Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast

December 22, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #218: Lions at Falcons, Week 16 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 16 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Cardinals’ review

Lions whopped ’em
8-minute drive to open the game, settled for a FG 3-0
Amon-Ra St. Brown touchdown play was well designed, 10-0
Charles Harris came to play – dominated in arguably the best game of his career
AJ Parker PBU on 4^th and goal give the Lions ball at the 3-yard line
97 yards TD drive, capped by Goff to Reynolds 22 yd score, 17-0 at the half
Godwin fumbles… again… but Amani Oruwariye save him with an insane interception
Set up a Jason Cabinda touchdown, 24-3
Riley Patterson closes out the day with two more field goals, 30-12
“Out-coached and outplayed” the Cardinals

Roster Moves:

Reserve/COVID

QB Jared Goff – placed on Monday, said he was “feeling good” on Tuesday
- Lions keeping him involved, have a plan to replace him if necessary
OT Matt Nelson
NB Corey Ballentine (PS)
NB Robey-Coleman (PS)
CB Chris Williamson (PS)

Injury Report

OUT:
- EDGE Julian Okwara (ankle)
- LB Jalen Woods (neck)
- CB Amani Oruwariye (thumb)
Limited
- RB D’Andre Swift (shoulder)
- WR Josh Reynolds (thigh)
- WR Kalif Raymond (shoulder)
- LG Jonah Jackson (back)
- DL Michael Brockers (knee)
- LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder)

Protected PS: Steven Montez, Shane Zylstra, Bruce Hector, and Aldric Rosas

Falcons’ preview

Ref: Ron Torbert’s crew (near the bottom of the NFL in penalties called)
TV: FOX, Chris Myers, Robert Smith and Jen Hale
Bet line: Falcons -5.5
Are the Falcons fool’s gold?

We close with our new segment: Offseason Mailbag!

Just a reminder, if you like our show you can subscribe using iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or Podbean.

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us @erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown.

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December 15, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #217: Lions vs Cardinals, Week 15 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 15 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field.

Broncos’ review

Lions lost 38-10
Shorthanded is an understatement – then they lost Jerry Jacobs and Alex Anzalone
Another strong second quarter kept them in it, but Denver ran away with it (literally) in the second half
Kalif Raymond TD play design was well laid out and executed
Penei Sewel continues to dominate
Welcome to the Craig Reynolds show

Roster Moves:

Jerry Jacobs placed on Injured Reserve
Lions claim safety Brady Breeze
Lions claim CB Saivion Smith
Lions add CBs Shakur Brown and Chris Williamson to practice squad

Reserve/COVID

RB Jamaal Williams
LB Tavante Beckett
CB Bobby Price
CB Ifeatu Melifonwu
CB Mark Gilbert
NB Corey Ballentine
NB Robey-Coleman
S Tracy Walker

Evan Brown was removed from reserve/COVID and began practicing, expected to play Sunday

Injury Report

No practice:
- RB D’Andre Swift (shoulder)
- TE T.J. Hockenson (hand)
- LG Jonah Jackson (back)
- EDGE Julian Okwara (ankle)
- LB Alex Anzalone (ankle)
- OT Will Holden and S Jalen Elliott (non-injury related)
Limited
- LT Penei Sewell (shoulder)
- DL Michael Brockers (knee)
- EDGE Austin Bryant (shoulder)
- LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder)
- LB Derrick Barnes (knee)

NB AJ Parker (on IR) has started 21-day clock and is expected to play on Sunday

Protected PS: Craig Reynolds, Bruce Hector, Parnell Motley, and Aldric Rosas

Cardinals’ preview

Ref: Land Clark
TV: FOX, Gus Johnson, Aqib Talib, Megan Olivi
Bet line: Cardinals -13.5
WR DeAndre Hopkins is injured and may not play
RB James Conner is banged up and day-to-day

We close with our new segment: Offseason Mailbag!

Just a reminder, if you like our show you can subscribe using iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or Podbean.

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us @erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown.

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December 10, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #216: Lions at Broncos, Week 14 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 14 matchup against the Denver Broncos in Colorado.

Vikings’ review

Lions Win 29-27
Walk-off touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Goff NFC player of the week
- St. Brown nominated for Rookie of the week
- Has St. Brown arrived?
Impressive 2^nd quarter from Goff, the rest? Still some bad habits.
Controversial play: Up 2 points, 4 minutes remaining, 4^th and inches from own-28 yard line

Roster Moves:

Injury Report

21 players not practicing on Thursday, mostly along the offensive and defensive lines
RB D’Andre Swift (shoulder)
TE T.J. Hockenson (hand)
RT Penei Sewell (shoulder and illness)
OL Matt Nelson (ankle)
DL Michael Brockers (knee and illness)
EDGE Julian Okwara (ankle)
EDGE Austin Bryant (shoulder)
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder)

Protected PS: Parker Ehinger, Bruce Hector, TE Shane Zylstra, and K Aldric Rosas

Broncos’ preview

Ref: John Hussey (typically on the low end of penalties)
TV: FOX 4:05 (unique time) Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez, Laura Okmin (field reporter)
Bet line: Broncos -8

We close with our new segment: Offseason Mailbag!

