Pride Of Detroit
A Detroit Lions blog by Lions fans, for Lions fans.
Total reads
6,418
This week
0
Rank
#10 of 463
Published
2,229 posts
Last 12 weeks
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
Final Dan Campbell takeaways before Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
Lions head coach Dan Campbell outlines four key takeaways ahead of Week 7’s showdown with the Green Bay Packers. He praises the Packers’ defense, noting its unit cohesion and recent strong performances despite injuries to Micah Parsons, Edgerrin Cooper, Javon Hargrave and Zaire Franklin. Campbell also explains the decision to hand punt‑return duties to newly signed DeAndre Carter, highlighting his speed and ball‑security instincts. On offense, Campbell credits the Packers’ revamped O‑line and Jordan Love’s elevated play, citing a 101.8 passer rating and improved protection. Finally, he stresses that Detroit must improve on its 45‑21 win over the Cardinals, tightening execution on both sides of the ball.
Dan Campbell responds to Sam LaPorta’s contract frustrations
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addresses tight end Sam LaPorta’s public frustration over not receiving a contract extension. After LaPorta’s viral comments on the “Pardon My Take” podcast—lamenting injury risk and perceived lack of love—Campbell assures the team remains focused, calling LaPorta “locked in” and a “stud” who’s on pace for career‑highs with 316 receiving yards and a top‑five touchdown rate among tight ends. Campbell says the remarks are personal frustration, not a character issue, and refuses to let the media hype become a distraction.
NFL predictions: 5 keys to a Lions victory over the Packers in Week 7
The Detroit Lions (3‑2) aim to upset the Green Bay Packers (4‑2) in their Week 7 NFC North clash, with Coach Dan Campbell stressing the importance of division wins. The preview outlines five keys to a Lions victory, starting with grabbing an early lead to force Packers coach Matt LaFleur into a more conservative passing game. It also highlights Detroit’s plan to stretch the field with Jamo (presumably Jadon) and attack Green Bay’s strong secondary, which ranks among the league’s best in limiting passing yards and explosive throws. The article notes the Lions’ sluggish first‑quarter starts this season and their tactical tweaks to avoid over‑correction, while emphasizing the matchup’s impact on the division race.
NFL Playoff Picture: The NFC North just keeps winning
The Chicago Bears' 31‑24 win over the New England Patriots lifts them to 5‑2, cementing second place in a tightly contested NFC North behind the 5‑0 Vikings. With the Lions at 3‑2 and the Packers at 4‑2, Thursday night’s matchup between Detroit and Green Bay will likely decide the division’s third contender. Early playoff projections show the Bears occupying a wild‑card slot, while the Vikings and 49ers lead their divisions. Although the Lions currently hold the final NFC wild‑card spot, a loss could jeopardize their chances as the rest of the conference struggles to keep pace.
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers preview, prediction: On Paper
The Lions host the Packers in a pivotal NFC North clash, with both teams boasting strong passing stats but divergent defensive strengths. Jared Goff leads Detroit’s top‑five passing unit (111.3 passer rating, 7.8 yards/attempt) backed by a solid O‑line, while Green Bay fields the league’s second‑best pass defense (73.9 rating allowed) and a blitz‑heavy front that forces 100 pressures. Detroit’s run game ranks 12th in yards per carry, but faces a Packers run defense that sits 27th. The preview gives the Lions a +1 edge, citing Goff’s turnover‑free play and the potential impact of returning center Cade Mays. The article breaks down each side’s DVOA rankings and predicts a closely contested win for Detroit if they handle Green Bay’s aggressive blitz scheme.
Lions vs. Packers preview: 3 key matchups
The Lions host the Packers on Oct. 23, 2026, with Detroit (3‑2) hoping to re‑establish itself as a NFC North contender after a down year. The preview highlights three pivotal matchups: Green Bay’s lackluster rushing game (59.8 yards per game, 29th in presnap penalties) versus a Lions secondary anchored by rookie safety Keith Abney; defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s “poison‑selection” strategy against the Packers’ deep passing threats—Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and tight end Tucker Kraft; and the impact of returning safety Brian Branch. A win could revive Ford Field’s reputation as a tough venue and shift the division balance.
