Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast

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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September 5, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #202: Lions 53-man roster review

In this week’s episode, Joe gets the week off, so Erik is joined by Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit to review the Detroit Lions’ 53-man roster and 16-player practice squad, as well as all the roster changes that happened over the past week.

Topics for this episode include:

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

As always, thanks for listening. Tweet us @erikschlitt, @JoeKania_DLB, @lionsbreakdown, as well as our guest Jeremy Reisman at @DetroitOnLion.

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August 24, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #201: Lions at Steelers preseason Game 2 review

In this week’s episode, the guys review the Detroit Lions’ second game of the 2021 preseason, a 26-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Topics for this episode include:

Updated roster moves
Discussion of key injuries
A position by position discussion of how each group performed
Any positive takeaways? Concerns?
Who helped their stock?
Who hurt their chances for the 53-man roster?
How hasErik’s perception of the 53-man rosterchanged?
What we are hoping to see moving forward

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

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

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August 17, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #200: Lions vs Bills preseason game 1 review

In this week’s episode, the guys review the Detroit Lions’ first game of the 2021 preseason, a 16-15 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Topics for this episode include:

Updated roster moves
Updated injury report
How the starters faired vs the Bills
The teams approach to offense and defense.
Any positive takeaways? Concerns?
Who helped their stock?
Who hurt their chances for the 53-man roster?
How has Erik’s perception of the 53-man roster changed?
What we are hoping to see moving forward

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

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

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August 4, 2021January 3, 2025

Episode #199: Training Camp, early impressions

In this week’s episode, the guys talk about the first seven practices from Detroit Lions’ 2021 training camp, giving a stock up/stock down review of the players on the active roster.

Topics include Erik’s Training Camp observation articles at Pride of Detroit (linked below) as well as other relevant happening surrounding the team:

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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