over before halftime. It’s the last honest-to-goodness, had-no-chance beating Campbell’s Lions have taken.

It starts on offense with arguably the best quarterback in the world, in Lamar Jackson. What about Lamar’s game continues to be so impressive, and how is he continuing to be this dynamic as both a passer and a runner in his eighth (!) NFL season?

“Jackson’s growth can’t be understated. He was an MVP quarterback by his second season and has since added several more tools to his toolbox to become virtually unguardable. Just look at throws he’s made to new teammate DeAndre Hopkins this year; he wasn’t making those in 2018 and 2019, though that was partially due to a less reliable receiving corps. He’s also made significant strides commanding the offense at the line of scrimmage with offensive coordinator Todd Monken empowering his quarterback to make his own calls, checks, and adjustments. Put that all together with his electric skills as a ballcarrier and unreal ability to evade pressure and extend plays, and you have arguably the most talented quarterback the NFL has ever seen.

Jackson is only 28, coming into the physical prime of a quarterback with seven years of experience under his belt. Quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers didn’t hit their peaks until they were nearly 30 with their mental and physical abilities reaching a meeting point. Impossibly, Lamar Jackson could still continue to get better.” (Zach Canter)

2. Derrick Henry was a perfect fit for this Ravens football team, and he looked every bit like the same guy who ran for over 2,000 yards five years ago. If a defense is going to be successful against this Ravens offense, where does that team need to beat them up front against their offensive line–and how much of that can end up not mattering because they have a guy like Henry carrying the ball?

“The place to attack Baltimore’s offensive line is definitely along the interior, specifically the two starting guards, Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele. The Browns successfully neutralized Henry and the run game for the Ravens by consistently hitting him in the backfield before he could get going, and that was largely thanks to their talented defensive front outclassing Baltimore’s offensive line. Cleveland’s game plan was clearly to stop Henry at all cost with numbers in the box and aggressively triggering against the run, but that allowed Lamar Jackson to take multiple deep shots down the field to great success. The Ravens have a true ‘pick your poison’ offense.” (Dustin Cox)

3. Just prior to the start of the season, Baltimore made Kyle Hamilton the highest-paid safety in the NFL to the tune of $100+ million over four years. What makes him so critical to what Baltimore can do on defense? What’s so unique about his game from other safeties in the NFL, and where do you see him consistently making an impact game after game?

“Since breaking out as an All-Pro in 2023, Hamilton’s calling card has been his Swiss-Army-knife versatility. He’s a movable chess piece that most defensive coordinators can only dream about, with the ability to stop the run, drop back in man or zone coverage, and even rush the passer. The Ravens have found plenty of ways for him to attack opposing offenses, but he can also be used to reinforce the defense at all three levels depending on the situation. For example, when Baltimore’s pass defense faltered in 2024, Hamilton’s move to a more traditional free safety role stabilized the secondary for the rest of the year.

Entering his fourth year, Hamilton has taken his game to another level with his play recognition and football I.Q. His ability to diagnose plays and identify route concepts is somehow putting him in a position to make even more plays. Hamilton is particularly effective at destroying screens, to the point that offensive coordinators should probably consider avoiding them altogether when playing the Ravens.” (Nikhil Mehta)

4. Lions fans are very familiar with Kyle Van Noy since he was drafted by Detroit, which feels simultaneously yesterday and forever ago. Looks like he’s bracing to miss some games, including this upcoming game against Detroit. He seems more like a pass-rush specialist at this point in his career, so how big of a loss is the veteran in their ability to generate pressure? Who stands to get more playing time with him out of the lineup, and will they miss Van Noy in other ways?

“Van Noy has been Baltimore’s most productive pass rusher over the last two years with 21.5 sacks. His veteran experience doesn’t only show up in his array of pass rush moves; it’s also evident in his ability to flip inside to execute stunts and even drop off the line of scrimmage as part of simulated blitzes. As a result, he’s a significant loss for the Ravens defense that will lean on a trio of young edge rushers for the next few weeks. Third-year outside linebacker Tavius Robinson is more known for his run defense, but a strip-sack against the Browns will earn him some more pass-rushing reps in Van Noy’s absence. 2022 second-rounder David Ojabo was a healthy scratch in Baltimore’s first two games, but he should be active for rotational snaps for the next few games as well. But the biggest opportunity will likely go to rookie Mike Green. He saw a significant increase in snaps after Van Noy went down in Week 2, and the Ravens will be counting on his opportunity to pressure opposing quarterbacks.” (Nikhil Mehta)

5. So far this season, Zay Flowers seems to be the favorite target of Lamar Jackson. He’s got 19 targets through two games, more than double the next closest pass catcher: Rashod Bateman with seven. Has Baltimore finally found the right mix of receivers around their franchise quarterback? Even DeAndre Hopkins is experiencing a bit of a late-career renaissance with a couple of explosive plays for touchdowns in back-to-back weeks to start the season.