Week 7 injury report: Lions healthy; Packers RB Josh Jacobs’ first practice of season
The Lions (3-2) enter Week 7 healthy, with all 51 active players practicing and two returning from injury. Center Cade Mays (wrist) and safety Brian Branch (Achilles) are slated to be activated from IR and PUP, respectively, and could start on Sunday. Cornerback Rock Ya‑Sin (hamstring) participates in limited drills. Meanwhile, the Packers (4-2) spotlight running back Josh Jacobs, who makes his first practice of the season after coming off the Commissioner’s exempt list and is expected to start against Detroit. Other Packers injuries include limited WRs Matthew Golden, Christian Watson, Savion Williams and LB Zaire Franklin (shin).
7 Lions coordinator takeaways for Packers week
Lions coordinators drop key insights ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Packers. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing confirms starting center Cade Mays, praising his size, intelligence and communication skills, and notes his evolving headset strategy after a decade as a position player. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard says there’s no snap‑count limit for returning safety Brian Branch and highlights rookie safety Keith Abney’s rapid NFL adaptation, along with cornerbacks Ennis Rakestraw and Roger McCreary’s strong man‑coverage performances in Arizona. Sheppard also explains how the defense will "pick a poison" against Jordan Love’s deep passing versus the Packers’ intermediate routes, stressing game‑plan preparation and opponent tendencies. The takeaways set the tone for a tactical battle in Green Bay on Oct. 25.
Detroit Lions promote punt returner to active roster, sign new DB to practice squad
The Detroit Lions promote practice‑squad wide receiver/returner DeAndre Carter to the active roster ahead of Week 7 against the Green Bay Packers, adding his veteran punt and kickoff return skills after Tom Kennedy’s season‑ending injury. The move opens a practice‑squad spot, which the Lions fill with defensive back Myles Bryant, a former nickel corner now listed as a safety after stints with the Patriots, Texans and Browns. Both signings address depth gaps created by recent IR placements of Kennedy, Devin White and Ben Bartch.
Before the Roar: Previewing Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
After a 45-21 Week 5 win over the Cardinals, the Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers in a Week 7 divisional clash. In the podcast “Before the Roar,” hosts discuss Packers QB Jordan Love’s downs‑field passing surge and Green Bay’s revamped defense under coordinator Jonathan Gannon, highlighting increased linebacker blitzes and the safety duo Xavier McKinney/Evan Williams. They also examine whether the Lions’ defense can replicate its strong showing against Arizona and how running back Jahmyr Gibbs might help Jared Goff and Drew Petzing attack the Packers’ secondary.
The Detroit Lions have decided on a punt returner to replace Tom Kennedy
The Detroit Lions move to replace injured punt/kick returner Tom Kennedy with veteran receiver DeAndre Carter. After Kennedy’s season‑ending injury against Arizona, special teams coordinator Dave Fipp says Carter, a 2015‑draft entrant with 155 punts (1,508 yards, 9.7 avg) and 144 kickoffs (3,399 yards, 23.6 avg) returned, will likely assume duties alongside Jacob Saylors. Currently on the practice squad, Carter must be added to the 53‑man roster or elevated for the upcoming game. Fipp praised Carter’s resilience after a journeyman career that finally broke out with the Eagles, where he returned a 42‑yard punt that set up a game‑tying score.
Lions mailbag: How will Detroit defend Packers’ deep-ball attack?
The Lions face a daunting task Sunday as the Packers continue to target the deep ball. Jordan Love leads the league in 20‑plus‑yard attempts, with receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden stretching defenses. Detroit ranks last in defending deep passes – 32nd in EPA per pass and 31st in yards allowed per play when targeted downfield. Coach Dan Campbell warns that dropping safeties deep opens the field for tight end Tucker Kraft and the backfield. The Midweek Mailbag debates how to deploy Brian Branch, whether to rely on athletic Keith Abney or veteran Chuck Clark, and how Josh Jacobs’ return, personnel packages, and overall defensive upgrades could shape Detroit’s chance to rebound and contend for a Super Bowl.