Just a reminder, if you like our show you can subscribe using iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or Podbean.

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us @erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown.

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December 3, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #215: Lions vs Vikings, Week 13 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 13 matchup against divisional rival Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field.

Bears review

Up 1 point, with 8 Â½ minutes remaining – double timeout – Off coverage on 3^rd down
Who is most at fault for the Thanksgiving loss?
Aren Do you think Dan Campbell will give play calling duties back to Anthony Lynn? And do you think that decision affects whether A. Lynn wants to or will be back in 2022?

Roster Moves:

CB Ifeatu Melifonwu (thigh) removed from IR
NB A.J. Parker (ankle) placed on IR
DL Da’Shawn Hand (groin) placed on IR, then released with an injury settlement
Practice squad swap: OT Darrin Paulo OUT, LB Curtis Bolden IN

Injury Report

RB D’Andre Swift (shoulder) – OUT – expected to miss “multiple weeks” ?
WR Trinity Benson (knee) – expected to play
WR KhaDarel Hodge (illness)
RT Penei Sewell (illness) – Questionable
RG Halapoulivaati Vaitai (concussion)
OL Matt Nelson (ankle) – Questionable
DL Michael Brockers (knee) – Questionable
EDGE Trey Flowers (knee) – OUT
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) – OUT
DB Bobby Price (shoulder) – OUT

Protected PS: Bruce Hector, Steven Montez, TE Shane Zylstra, and K Aldric Rosas

Vikings’ preview

Ref: Craig Wrolstad
TV: CBS (New Station this week) Spero Dedes, Jay Feeley
Bet line: Vikings by 7 or 6.5 (depending on site)

Our new segment: Offseason Mailbag!

Just a reminder, if you like our show you can subscribe using iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or Podbean.

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us @erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown.

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November 23, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #214: Lions vs Bears, Thanksgiving Day preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 12 matchup against divisional rival Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field.

Roster Moves:

Ahead of the Browns’ game:
- Activated QB Tim Boyle
- signed WR Tom Kennedy
- released DL Kevin Strong
- released CB/RET Corey Ballentine (signed him to the practice squad)
- Elevated RG Tommy Kraemer and K Aldric Rosas

Browns review

Swift back-to-back 100-yard rushing games – first to do it since Kevin Jones in 2004
Boyle 77 yards passing – apparently the design was to protect the QB
Another game with a few questionable coaching calls at the end of the game
- Kicking the field goal on 4^th and 1
- Draw play on 3^rd and 14 – then punted and never got the ball back

Injury Report – Monday and Tuesday were walkthroughs

DNP

RG Halapoulivaati Vaitai (concussion)
OL Matt Nelson (ankle)
EDGE Trey Flowers (knee)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (groin)
NB A.J. Parker (ankle)

Limited

QB Jared Goff (oblique)
RB Jermar Jefferson (knee/ankle)
WR Trinity Benson (knee)

Still on IR but practicing: CB Ifeatu Melifonwu (thigh)

Bears’ preview on Thanksgiving Day

Ref: Adrian Hill
TV: FOX, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman
Betting Line: opened at Bears -4, now Bears -3.5 (over/under 43)
Bears on a 5-game losing streak
Lots of key injuries, including to Justin Fields, meaning Andy Dalton will start at QB
Matt Nagy’s job is reportedly on the line

Just a reminder, if you like our show you can subscribe using iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or Podbean.

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us @erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown.

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November 18, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #213: Lions at Browns, Week 11 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 11 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

Steelers’ review

Lions running game helps them avoid 0-17
Dan Campbell takes over play calling duties
The passing game struggles again
- Was Goff’s Oblique injury the catalyst?

What are the Lions’ plans at quarterback this week?

QB Jaren Goff (oblique) – didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday
QB Tim Boyle (thumb on right hand) still on IR, but taking first team reps

Roster Moves:

Kicking woes lead to changes
- Lions sign K Riley Patterson to active roster – from Patriots practice squad
- Lions sign K Aldrick Rosas to practice squad
- Lions release K Ryan Santoso from practice squad
Lions release WR Geronimo Allison, re-sign to practice squad
NB/RET Corey Ballentine (hamstring) has been taken off IR and activated to the roster

Injury Report

RB D’Andre Swift (shoulder)
RB Jamaal Williams (thigh)
RB Jermar Jefferson (ankle)
LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
OL Matt Nelson (ankle)
EDGE Trey Flowers (knee)
EDGE Austin Bryant (shoulder)
CB Jerry Jacobs (groin)
CB Mark Gilbert (illness)
Safety Tracy Walker (concussion) – He says he is going to be fine
CB Ifeatu Melifonwu (thigh) – Still working his way back from IR

Protected PS: Bruce Hector, Steven Montez, TE Shane Zylstra, and K Aldric Rosas

Browns’ preview

Ref: Clay Martin
TV: FOX, Gus Johnson, LaVarrington, Megan Olivi
Betting Line: Browns -10.5
Who is throwing the ball for the Lions? Can they find Hockenson?
Can the OL hold up the Browns top ranked pass rush?
Can the Lions establish a running game?
Can the Lions slow down the Browns rushing attack?