“This is by far the most impressive group of wide receivers Lamar Jackson has had at his disposal in his career. Flowers is looking like a true difference-maker this season and has been uncoverable in the intermediate area of the field. While Flowers is not a typical deep threat or big-bodied contested catch winner on the outside, the Ravens have no shortage of other effective options. Rashod Bateman flashed his savvy route-running and a knack for big plays last season, and offseason signing DeAndre Hopkins has already proven to be a reliable ball-winner for Jackson even if he is covered downfield. Devontez Walker appears to be a legitimate deep threat for this offense now as well, while Tylan Wallace is a strong run blocker and seems to come up with a big catch every few games.” (Dustin Cox).

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...sence-a-significant-loss-for-ravens-pass-rush

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions coach praises effort plays you may have missed vs. Bears

Detroit Lions wide receivers coach/assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery opened his Thursday press conference with an interesting statement.

“Tremendous amount of respect (for) how we played—the guys played—without the football,” Montgomery said, before praising Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kalif Raymond, and the entire offensive line for that work.

While it may be unconventional praise, it speaks to the character and identity of this team. The game of football is just as much about the 10 players without the football than it is the one who is carrying the rock.

Montgomery pointed to two salient examples from the Lions’ blowout win over the Chicago Bears, highlighting players away from the football doing the dirty work, helping to execute a pair of explosive plays.

The first was Gibbs’ 42-yard run in the third quarter. Montgomery highlighted the work of Raymond, whose crash into the Bears safety was the key block that sprung Gibbs.

“It was a very detailed play on the Jahmyr run down the right side,” Montgomery said. “Leaf [Raymond] sealed the right safety and Jahmyr was exactly where he’s supposed to be on the run. We wanted him to put pressure on the corner there to make the corner make the play. And because he had to trust in Leaf to get his job done, you can just watch that path, it didn’t deviate.”

Watch the play below:

on the ground for Sonic#CHIvsDET FOX pic.twitter.com/KlNZqz7NBj

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 14, 2025

As you can see, Raymond essentially takes out two defenders. The play-side corner (#29, Tyrique Stevenson) follows him in man-coverage, while Raymond lays a solid block on Bears safety (#9) Jaquan Brisker. That leaves Gibbs to outrun just the backside safety, which he nearly does on his way to a 42-yard gain.

Montgomery then pointed to Gibbs as a player who was also performing well away from the ball. The Lions running back makes a tremendous effort to get downfield and block during Jameson Williams’ 64-yard gain. Despite being behind Williams when he makes the catch, Gibbs nearly catches up to the speedy receiver and gets in the way of a couple of Bears defenders.

“Watch Jahmyr Gibbs, and watch what he did on that play, playing with out the football,” Montogmery said.

Okay, let’s take a look.

I just love the way Jameson Williams plays. BLRR! #OnePride https://t.co/WuxgrN23LI pic.twitter.com/Fc8FiDcibw

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) September 16, 2025

When Williams catches the ball, Gibbs is nearly 15 yards behind him. But he shows tremendous effort, running basically from his own 20-yard line down to the Bears’ 10-yard line in the hopes of making a block to spring Williams into the end zone.

“When you do that for your teammate at the running back position, he turns around and does it for you, the perimeter is going to take care of itself,” Montgomery said. “Those are the things that make teams stronger and more connected.”

When everyone is doing their job away from the ball, it certainly makes life easier for the ball-carrier. But it also helps to have the playmakers the Lions do to ensure that every opportunity their teammates provide gets turned into an explosive play.

“When the guys did get an opportunity to make a play—ie: Jamo, St. Brown—our playmakers, they made plays,” Montgomery said.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...ses-effort-plays-you-may-have-missed-vs-bears

 

[Detroit Lions]

6 takeaways from Detroit Lions coordinators pre-Ravens game

The Detroit Lions coordinators met with the media on Friday to discuss last week’s game against the Chicago Bears and the upcoming Monday night bout with the Baltimore Ravens. Here are my six biggest takeaways from those sessions.

Offensive coordinator John Morton​

Feeling better about offensive line communication on the road​

In Week 1 in Green Bay, the Lions’ offensive line communication—or lack thereof—proved to be costly. There were missed assignments galore, and it resulted in one of the worst offensive performances in the Dan Campbell era.

While Week 2 was a get-right game, it also took place in the comforts of Ford Field. This week, the Lions will face another tough road environment in Baltimore on Monday night. Morton expects a very loud stadium, but believes they’re better prepared for communicating properly this week.

“You practice in the noise. You make it hard, you make it loud. I think that helps,” Morton said. “The communication, we’ve got to do it in practice, so we feel good about it. And if there’s anything that’s a problem, we just take it out. But that’s the main thing, we’ve been doing that. That’s what you have to do. And these guys, listen, they’ve been on the road. We’ve all been on the road. We’re going to be smart in the things that we do, so we don’t have miscommunication. I think that’s important.”