Lions Week 7 preview: Breaking down Packers’ offensive, defensive schemes
The Lions (3-2) face a hot Packers team (4-2) in Detroit’s first NFC North showdown on Oct. 22, 2026. Coach Dan Campbell praises Green Bay’s opportunistic defense, which has forced a +6 turnover ratio over the past two weeks. Offensively, Matt LaFleur’s scheme leans on early‑down play‑action, pre‑snap motion and a deep‑ball West Coast attack, moving the ball 269.3 yards per game (5th in the league) but struggling in the red zone (50% TD rate). The Packers’ run game is anemic (59.8 yards per game, 32nd) and the offensive line ranks last in pressure protection. Key targets remain WR Matthew Golden, WR Christian Watson and TE Tucker Kraft.
Discussion: Is Sam LaPorta right to take his contract frustrations public?
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta aired his contract frustrations publicly, first to local media and then on the "Pardon My Take" podcast, saying he feels undervalued after risking injury and suggesting he’ll leave if the Lions don’t pay up. The blog debates whether his openness helps or harms his cause, noting fan backlash, potential distraction for Detroit, and the broader question of players speaking candidly versus maintaining team harmony. Readers are invited to weigh in on the controversy.
Lions, Packers Week 7 injury report: Bye week helps Detroit get healthy
The Lions (3-2) enter Week 7 against the Packers (4-2) after a bye week that allowed Detroit to clear several injuries. Both Cade Mays (wrist) and Brian Branch (Achilles) are slated to return to the 53‑man roster, with Mays expected to start and Branch likely to play limited snaps. Safety Kerby Joseph shows signs of returning, while RB Isiah Pacheco and WR Tom Kennedy remain out for the season. OL Giovanni Manu is back in practice, and other players like Ben Bartch and LB Devin White are set to begin rehab windows in Week 10. The Packers’ injury list includes limited participation from QB Jordan Love and several position players, but no major cuts have been announced.
Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta vents frustrations about contract situation
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta opens up on the “Pardon My Take” podcast about his stalled contract talks, expressing frustration that his weekly physical sacrifices aren’t reflected in a new deal. He cites a severe back injury in 2024 that still haunts him and says he feels “not showing the love” financially. Lions GM Brad Holmes and Coach Dan Campbell publicly praise LaPorta and claim they want him long‑term, but no timeline for renewed negotiations is clear. LaPorta says he’ll keep playing hard and is ready to move on if a deal doesn’t materialize before the offseason, even considering other opportunities.
Kerby Joseph injury update: Lions safety posts promising video of progress
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph remains in rehab after a serious knee injury, but recent signs suggest a return this season. Coach Dan Campbell says he expects Joseph to play before the season ends, and Joseph posted a workout video showing near‑full‑speed runs and quick cuts, captioned “Dis shii onna way man.” Campbell praised the knee’s strength gains, while teammate Brian Branch also expresses optimism. No official timeline is set, but both the coach and the player hint at a possible comeback later in 2026.
Dan Campbell hints at who will play alongside Brian Branch at safety
Coach Dan Campbell says returning safety Brian Branch, fresh from a 10‑month Achilles rehab, gives the Lions flexibility in their secondary as they prepare for the Green Bay Packers. With Avonte Maddox out and Thomas Harper on IR, Campbell plans to pair Branch with veteran Chuck Clark and rookie Keith Abney, using both players depending on the look. He warns the Packers’ deep threats—Matthew Golden, Christian Watson, and Pro Bowl tight end Tucker Kraft—require the Lions to "pick a poison" and prioritize coverage strategy. Branch’s versatility could be the key to stifling Green Bay’s passing game this week.
The Detroit Lions have decided on their starting center vs. Packers
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell confirms that newly signed center Cade Mays will start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, ending Juice Scruggs' five-game stint filling in after Mays fractured his wrist in training camp. Campbell praised Scruggs for his “outstanding” play but ruled out rotating the two at center, citing snap timing and quarterback comfort. Mays, who inked a three‑year, $25 million deal, earned quality reps in practice and is set for his first start, while Scruggs will serve as backup and compete for left‑guard snaps.