Just a reminder, if you like our show you can subscribe using iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or Podbean.

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us @erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown.

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November 11, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #212: Lions at Steelers, Week 10 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 10 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.

Roster Moves:

Lions waive TE Darren Fells (signs onto Bucs practice squad)
Sign TE Brock Wright from the practice squad
Lions waive WR Tom Kennedy (sings onto Lions PS)
Sign Safety Jalen Elliott from practice squad
Sign TE Nick Eubanks and WR Travis Jonsen to practice squad
Lions place WR Javon McKinley on practice squad injured reserve
Lions place DL Jashon Cornell on reserve/non-football illness
Lions claim WR Josh Reynolds off of waivers from the Titans

Returned to practice but still on IR

Injury Report

RB Jamaal Williams (thigh) – No practice
EDGE Austin Bryant (shoulder) – limited
K Austin Seibert (right hip) – limited
LT Taylor Decker (finger) – Full
NB AJ Parker (neck) – Full

Protected PS: Bruce Hector, Steven Montez, Ryan Santoso, and TE Shane Zylstra

Finishing up Mailbag

Is KavyonThibodeaux too good to pass up or would the Lions be willing to trade?
What is the Lions plan at WR moving forward?
Will the Lions ever get a win?
Where are our possible wins?
What happens to team chemistry if the Lions go 0:17 or 1:16?
Which staffs will coach the senior bowl?

Steelers’ preview

Ref: Land Clark
TV: FOX, Chris Meyers, Daryl Johnson, and Jen Hale
Betting Line: Steelers -8 (opening line was -9)
Key matchups: RB Najee Harris vs NT Alim McNeill
Key: TE Pat Freiermuth/Eric Ebron vs S Tracy Walker/Will Harris
Key: RT Penei Sewel vs EDGE T.J. Watt
Key: TE T.J. Hockenson vs S Minkah Fitzpatrick

Just a reminder, if you like our show you can subscribe using iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or Podbean.

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us @erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown.

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November 6, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #211: Lions bye week Mailbag

This week on the podcast, the Detroit Lions are on a bye, so Erik and Joe decided to deviate from their traditional format, put out a call for questions from listeners, and they responded in a big way.

In this week’s Mailbag, the fellas cover a lot of topics, including:

Taylor Decker and Kevin Strong activated from IR
Tommy Kraemer was released from 53 and signed to practice squad
Tyrell Williams released with an injury settlement
Are Jared Goff’s struggles fixable?
How much can we blame/praise the coaching staff
What should fans look forward to over the back half of the season?
Expectations for specific players
What will the Lions do at QB in the offseason?
Any developmental QB options in free agency?
Are Ole Miss’ Matt Corral or Liberty’s Malik Willis franchise QBs?
Are Nevada’s Carson Strong or Cincinatti’s Desmond Ridder options?
Should the Lions wait until 2023 to target a QB?
What happens if they don’t address QB this offseason?
Should the Lions take a QB or is Oregon’s EDGE Kayon Thibodeaux the answer?
Is Thibodeaux that much better than Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson?
Should the Lions claim WR Odell Beckham Jr off waivers?
And more!

Just a reminder, if you like our show you can subscribe using iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or Podbean.

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us @erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown.

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October 28, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #210: Lions vs Eagles, Week 8 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field in downtown Detroit.

Lions News:

Special Teams Coordinator Dave Fipp tests positive for COVID-19
Fipp is symptom free and if he has two negative test results, he could return
If he is not cleared, Asst. Sp. T coach Jett Modkins and Don Mulbach would take over

Roster Moves:

G Logan Stenberg to IR – undisclosed injury
G Tommy Kraemer signed to the active roster from the practice squad
DB Daryl Worley released, then signed to the practice squad
OT Darrin Paulo signed to the practice squad
DL Eric Banks waived
The Lions have 2 open spots on the roster

Injury Report

TE T.J. Hockenson (knee/ankle)
RB D’Andre Swift (groin)
RB Jamaal Williams (thigh)
EDGE Trey Flowers (knee)
CB AJ Parker (neck)
CB Jerry Jacobs (illness)
FB Jason Cabinda (hip)

Protected PS: Bruce Hector, Steven Montez, Jalen Elliott, and Ryan Santoso

Rams’ review

Lions get tricky in LA
Rams focused on Hockenson, opened door for Swift
Penei Sewell stepped up against Aaron Donald
Kalif Raymond was the only WR to do anything
Young defensive players continue to develop
Goff forced the interception, but it sounds like he was told to

Eagles’ preview

Ref: Tony Corrente
TV: FOX, Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Megan Olivi
Betting Line: Eagles -3.5
Key matchups: Jalen Hurts vs Alex Anzalone
Key: DeVonta Smith vs Jerry Jacobs
Key: Swift vs mashup of linebackers
Key: Darius Slay vs Kalif Raymond? Or will they put him on Hockenson?

Just a reminder, if you like our show you can subscribe using iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or Podbean.

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us @erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown.

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October 21, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #209: Lions at Rams, Week 7 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in California.

Lions News: