Pride Of Detroit
A Detroit Lions blog by Lions fans, for Lions fans.
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Lions, Vikings Week 8 injury report: All 7 starters return to practice on Thursday
All seven Detroit Lions starters, including RB Jahmyr Gibbs (shoulder) and WR Amon‑Ra St. Brown (ankle), returned to Thursday practice ahead of their Week 8 clash with the 6‑0 Minnesota Vikings. The Lions reported limited practice for CB Ennis Rakestraw (ankle) and K Kerby Joseph (knee, PUP), while the rest of the roster completed a full session. Gibbs downplayed his shoulder issue, and St. Brown says his ankle is “all good.” Coach Dan Campbell expects the returning veterans—Penei Sewell, Alim McNeill, Aidan Hutchinson and DJ Wonnum—to be fully available Sunday, giving Detroit a healthy lineup for the NFC North showdown.
Lions vs. Vikings 5 Qs preview: Are the 6-0 Vikings real or “frauds”?
The Detroit Lions head into Week 8 against the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings, who sit 6‑0 despite preseason projections of a last‑place finish. Lead writer Christopher Gates explains why many fans label the Vikings a “fraud” – a spotty offense, a volatile recent history (13‑4 in 2022, 14‑2 in 2024, then playoff exits) and a schedule that hasn’t yet tested them. He praises defensive coordinator Brian Flores for a hyper‑aggressive blitz scheme and a veteran‑heavy unit that operates like a well‑rehearsed machine, turning blitzes into a predictable weapon for opponents. The preview weighs the Vikings’ sustainability and what the Lions must do to survive the looming road gauntlet.
6 Lions coordinator takeaways: Detroit’s defense starting to hit its goals
Detroit Lions coordinators recap the 31‑17 win over Green Bay and look ahead to Minnesota. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing vows to tighten the run game by fixing poor identification, matchup losses and scheme flaws that led to negative plays against the Packers. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard celebrates hitting all three defensive benchmarks in the past two games—limiting Christian Watson and Matt Golden to 11 catches for 96 yards, containing the run (19 carries, 60 yards), and forcing a turnover—while working to eradicate six explosive plays the Packers still managed. Both coordinators stress accountability and adjustments as the Lions aim to keep opponents off balance.
Detroit Lions mailbag: How does one beat the Vikings defense?
The Lions’ Midweek Mailbag tackles the looming clash with Minnesota’s top‑ranked defense, which allows just 12.3 points per game and racked up four sacks and two turnovers last week. Hosts Erik Schlitt and the writer debate whether Jared Goff can survive the Vikings’ relentless blitz, examine the Lions’ struggling short‑yard run game, and break down EPA and success‑rate metrics. The episode also covers Dan Campbell’s officiating controversy, recent performances by Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell, potential trade targets at the deadline, and speculation on hiring a new defensive assistant. Bonus video content is available on YouTube and Twitch.
Lions QB Jared Goff is finally getting the respect he deserves
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is finally breaking into the elite QB conversation. Leading the league with a 112.5 passer rating, the most passing yards per game and zero interceptions despite over 120 attempts, Goff boasts a +14 TD‑INT ratio—two better than any rival. After a clutch win over the Green Bay Packers, CBS’s Garrett Podell ranks him No. 1 in the weekly QB power rankings, and former players and coaches—including Mark Schlereth, Jon Gruden and Rex Ryan—hail his accuracy and MVP‑caliber play. With his biggest test looming against the Minnesota Vikings’ top defense, Goff’s odds for an MVP nod could tighten quickly.
Lions Week 8 preview: Breaking down Vikings’ offensive, defensive schemes
The Detroit Lions (4-2) prepare for Week 8 against unbeaten Minnesota Vikings (6-0) as Dan Campbell praises the Vikings' complementary football. The preview breaks down head coach Kevin O'Connell's 5‑year tenure, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips' West Coast‑plus‑Shanahan scheme, and key personnel. Minnesota’s offense balances a 55% pass/45% run mix, relies heavily on 11‑personnel (56.5%), and features play‑action, motion and screens. QB Kyler Murray posts a 85.8 passer rating (22nd) and modest EPA, while stars Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson remain top threats. The run game yields 119.3 yards per game (12th) but shows negative EPA. Expect a tactical duel as the Lions aim to halt Minnesota's surge.
Discussion: Who is the best team in the NFC?
Going into Week 7 the San Francisco 49ers appeared the NFC's top team, boasting a perfect 6-0 record and MVP‑level play from Brock Purdy. After a surprising loss to the Atlanta Falcons—four turnovers and a blown 14‑3 lead—the blog asks who now leads the NFC. It breaks down candidates: 49ers (still #1 by DVOA, strong offense, solid defense), Vikings (only unbeaten team, elite defense), Seahawks (defending champs, defensive strength despite offensive woes), Bears (Caleb Williams return, solid defense), Lions (high‑scoring offense, improving defense), and Rams (efficient but 3‑4 record). The author still favors the 49ers as a fluke loss, ranking Bears, Seahawks, Vikings, Lions, and Rams next, and invites readers to vote.