Morton enjoyed the Bears tape one extra time​

In their 52-point effort against the Bears, the Lions offense did just about everything right. For Morton, in just his second ever season as an NFL offensive coordinator, he admitted he savored the film a little more than during a typical week.

“I watched the tape twice. It was impressive, just all phases, man. The line coming off the surge, the guys running routes, Jared (Goff) throwing the ball,” Morton said. “I mean, he’s been over 80 percent the last two weeks. You don’t see that. […] I watched it twice because I was like, ‘Man, is this real?’”

While that Bears game is closer to the Lions’ weekly expectation than Week 1 was, it was still nice to see Morton admit that this unit can leave him in awe, too.

Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard​

Third-down defense struggles​

Sheppard opened his presser talking about how they need to be better on third down. He pointed to a trio of examples from the Bears game that could have easily been cleaned up to turn Chicago’s 7-of-13 third-down efficiency into 4-of-13. Given that this was a problem early in the Packers game, I asked Sheppard if this was a case where they are still trying to figure out what this team does well on third down. He strongly disagreed.

“No, it’s doing your job,” Sheppard said. “I know what these guys do well, and they know what they do well. It’s all about execution; it has nothing to do with anything else. We need to execute within the framework of the scheme, which we did do for the most part of the game. ”

Al-Quadin Muhammad continues to earn more reps, regardless of Marcus Davenport’s status​

It’s no secret that Lions veteran defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad is set for a significant role this week against the Baltimore Ravens. With starter Marcus Davenport’s status highly in question, Muhammad is the next guy up. But Sheppard mentioned how Muhammad has earned a bigger role, regardless of who is available this week against the Ravens.

“It has nothing to do with who’s available, who’s not available. If you’re available for the game and you show us you’ve earned the right to be out there and get a role, we’re going to find that role for you,” Sheppard said. “And the better you do, the more that role will uptick for you.

“He’s been phenomenal, man. It has nothing to do with ability. Look at the effort he plays with. That is the identity of the Detroit Lions defense.”

Brian Branch: Pillar of the defense with room to grow​

After a game in which he tallied a forced fumble, a sack, and six solo tackles, Brian Branch has reminded everyone that he’s a pretty dang good player on this Lions defense. But Sheppard went above and beyond in his praise of Detroit’s third-year safety.

“Make no mistake about it, he is—if not our best—one of the top pillars to this defense, and I want that to be said,” Sheppard said. “And we go as far as our pillars take us, and he’s one of those, and he’s a pivotal piece for me each week, week in and week out.”

Even scarier, Sheppard thinks they’re just scratching the surface of Branch’s overall talent.

“There’s so much growth left with that player,” Sheppard said. “A lot of coaches will see a player like that and be so excited that you forget to coach him. I see that there’s so much left within that player.”

Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp​

Consistency over explosives in the return game​

Thus far, the Lions’ kick return game has not been very explosive. Their longest return—granted, there have only been seven attempts—is 28 yards. All but two teams have a return longer than that.

I asked Fipp if he was thinking about changing strategy or if he feels they are close to breaking one, and he offered an interesting answer about consistency. He pointed to the Bears last week and how late in the game, returner Devin Duvernay tried to make an explosive play against the Lions’ coverage units. Instead, he was stopped for just 15 yards.

Fipp’s point being: sometimes being consistently good is more valuable than trying to be great at the expense of a handful of bad returns.

“You know you do want the explosive plays, you also don’t want the real negative plays, too,” Fipp said.

Thus far, every one of the Lions’ seven returns have been returned for between 20 and 28 yards. The end result may only be a 23.4 kick return average (25th), but it appears the Lions are willing to take that tradeoff for consistently average field position.

Still, Fipp would love an explosive in the play, and he thinks they’re getting close.

“The one thing about this kick cover, kick return game that we’re playing now, it’s like everybody’s right on the edge, man. The cover group can look good, but man, they’re inches away from giving up a big play. And so, it’s very volatile, I think is the best word to use,” Fipp said.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...om-detroit-lions-coordinators-pre-ravens-game

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions, Ravens injury designations: Marcus Davenport OUT, 4 questionable

The Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens have declared their injury designations ahead of their “Monday Night Football” matchup, and they’ll be without one of their starting edge rushers.

Let’s take a look at the latest initial injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from previous practices will be bolded.

Ruled OUT​

• EDGE Marcus Davenport (chest)

At his Saturday morning press conference, Lions coach Dan Campbell provided an update on Davenport’s injury status, noting that he would be ruled out for Week 3, but the team was still figuring out how many games he would miss. Fortunately, Campbell assured that they don’t believe the injury is season-ending, but they’d have a clearer picture over the weekend.

The Lions are expected to turn to Al-Quadin Muhammad to start opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Muhammad has shown well as a depth pass rusher over the first two weeks, earning a pass rush win rate of 28%, per PFF, sixth best in the NFL at this time.