5 Lions vs. Packers thoughts after watching Green Bay’s win over Cowboys
The Detroit Lions’ upcoming showdown with the Green Bay Packers is set against Green Bay’s three‑game winning streak, highlighted by blowout victories over the Bears and Cowboys. In the Cowboys game, the Packers' run game faltered—just 42 yards on 17 carries in the second half—yet their defense shone, with safeties Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams combining for five interceptions and relentless pressure on the pass. Jordan Love excelled against blitzes, going 8‑for‑12 for 100 yards and a sack, while the Packers continue to profit from a league‑leading 135 yards gained from defensive pass‑interference penalties. The Lions, meanwhile, rank last in EPA on deep passes and surrender the second‑most deep‑ball yards per game, making Green Bay’s deep‑ball strategy a critical test. Key factors for Detroit: containing Love’s blitz‑friendly efficiency and coping with Green Bay’s versatile secondary.
Detroit Lions scouting report: Green Bay’s wild season is trending up
The Detroit Lions head into Week 7 against the Green Bay Packers after a bye, looking to reclaim the NFC North crown. The Packers sit at 4-2, riding a three‑game winning streak despite early-season injuries and off‑field issues that left them 1‑2 after Week 3. Quarterback Jordan Love throws for 1,684 yards, 11 TDs and four interceptions, while the run game struggles without Josh Jacobs, who returns this week. Wideouts Christian Watson (538 yards, 6 TDs) and Matthew Golden (30 catches) lead the aerial attack, but the unit drops the ball a league‑worst 20 times. Defensively, Green Bay’s secondary shines with Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams each posting multiple interceptions, while the front seven battles injuries and poor line grades.
Survey: Will the Lions beat the Packers in Week 7?
Pride of Detroit teams up with SB Nation and FanDuel Sportsbook for a fan poll ahead of Week 7, asking Detroit Lions supporters if their team will beat the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 21, 2026. The sportsbook favors Detroit at -3.5 points, noting both clubs are on recent winning streaks. The article also tracks fluctuating fan confidence—peaking at 89% early in the season and dropping as low as 12% after recent losses—now sitting around 69% following a win in Arizona. Readers are invited to vote and comment on the Lions’ chances and overall direction.
Detroit Lions kick off Packers week with full attendance at practice
The Lions open Packers week with a full‑attendance practice on Tuesday, August 17, after moving the session forward to give returning starters Brian Branch and Cade Mays extra work before a Wednesday rest day. Coach Dan Campbell says the extra reps aim to keep the team healthy for Sunday’s Division clash against the 4‑2 Green Bay Packers at Ford Field (4:25 p.m. ET). All 53 active players participated, including the return of cornerback Rock Ya‑Sin, while recent IR moves saw WR Tom Kennedy out for the season and LB Devin White sidelined with a broken forearm. With a relatively clean bill of health, Detroit hopes to stay competitive against a surging Packers and an unbeaten Vikings next week.
NFL Week 7 power rankings: Are the Detroit Lions a top-10 team?
The Detroit Lions sit on the cusp of a top‑10 spot as Week 7 power rankings roll out. The Athletic lifts them to No. 9 (up from 12), while Sports Illustrated, USA Today, CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports and ESPN keep them around No. 11‑12 after a 3‑2 post‑bye record. Offensively, QB Jared Goff ranks third in fantasy scoring (23.0 ppg) with 12 TDs and no interceptions, and RB Jahmyr Gibbs leads fantasy points (30.7 ppg). Defensively, the return of safety Brian Branch and center Cade Mays offers hope, but the unit still ranks last in third‑down conversions. Upcoming home games against the Packers and Vikings will decide if the Lions can cement a top‑10 NFL standing.
Detroit Lions replace veteran nose tackle with rookie on practice squad
The Detroit Lions release veteran nose tackle Chris Smith and add rookie undrafted free agent Aidan Keanaaina to the practice squad. Despite a praised preseason, Smith never cracked the 53-man roster. Keanaaina, who received the highest UDFA guarantee ($267,500) and recently cleared an injury settlement, returns to a thin nose‑tackle group and could earn playing time later in the season. He joins five other UDFA players already on the roster, including EDGE Eric O’Neill and quarterback Luke Altmyer.
Displaying entries 26-50
of the latest 1,250