Lions, Vikings Week 8 injury report: Jahmyr Gibbs sits with shoulder injury
The Detroit Lions (4-2) host unbeaten Minnesota Vikings (6-0) in Week 8, and the Lions' injury report reveals running back Jahmyr Gibbs sitting out practice with a shoulder issue after a slide against the Packers. Wideout Amon‑Ra St. Brown and rookie Ennis Rakestraw remain sidelined from Week 7 ankle injuries, while All‑Pro safety Kerby Joseph starts his 21‑day PUP evaluation and is cleared to practice. Other notable absences include RB Isiah Pacheco (MCL), OL Ben Bartch (foot), and LB Devin White (forearm), all on IR but set to return in Week 10. Coach Dan Campbell says most resting players will resume practice later this week, keeping the Lions’ lineup mostly intact ahead of the Sunday showdown at Ford Field.
Dan Campbell compares his 4th down philosophy to ‘Uncle Buck’
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell defends his aggressive fourth‑down strategy by likening it to John Candy’s iconic hat in the film “Uncle Buck.” After the Lions’ bold, albeit unsuccessful, fourth‑down attempt at the 24‑yard line against the Green Bay Packers—followed by a game‑winning field goal—Campbell used the pop‑culture reference to explain why fans love or hate his approach. He noted influences from Sean Payton and emphasized that, like the hat, the fourth‑down philosophy provokes strong reactions.
Detroit Lions return Kerby Joseph to practice
Detroit Lions safety All‑Pro Kerby Joseph (31) returns to practice after more than a year sidelined by a recurring knee injury. Coach Dan Campbell announced Wednesday that the team has started the 21‑day PUP evaluation clock, allowing Joseph to train while remaining on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The Lions say his knee strength and quad work have improved enough to resume limited workout drills, though he won’t be game‑eligible until activated to the 53‑man roster. Joseph’s injury, suffered in 2025 training camp, forced him out after Week 5, making his comeback a key storyline for the Lions’ season.
Detroit Lions tagged as ‘best fit’ for 4 trade deadline candidates
With the NFL trade deadline looming on Nov. 10, ESPN insiders rank the Detroit Lions as the top destination for four potential trade targets. Cornerback Riq Woolen (Eagles) and Donte Jackson (Chargers) both carry $6 million contracts and could add height and experience to Detroit’s struggling secondary. Edge rusher Shemar Stewart, the Bengals’ 17th‑overall pick who has seen limited snaps, fits the Lions’ need for a physical pass‑rusher. Guard Cesar Ruiz (Saints) appears a less likely fit, given Detroit’s existing interior line depth. The piece breaks down each player’s stats, contract situation, and why the Lions are seen as a "best fit" for these candidates.
5 Lions vs. Vikings thoughts after watching Minnesota’s win over Colts
The author breaks down five key takeaways from the Vikings’ 16‑10 win over the Colts ahead of Detroit’s next matchup. While Minnesota’s run defense remains elite (‑0.212 rush EPA, 31.2% success rate), the Colts managed 154 yards on 33 carries and a 53% third‑down conversion rate, the highest they’ve allowed all season. Quarterback Kyler Murray struggled, completing just 58.3% of passes and posting the week’s second‑worst CPOE. The Vikings’ short‑yardage rushing is weak (60% success on 3rd/4th‑and‑short), a potential advantage for Detroit’s stout run defense. Special teams excel, ranking first in DVOA with top punt and kick return averages, though a blocked field goal was a lone blemish. These trends set the stage for a gritty Lions‑Vikings clash.
Detroit Lions scouting report: Minnesota Vikings’ strengths, weaknesses
The Detroit Lions prepare to face unbeaten Minnesota Vikings in Week 8, after a divisional win over Green Bay. Minnesota sits 6‑0, leaning on a stout defense that has generated 12 sacks and seven interceptions, while its offense struggles under quarterback Kyler Murray’s modest 162 passing yards per game. Running back Aaron Jones leads the ground attack with 436 yards, and star wideout Justin Jefferson adds 302 receiving yards. The Vikings’ offensive line improves to 10th in the league, but injuries are minimal. Detroit, at full strength, will encounter the Vikings’ toughest test yet as they aim to exploit a secondary ranked 15th in coverage.
Detroit Lions stock report: 19 risers, 9 fallers against the Packers
The Detroit Lions earn their first divisional win of the season, improving to 4-2 after a gritty 28-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Defensive back Brian Branch shines with four tackles, three stops and a pivotal fourth‑quarter interception, boosting a unit that has forced only two turnovers all year. Wide receivers Amon‑Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams combine for 244 yards, two touchdowns and 14 catches, keeping Jared Goff’s offense alive despite early struggles. However, the interior offensive line—Cade Mays, Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge—shows rust in run blocking, limiting Jahmyr Gibbs’s effectiveness. The Lions now look to build momentum before heading to Germany to face Drake Maye’s team.
Survey: Will the Lions beat the Vikings in Week 8?