“Quan (Muhammad) is great. He’s awesome, a great teammate, and he’s been playing some really good football. So I’m looking forward to playing with him some more,” Aidan Hutchinson said on Thursday. Later adding, “We have a really good relationship, and with Marcus (Davenport) being uncertain for the future, it’s gonna be fun. We’re going to get after it.”

Questionable​

• LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
• LB Jack Campbell (ankle)
• CB D.J. Reed (knee)
• S Kerby Joseph (knee)

Decker’s shoulder injury has forced him to miss five of the last six Lions practices, as the Lions are trying to limit his exposure and allow him to rest up. The fact that he played a full complement of snaps in Week 2 and got in a full practice on Friday suggests that his absence on Saturday may also be for rest purposes. He’s tentatively projected to be in line to start in Baltimore on Monday night.

Campbell, like Decker, has missed a couple of practices over the past two weeks, but it has not limited him on game day. After missing Thursday’s practice, he got in a limited practice on Friday, then a full practice on Saturday, and is expected to start at MIKE linebacker.

Reed was a surprise addition to the injury report this week, but he’s been able to practice as a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, then was upgraded to a full practice on Saturday, which is a good sign he’ll likely start at corner on Monday.

Joseph has also been getting some rest of late, as the Lions try to prevent his knee issue—that has lingered since training camp— from flaring up. He is also expected to start, despite three limited practices this week.

Not listed with an injury designation​

• RB Sione Vaki (hamstring)
• LB Trevor Nowaske (elbow)

As most have anticipated, based on their ramped-up practice schedule, both Vaki and Nowaske are ready to go for this game. This will be the first game action for the pair of the season, but the Lions plan to get them involved both on special teams and offense or defense, respectively.

“It’s going to help,” Campbell said of getting Vaki and Nowaske involved in Week 3. “Those are two good football players for us in the (special) team aspect. But they also bring things offensively (Vaki) and defensively (Nowaske) that we can use. They’ll give us a little bit of a bump here. Now, it’s their first game back, we understand that, but we look forward to them being back and being able to use them.”

Ravens’ injury designations​

Tough blow to the Ravens’ defensive front, as they’ll be without two of their best pass rushers in Nnamdi Madubuike and Kyle Van Noy.

Note: Starters are bolded

Ruled OUT

• FB Patrick Ricard (calf)
• TE Isaiah Likely (foot)
• DT Nnamdi Madubuike (neck)
• EDGE Kyle Van Noy (hamstring)

No injury designation

• RB Rasheen Ali (concussion)
• NT John Jenkins (Personal)
• CB Marlon Humphrey (groin)
• CB Nate Wiggins (groin)

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...ignations-marcus-davenport-out-4-questionable

 

[Detroit Lions]

Marcus Davenport ruled OUT for Week 3, injury not season ending

The Detroit Lions are still in the process of determining the level of significance of Marcus Davenport’s chest injury, but according to coach Dan Campbell, they’re not expecting him to play in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens on “Monday Night Football.” On a positive note, while they’re still collecting information, Campbell does not believe Davenport’s injury is season-ending.

“I don’t see Davenport playing (in Week 3),” Campbell said at his Saturday press conference. “We’re still trying to decide what to do. We’ve gotten some other tests back. We do not feel this is season-ending, but don’t see him playing this week.”

When asked to clarify if Campbell had a specific timeline of how long Davenport is expected to be unavailable to play, the coach responded, “We’ll have a timeline today or tomorrow.”

Davenport was spotted wearing a sling on his right arm in the locker room on Friday, suggesting a stint on injured reserve is not out of the question, but Campbell appears to be leaving that door open as they evaluate their options.

With Davenport out, the Lions will turn to Al-Quadin Muhammad to start opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Muhammad has excelled as a pass rusher to start the season and is among the league’s best in pass rush win rate.

PFF Win Rate among EDGEs through week 2 pic.twitter.com/hDvLgjKSkW

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) September 16, 2025

That production and effort have been recognized by Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who stated that Muhammad has earned more playing time, regardless of whether Davenport’s injury keeps him off the field.

“He’s been phenomenal,” Sheppard said of Muhammad during his Friday press conference. “It has nothing to do with availability. Look at the effort he plays with. That is the identity of the Detroit Lions defense. Forget the stats, forget any of that stuff, just talk to me about Muhammad’s effort, and that is the standard for the Lions defense.”

On Saturday, Campbell noted that he’s happy with the team’s depth on the edge, noting that Tyrus Wheat and Tyler Lacy (who were both acquired at cutdowns but have yet to play through two weeks) have an opportunity in front of them.

