Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast

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:

Chris Spielman to be inducted into the Lions Ring of Honor

Roster Moves:

Injury Report

LT Taylor Decker’s finger could cost him the season
TE T.J. Hockenson (knee)
RB D’Andre Swift (groin)
FB Jason Cabinda (hip)
EDGE Trey Flowers (knee)
EDGE Charles Harris (hip/oblique)
DL Michael Brockers (shoulder)
DL Nick Williams (knee)
S Will Harris (hip)

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

Bengals’ review

Lions only winless team in NFL – coaches say changes are coming
The offense was a disaster
Jared Goff missing reads, dropping too far back
Goff will remain the starter, “needs to step up”
Skill players missing assignments, no energy
Defense kept them in it as long as they could – rookie elevating their games
Alim McNeill continues to disrupt
EDGE rushers continue to produce
Derrick Barnes getting more playing time, making an impact
Jerry Jacobs looks like he belongs

Rams’ preview

Ref: Bill Vinvich
TV: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez
Betting Line: Rams -14.5
Revenge game for Goff and Brockers? Vs Stafford?
Key matchups: Swift vs LB Kenny Young
Key: Hockenson vs S Taylor Rapp
Key: AJ Parker or Jerry Jacobs vs WR Cooper Kupp
Key: Trey Flowers vs LT Andrew Whitworth

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 15, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #208, Lions vs Bengals, Week 6 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 6 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ford Field in downtown Detroit.

Roster Moves:

Frank Ragnow (toe) requires surgery and will not return this season
Quintez Cephus (collarbone) broken, requires surgery, on IR likely done for the year
Lions sign CB Mark Gilbert to 53-man roster off of Steelers practice squad
LT Taylor Decker and DT Kevin Strong return to practice, still on IR, 21-day clock begins

Injury Report

TE T.J. Hockenson (knee)
EDGE Trey Flowers (knee)
CB Amani Oruwariye (hip)
CB/KR Corey Ballentine (hamstring)
LG Jonah Jackson (shoulder)
RB D’Andre Swift (groin)
RB Jamaal Williams (hip/illness)
DL Michael Brockers (shoulder) and OT Penei Sewel (ankle) – OFF the injury list

Protected PS: Bruce Hector, Steven Montez, Jalen Elliott, and Ryan Santoso (kicker battle?)

Vikings’ review

Lost on another 50+ FG at the last second – no team has ever had this happen twice in a season, the Lions had it happen to them twice in five weeks
Dan Campbell was emotional/heartbroken for his players
Played it safer on offense this week, kicked FGs and let defense keep them in it
Goff is throwing short of the sticks and counting on YAC
Hockenson getting bottled up, Swift still making noise
Tracy Walker is PFF’s No. 2 safety after five weeks, (3^rd vs run, 7^th vs pass)
Jalen Reeves-Maybin came up in the clutch with a forced fumble and recovery
The rookie DTs starting to settle in
EDGE players playing well – Flowers looks solid, Harris 4 sacks in 4 games

Bengals’ preview

Ref: Shawn Hochuli
TV: FOX, Chris Myers, Daryl Johnson, Jen Hale (second week in a row)
Betting Line: Bengals -3.5
Key matchups: Amani Oruwariye vs Ja’Marr Chase
Key: Bengals interior offensive line versus Alim McNeill and company
Key: Penei Sewell vs Trey Hendricks
Key: T.J. Hockenson vs Vonn Bell

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 7, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #207: Lions at Vikings, Week 5 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Roster Moves:

Romeo Okwara on season-ending IR with Achilles injury
- His recovery could be a long one
Frank Ragnow lands on IR with turf toe injury
Signed C Ryan McCollum off Texans practice squad
Signed EDGE Jesse Lemonier off practice squad
K Austin Seibert removed from COVID-19 list
Released Javon McKinley from the practice squad
Signed EDGE Rashod Berry and IOL Parker Ehinger to the practice squad

Injury Report

OT Penei Sewel (ankle) – missed Wednesday and Thursday
TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) – missed Wednesday, limited Thursday
EDGE Trey Flowers (knee) – limited
RB D’Andre Swift (groin) – limited
RB Jamaal Williams (hip) – limited
DL Michael Brockers (shoulder) – limited

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

Bears’ review

4 times they were inside the 10-yard line, and they came away empty
Campbell doesn’t regret aggressiveness, but recognizes they may not be talented enough to stay aggressive
Sewell continue to struggle with speed rushers
Pass rush left with Romeo
DB shuffling continues with no answers

Vikings’ preview

Ref: Clete “hands to the face” Blakeman
TV: FOX, Chris Myers, Daryl Johnson
Betting Line: Vikings -9 (opened at -7)
Key matchups: Lions DB’s vs Justin Jefferson/Adam Thielen
Key: Lions pressure vs Vikings OL
Key: Danielle Hunter vs Matt Nelson
Key: D’Andre Swift/Jamaal Williams vs Vikings DL

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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September 30, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #206: Lions at Bears, Week 4 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

Roster Moves:

LB Jamie Collins was released (unable to find trade partner)
- Team at 51 players (because Kevin Strong went on IR last Saturday)
DT Jashon Cornell activated from suspension list, team has roster waiver
- He will take one of the open 2 spots
K Austin Seibert still on COVID-19 list
Practice squad rotation of WR Javon McKinley and Jaren Pinkney with specialists