“We like those guys,” Campbell elaborated. “It’s one of the reasons we acquired them, and those guys wanted to be here. They’re getting opportunities, we’re getting everybody opportunities just to see what they can do. And yes, they fit right in with us. I think they understand our system. They’re not as polished as everybody else necessarily, because our guys have been here. They’ve been in the system for a while. But, yet, they’re getting it, and every day they’re getting better and better. So we like our options.”

In addition to Wheat and Lacy, the Lions have also been relying on Pat O’Connor to give them edge reps, and they also have Andre Carter available to them via the practice squad. Josh Paschal remains on the Lions’ Non-Football Injury list for at least two more games, and while he is progressing through his rehabilitation, the Lions still don’t know when he’ll be able to return to full health.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...ruled-out-for-week-3-injury-not-season-ending

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions vs. Ravens Week 3 preview: Three key statistics

Both the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens got the Week 2 “mouthwash” games they needed, rinsing out bitter Week 1 losses with statement wins against lesser divisional foes. Detroit (52–21 over Chicago) and Baltimore (41–17 over Cleveland) were the league’s top two scoring teams and posted the largest margins of victory last week.

This matchup was circled as soon as the schedule dropped. Lions fans still remember Justin Tucker’s controversial game-winning dagger in 2021, and they also can’t shake the 38–6 drubbing two seasons ago. Detroit now has a chance at revenge against a perennial AFC heavyweight.

With Joe Flacco (Browns) and Jake Browning (Bengals) up next on the Lions’ AFC North docket (in Weeks 4 and 5), a primetime road win would help erase memories of Green Bay’s Week 1 dominance and reinforce the Lions’ Super Bowl credentials despite coordinator changes. Dan Campbell’s group will be rested and ready. Here are three statistical matchups that will define Monday night in Baltimore.

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all statistics are sourced from NFL Pro, TruMedia, FTN Fantasy, or Pro Football Reference.

Action Jackson — over the middle​

Detroit’s night starts and ends with containing the league’s highest-scoring offense (40.5 ppg) under Lamar Jackson. Kelvin Sheppard’s defense must get off the field consistently to give Jared Goff and company enough possessions.

A vulnerable area so far: passes between the numbers

• 2024 Lions defense over the middle: top five in passer rating allowed, yards per play, EPA per play, and success rate.
• 2025 through two weeks: 10.7 yards per play allowed (28th), third-worst EPA per dropback (-0.70), and a league-high 30.4% explosive-play rate on just 23 attempts.

That’s dangerous against a Ravens attack built to feast over the middle:

• 2024 Ravens over the middle: 1st in passer rating (126.1), tied-3rd in yards/play (9.4), 6th in success rate (58.8%), 2nd in EPA/dropback (0.49).
• 2025 so far: outside the top 10, including 2nd-to-last in success rate (39.1%), but you can bet they’ll try to get back to that comfort zone Monday night.

Zay Flowers (39 catches, 614 yards between the numbers in 2024) and Rashod Bateman (26 for 392) will test Detroit’s middle of the field defense. Their linebackers and safeties will attempt to erase space when available. But it will really come down to corners Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, and Amik Robertson, who will also be stressed on over routes, especially when Detroit sends blitzes.

Weak (and weary) Ravens’ run defense​

During the 2024 season, the Ravens had one of the most stout run defensive units. They return a majority of their front-even, aside from the retirement of reliable veteran nose tackle Michael Pierce and departure of LB Malik Harrison (started last nine games of season).

Baltimore fielded an elite run defense last year:

• 1st in yards per rush (3.6)
• Fewest 10+ yard runs allowed (25)
• 2nd in EPA per rush (-0.16)
• 2nd in yards after contact (2.50)

The Ravens’ run defense was pivotal for them evolving into the best defense in football over the second half of the season, and a reason why they were one of the definitive AFC favorites to start the season. There are very few holes on the team or areas to exploit.

Through two weeks of the season, with a little less depth on the interior defensive line and rookie Teddye Buchanan starting next to Roquan Smith, the run defense has been a little more susceptible to opponents’ rushing attacks

• Dead last in opponent rushing success rate (60.4%)
• 18th in yards before contact per attempt (1.23)
• 16th in yards after contact allowed per attempt (3.07)

Things don’t look any better for the Ravens as they’ll be more short-handed on the front-seven with both defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and edge defender Kyle Van Noy questionable after not practicing all week.

Detroit still ranks just 28th in run success rate (40.4%), but made strides against Chicago. Another vulnerable Ravens performance could be exactly what the Lions need to get their ground game fully on track. Winning on the ground—while playing keep away from Lamar Jackson—would go a long way in silencing M&T Bank Stadium.

Wiggin’ out (and the right-side mismatch)​

Second-year CB Nate Wiggins has quickly become a foundational piece in Baltimore’s secondary, freeing Marlon Humphrey to handle the slot and Kyle Hamilton to roam at safety. But Wiggins is nursing a hamstring injury from last week.

The real soft spot may be opposite him. Baltimore keeps its cornerbacks mostly static; Wiggins plays left corner on nearly 90% of snaps. Veterans Chidobe Awuzie and Jaire Alexander have rotated at “right” corner with mixed results.

Through two games, the Ravens’ “right” corner side has allowed:

• 2nd-most passing yards to that area (375)
• 8.7 yards/play (27th) and a 23.3% explosive-play rate (28th)

John Morton will surely scheme ways to isolate that side with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Detroit’s deep stable of pass-catchers. Watch for condensed formations and motion designed to force matchups away from Wiggins.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...vs-ravens-week-3-preview-three-key-statistics

 

[Detroit Lions]

Week 4 opening odds: Lions heavy favorites over Browns

The Detroit Lions have yet to play their Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens on “Monday Night Football,” but the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook are already looking ahead to Week 4. The Lions will host the Cleveland Browns next Sunday, and FanDuel Sportsbook is projecting Detroit to be heavy favorites, setting the opening betting line at Lions -8.5 points.

The Browns (1-2) had a rough start to the 2025 season, losing a tight game to the Bengals (17-16) in Week 1, then getting smashed by the Ravens (41-17) in Week 2. But Week 3 brought some joy to Cleveland, as they took down the previously undefeated Packers with a fourth-quarter comeback that included 13 unanswered points, a late-game interception, a blocked field goal, and a game-sealing walk-off 55-yard field goal to win 13-10.

Defense is the name of the game in Cleveland. Myles Garrett has been sensational, currently leads the NFL with four sacks, and should be in the early Defensive Player of the Year conversation. But the Browns have been getting contributions from all over the field.

Here’s a look at what they’ve held offenses to over their first three games.

Passing defense held opposing quarterback to…

• Week 1, Joe Burrow: 14 of 23 for 113 passing yards, a TD, and a passer rating of 87.8
• Week 2, Lamar Jackson: 19 of 29 for 225 passing yards, 4 TDs, and a passer rating of 128.6
• Week 3, Jordan Love: 18 of 25 for 183 passing yards, a TD, an INT, and a passer rating of 89.2

Rushing defense held previous team to …

• Week 1: 46 rushing yards, Chase Brown led with 43
• Week 2: 45 rushing yards, Derrick Henry led with 23
• Week 3: 81 rushing yards, Josh Jacobs led with 30

The Browns are one of just two teams in the Super Bowl era to have held offenses to under 400 total yards through two games and still start the season 0-2. The reason? Their offense has struggled to do much of anything.

It starts with quarterback Joe Flacco, who has simply been bad. Through three games, Flacco is averaging 42 passing attempts, but only completing 26 for 210 yards passing, and has just two touchdowns compared to five turnovers (four interceptions and a fumble lost).

If there is hope for the offense, it’ll likely come via rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, who joined the team in Week 2 and snapped off 61 yards on 10 carries against the Ravens. Then followed that up in Week 3 by tallying 94 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown against the Packers—an impressive 5.54 yards per carry.

So, what do you think? Will Detroit’s offense overpower the Browns defense at home? Or will this game be tighter than what’s being projected?

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...pening-odds-lions-heavy-favorites-over-browns

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens: Live score updates, highlights, analysis

Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season ends with a bang. After a relatively exciting week of games, “Monday Night Football” closes out the week with a matchup between two of the best teams over the last three seasons. Since November 2022, here are the top five teams in win-loss record:

1. Lions: 36-10
2. Chiefs: 36-11
3. Eagles: 35-12
4. Bills: 34-12
5. Ravens: 31-14

The Detroit Lions will take on the Baltimore Ravens in front of a national audience Monday night for what could theoretically be a preview of this year’s Super Bowl. While both teams are just 1-1 after overcoming a disappointing Week 1 performance, each had a get-right game last Sunday against a divisional opponent. Super Bowl sights are back on.

For the Lions, the Ravens represent one of the last remaining (regular season) hills to climb. They have never beaten the Ravens in Baltimore, and they’re only 1-6 against them all-time. Beyond that, the last time the Lions played the Ravens, it was one of the worst games for Detroit in the Dan Campbell era—a 38-6 slaughtering at the hands of Lamar Jackson and company.

Will the Lions finally notch a W in Baltimore, or will they have to climb out of an early hole to get back into the NFC playoff race? We’ll be following the game live from Baltimore right here. Simply stick around on this post, and we’ll be updating with drive-by-drive analysis, score updates, highlights, and injury news. Just start refreshing this page once the game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday night.

First quarter​

The Raven won the coin toss and deferred, giving the Lions offense the first opportunity to strike. Jared Goff hit Jameson Williams on the second play of the drive for a big 24-yard gain. Then he hit Williams again for 19 yards to convert a third-and-6.

Goff to Jamo again

DETvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/5fOJHJd6vS

— NFL (@NFL) September 23, 2025

Down in the red zone, Detroit faced a third-and-3 and Goff tried to hit Jahmyr Gibbs, who hadn’t turned around to find the ball. That left the Lions on fourth down, and Detroit went for it and converted to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Two plays later, the Lions punched it in with Gibbs for an impressive 11-play opening drive and a 7-0 Lions led.

Jahmyr Gibbs gets the scoring started!

DETvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/iTyQJamK0V

— NFL (@NFL) September 23, 2025

The Ravens answered with an explosive play of their own to start. Mark Andrews beat Brian Branch to the outside on a 19-yard catch.

Lamar wastes no time and goes to Mark Andrews for 19 yards

DETvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/P61ml7Pg9E

— NFL (@NFL) September 23, 2025

A Lamar Jackson keeper gained another 12 yards down into Lions territory. On third-and-1, the Ravens hustled to the line, gave it to Derrick Henry, and the All-Pro back diced his way for a 28-yard touchdown. 7-7 tie.

DERRICK HENRY HOUSE CALL!

DETvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/4AqqvLgJYt

— NFL (@NFL) September 23, 2025

The Lions’ next drive got off to a disastrous start, with a swing pass to Gibbs gone wrong. Pressure forced the ball low and backwards—a lateral that Gibbs had to corral off the ground—and Detroit lost 9 yards on the first play. That forced a quick three-and-out, giving Baltimore the opportunity to take the early lead.

But the Lions defense forced a quick three-and-0ut after Jackson wasn’t on the same page as Justice Hill. A stellar punt—combined with a bad decision by Kalif Raymond and penalty on D.J. Reed—put the Lions inside their own 2-yard. Detroit was able to get out of the shadow of their own end zone thanks to a third-and-7 conversion to Sam LaPorta, and that was the final play of the first quarter.

Second quarter​

A completion to David Montgomery moved the chains again. Then Goff went back to LaPorta on third down for a 14-yard gain. Detroit moved the sticks again with a run up the gut with Gibbs on third-and-1, as they moved into Ravens territory. Then the Lions started moving the trenches with the “Maryland I Formation,” featuring three backs behind Goff. Then Goff hit Gibbs on a Texas route down to the 1-yard line. Montgomery plowed it in there for the score and a 14-7 Lions lead with 5:55 left in the half. The impressive drive went 18 plays for 98 yards and nearly took up 11 minutes.

D-Mo's turn #DETvsBAL ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/GPpEWjj7m3

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 23, 2025

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...ravens-live-score-updates-highlights-analysis

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens first half live chat

Welcome to “Monday Night Football”! Your Detroit Lions are in Baltimore for a chance to take down the mighty Ravens on their own field and in primetime. That is no easy task for any team, as the Ravens boast a 13-5 record at home since 2023. If that wasn’t enough, according to ESPN, Lamar Jackson has thrown 22 touchdown passes and zero interceptions in his career on “Monday Night Football.” Jackson is also a ridiculous 24-2 against NFC teams in his career. If the Lions are going to win on Monday night, they’re going to have to buck some serious historical trends.

But for the past two years, the Lions have been doing exactly that. They seem to set franchise records on a weekly basis under coach Dan Campbell, including the high mark for yards per play last week with a whopping 8.8 last week against the Chicago Bears.

There have been some inconsistencies for both teams through two games. The Lions looked like they were suffering from the “brain drain” against the Packers in Week 1, only to look exactly like their old selves in a blowout win over the Bears. The Ravens blew a big lead in an all-too-familiar game against a Super Bowl contender, then—despite being slowed down at a historic rate on the ground—managed to blow out the division-rival Browns.

With an opportunity for both teams to take a share of their division’s lead, Monday night should be an awesome game to close out Week 3.

Feel free to chat with the Pride of Detroit community in the comment section at the bottom of this page. And when the game moves to halftime, be on the lookout for the second half live chat on the front page of the site.

GO LIONS!

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/game...ions-vs-baltimore-ravens-first-half-live-chat

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions news: Best reactions to Detroit’s primetime win against Ravens

The Detroit Lions and their fans are flying high this morning after an upset road win against the Baltimore Ravens on “Monday Night Football.”

Two powerhouse teams traded haymakers, including a whopping seven sacks from the Lions defense, until Detroit came out on top 38-30. Pride of Detroit has all the coverage you could need, including a full recap from Jeremy Reisman, six takeaways from the game from Brandon Knapp, five winners and two losers from John Whiticar, and full grades from Reisman (plus a ton more to come).

As you can imagine, both NFL analysts and enthusiasts were going wild throughout the game. I put together some of my favorite reactions during and after this epic match up, though it was certainly hard to choose. This is gonna be a fun one, folks. Buckle up.

Love the decision, love the playcall, love the throw. Dan Campbell forever.

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 23, 2025

Hutchinson is about 2 become the highest paid non qb in NFL history. #MondayNightFootball #LionsRavens

— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) September 23, 2025

Hank Fraley appreciation tweet. this Lions OL, man.

— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) September 23, 2025

I can’t get over how impressive Dan Campbell was tonight. It’s one thing to have conviction, but it’s another to perpetually trust your players and always maintain your identity — especially against a team as good as the Ravens.

The #Lions are a bona fide Super Bowl contender. pic.twitter.com/K3QkBWfBfZ

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 23, 2025

18-plays, 98 yards, nearly 11-minutes of clock chewed up.

You won’t find many more impressive TD drives than what the Lions just did.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 23, 2025

What an absolutely incredible drive by the @Lions

The most impressive one so far this season by anyone.

Total physical domination

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 23, 2025

The Lions are BACK!!!

— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) September 23, 2025

Bruh the @lions bullied the Ravens upfront

— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) September 23, 2025

Just a hell of a Lions win on the road in Baltimore – both sides of the football, dominant.

— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) September 23, 2025

The Detroit Lions are never going back to the same ole Lions with Dan Campbell as Head Coach.

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 23, 2025

This game is unfolding exactly the way John Morton wanted it to, by playing keep away from Lamar Jackson.

Detroit has already tripled Baltimore's T.O.P. midway through the second.

— Jennifer Hammond (@HammerFox2) September 23, 2025

The Lions, man. I had my doubts for them losing both those coordinators

What a head coach. What a team. What an organization. Special stuff

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) September 23, 2025

How in the world do the Lions have 6 sacks vs Lamar Jackson tonight?

Rush plan has been absolutely perfect…other teams will copy it.

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) September 23, 2025

Aidan Hutchinson had the most intimidating RB of all time throwing tantrums in the sideline pic.twitter.com/Q2U9L5AkBd

— Spencer Raxter (@Spenmorax) September 23, 2025

Any questions about…

Dan Campbell

Jared Goff

This entire Detroit Lions team

… Have all been answered.

Thats a statement win for the boys in Baltimore on primetime. I love this team #OnePride pic.twitter.com/xXNTkTBDoR

— Evan Fox (@evanfoxy) September 23, 2025

And onto the rest of your notes.

• Aidan Hutchinson rewatches his monster play where he punched the ball out of Derrick Henry’s arms for a huge fumble in the fourth quarter.

That was sick, Hutch@aidanhutch97 pic.twitter.com/LHKXi7iPbE

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 23, 2025

• “Monday Night was why so much of America loves the Detroit Lions.” Detroit Free Press columnist Mitch Albom dives into last night’s statement-making win.

• The Lions shine under the bright lights.

The @Lions have won four-straight Monday Night Football games for the first time in franchise history.

#OnePride pic.twitter.com/mDTIBbS4Pu

— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) September 23, 2025

The @Lions have improved to 12-2 in primetime games under Head Coach Dan Campbell.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/3VxCAu8Tk4

— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) September 23, 2025

• Will Dan Campbell’s fourth-down decisions win the Lions a title? Is Derrick Henry finally past his prime at 31 years old? CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr takes a look at what some fans are saying after last night’s game and labels them reality or an overreaction.

• Receipts on receipts.

2025 Season
└ Lions @ Ravens
└Receipts
└ SVP layup pic.twitter.com/HbEPRKQbjV

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 23, 2025

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...ions-to-detroits-primetime-win-against-ravens

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions Week 4 survey: How’s your confidence now?

Every year, SB Nation tracks NFL fans’ confidence levels of their favorite teams with weekly Reacts Surveys posted at their team websites. For Pride of Detroit, we get the pleasure of gauging Detroit Lions fans’ confidence heading into each game.

Heading into Week 1, Lions fans’ confidence was very high, with 94% of fans believing the team was headed in the right direction—reaching similar levels to what we saw for most of 2024. However, that number took a dramatic drop following the Lions’ Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers, plummeting to 53%, the lowest mark since we began running these weekly polls. Following a Week 2 demolition of the Chicago Bears, confidence saw a positive spike—up to 85%—but still not quite to the levels we’ve seen in the past.

Now, after watching the Lions travel to Baltimore and take down the Ravens 38-30 in convincing fashion, even the strongest of doubters have to admit, this team looks like the Lions teams we’ve been watching the last few seasons—and they may be even better.

“I think when you find a way to win a different type of game against a different opponent, we know what they’ve (Ravens) been year-in, year-out. Physical, tough, competitive. They’re in it. They go deep in the playoffs every year, have a shot at the dance every year, so you know what you’re up against,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said on Tuesday. “And that quarterback’s (Lamar Jackson) so dynamic. So, when you’re able to go into their place and find a way to win, that’s good because you’ve found another way to win. And so listen, winning only helps you.”

Now, heading into Week 4 with a battle against the Cleveland Browns next up on the docket, it’s once again time to vote.

Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Detroit Lions fans and fans across the country. If you want to get these surveys emailed to you weekly, sign up here.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/nfl-...-lions-week-4-survey-hows-your-confidence-now