Injury Report

Taylor Decker, Da’Shawn Hand, Tim Boyle, eligible but not ready to come off IR
Trey Flowers missed practice Wednesday and Thursday
D’Andre Swift, Romeo Okwara, Michael Brockers limited but expected to be fine

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

Ravens’ review

Calvin Johnson ring ceremony
Blanked in first half
Failed trick play
Unlocked D’Andre Swift in 2^nd half
Coaching decisions at the end
- Taking foot off the gas on offense
- Taking foot off the gas on defense and calling a time out
- 4^th and 19 coverage
Play clock controversary at the end, turns out the play clock and TV clock were in sync
Longest FG in NFL history

Bears preview

Ref: Shawn Smith
TV: FOX, Gus Johnson, Aqib Talib, and Megan Olivi
The Bears’ offense was a disaster against the Browns, the defense is still really good
Offense is 31^st in points scored and DVOA, averaging 3.3 yards per play (32^nd)
Key matchups: EDGE Romeo Okwara vs RT Germain Ifedi
Key: Amari Oruwariye vs Allen Robinson
Key: Penei Sewell/Matt Nelson vs Khalil Mack/Robert Quinn
Key: D’Andre Swift vs Roquan Smith

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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September 25, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #205: Lions vs Ravens, Week 3 preview

This week on the podcast, the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at Ford Field.

Roster Moves:

Jamie Collins on the trade block, not participating in Detroit anymore
Ifeatu Melifonu and Tyrell Williams to Injured Reserve
Signed CB Daryl Worley off Practice Squad
Signed LB Josh Woods off Bears Practice Squad
Signed to PS: K Ryan Santoso
K Austin Seibert on COVID-19 list

Injury Report

OUT: Jamie Collins
QUESTIONABLE: RB D’Andre Swift (groin)
Q: WR Kalif Raymond (thigh)
Q: DL Michael Brockers (shoulder)
Q: DL Kevin Strong (concussion/thigh) – downgraded to a limited practice on Friday
Q: EDGE Trey Flowers (shoulder/knee) – did not practice any day this week
Q: EDGE Romeo Okwara (shoulder)
Q: EDGE Julian Okwara (neck) – added to the injury report on Thursday

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

Packers’ review

Solid first half (17-14 lead), the OL was opening holes and pass protecting
Late 3^rd Q implosion – 4^th and 1 failure, Goff fumbles next snap, fumble on 3^rd down
Once they’re behind, they’re not built to play catch up

Ravens’ preview

Ravens are injured and just had a COVID-19 positive test knock out some starters
- Starters OUT
  - LT Ronnie Stanley
  - DE Derek Wolfe, and his replacement Justin Madubuike
  - NT Brandon Williams
  - EDGE Justin Houston
Key matchups: Hold gaps and try and slow down Lamar Jackson
Key: LB Derrick Barnes vs Ravens running game
Key: Lions OL control the trenches vs light Ravens DL
Key: Feed T.J. Hockenson vs anyone

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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September 18, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #204: Lions at Packers, Week 2 preview

This week on the podcast, Joe is back and the guys set the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 2 matchup with the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

Topics on this week’s agenda include:

Roster moves: Jeff Okudah to IR with Achillies injury
T Will Holden signed to 53, G Tommy Kraemer released, re-signed to practcie squad
Lions claim CB/KR Corey Ballentine off waivers (Jets)
Injury report: Tyrell Williams, Kevin Strong in concussion protocol
Duce Staley has “no concerns” with RB’s D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams injuries
Protected practcie squad: Bruce Hector, Steven Montez, Jalen Elliott, and Will Holden
Reviewing the loss to the 49ers
Debate: What should happen at LT once Taylor Decker is healthy?
New look aggressive defense, blitz on 51% of passing plays
3rd down success on defense
Previewing the Packers
EDGE Zadarius Smith lands on IR – Rashan Gary time
What a disaster it was in Week 1 vs the Saints
Key Matchup: T.J. Hockenson vs Packers’ pass defense
Key Matchup: Gary/Preston Smith vs Penei Sewell/Matt Nelson
Key Matchup: Davante Adams vs AJ Parker
Key Matchup: Packers IOL vs Lions IDL

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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September 10, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #203: Lions vs 49ers Week 1 preview

This week on the podcast, Erik is rolling solo as he sets the table for the Detroit Lions 2021 Week 1 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.

Topics on this agenda include:

Roster moves: Lions sign OT Will Holden to practice squad, release WR Javon McKinley
Lions hire Don Muhlbach as Special Assistant
Lions bring back Kevin Bastin as Head Athletic Trainer
Lions Injury Report: Taylor Decker (finger) likely to miss some time
Lions name captains: Goff, Ragnow, Flowers, Anzalone, Reeves-Maybin
Protected practice squad: Montez, Hector, Elliott, and Gonzalez
Previewing the 49ers
Lions preparring for Jimmy G and Trey Lance
Key Matchup: Tracy Walker/Alex Anzalone vs George Kittle
Key matchup: Romeo Okwara vs Mike McGlinchy
Key Matchup: Decker or Matt Nelson vs Nick Bosa
Key matchup: Hockenson vs coverage
Fred Warner would look great in Honolulu Blue

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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