Pride of Detroit partners with SB Nation and FanDuel to poll Lions fans ahead of Week 8, when the Detroit Lions face the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings (6‑0). The betting line favors Detroit at Lions -3.5, and the Lions have strung together a two‑game winning streak after a mixed confidence record—peaking at 89% early season and dipping to 12% after a loss in Carolina. The survey asks fans if the Lions will beat the Vikings and whether they’re confident in the team’s direction. Vote in the weekly poll and check back for results.
Detroit Lions add former Vikings nose tackle to practice squad
The Detroit Lions have added former Vikings nose tackle Taki Taimani to their practice squad, releasing wideout Lawrence Keys to make space. Taimani, a 6‑ft‑1, 324‑lb undrafted rookie from Oregon, debuted with Minnesota in 2024, appeared in seven games before an ankle injury, and spent most of 2025 on the Vikings’ practice squad with two game call‑ups. After being waived with an injury designation in training camp and released from IR in September, he joins a Lions defensive line that lacks depth beyond Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams. With Detroit set to host the Vikings this week, Taimani could play a key role in preparation.
NFL Week 8 power rankings: Detroit Lions on the rise following victory over Packers
After a 20-17 win over the Packers on Oct. 25, the Detroit Lions (4-2) jump into the Top 10 of half the national power‑rankings, with Sports Illustrated moving them to No. 7. The victory showcases a revamped defense—returnees Josh Jacobs and safety Brian Branch (four tackles, an interception) helped limit Green Bay’s scoring. While the offense continues to thrive under Jared Goff, concerns linger about pass defense and turnover habits. Analysts note the Lions’ second‑highest scoring offense (30.67 pts/game) and rank them between No. 7 and No. 12 across outlets, positioning them as NFC North contenders heading into the Minnesota matchup.
Film study: The good, the bad from Lions offense vs. Packers
The Lions edged the Packers 20‑17 on Oct. 25, 2026, showcasing a stout defense but a frustrating offense hampered by turnovers and a missed fourth‑and‑goal. Film study highlights a clever red‑zone play designed for Jameson Williams, using motion and a run‑action fake to free him for a touchdown, and praises Jared Goff’s evolving play‑action mastery and improvised throws on the run. While the defense delivered the season’s best performance, the offense fell short of its 30‑point norm. The article breaks down the positives—creative scheming and Goff’s athleticism—and the negatives, offering a roadmap for improvement as Detroit looks ahead to tougher matchups.
Lions vs. Packers Song of the Game: ‘Get Over It’ by OK Go
The Detroit Lions upset the Green Bay Packers 20-17 on Oct. 25, 2026, sparking a firestorm over questionable officiating that many Packers fans blame for the loss. The article highlights the Packers’ historically low 2.9 rushing yards per attempt—the worst since 1994—and notes key defensive penalties that gave the Lions three crucial red‑zone trips, including the game‑winning drive. Fans and analysts flood social media with accusations of bias and calls for league accountability, while the piece playfully ties the drama to the game’s “Song of the Game,” OK Go’s “Get Over It.”
Detroit Lions film breakdown: The trained eyes of Jared Goff
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing breaks down why quarterback Jared Goff excels in play‑action, highlighting his pre‑snap processing and rapid post‑snap adjustments. Against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 25, 2026, Goff dissected a disguised cover‑2, finishing 8‑of‑11 for 140 yards on play‑action and posting a 145.1 passer rating—the league’s second‑best that week. The article showcases a key first‑quarter play where Goff spots All‑Pro safety Xavier McKinney’s shift, exploits the left‑middle zone with Amon‑Ra St. Brown’s leak route, and secures a big gain. Petzing’s insights underscore Goff’s value as the Lions prepare for another coverage‑heavy matchup versus the Vikings.
Debating Detroit Lions’ 4th-down decisions, highlighting best players vs. Packers
The Pride Of Detroit podcast dissects the Detroit Lions’ bold fourth‑down calls in their 20‑17 victory over the Green Bay Packers on October 25, 2026. Host Pete Prisco examines Dan Campbell’s risky decision to go for it from the Lions’ own 22‑yard line with 4:53 left, balancing clock‑management logic against the team’s short‑yardage woes. The debate intensifies over a later fourth‑and‑5 attempt from the Packers’ 6‑yard line while the Lions led by three. The show also highlights Jared Goff’s strong performance, a standout secondary, and an inconsistent Lions rush before diving into officiating talk.
Discussion: What was the most impressive part of the Detroit Lions’ win over Packers?
The Detroit Lions edged the Green Bay Packers 20-17 on Sunday, with the blog asking fans what the most impressive aspect was. The author highlights the Lions’ pass defense, which held Jordan Love to just nine catches for 82 yards, one interception and two breakups, dropping his passer rating from a season‑average 91.8 to 83.0. Equally notable is Jared Goff’s aerial attack, which shattered the Packers’ top‑ranked defense by posting a 119.7 passer rating, 9.5 yards per attempt and a 57.1% success rate. The piece praises strategic defensive rotations and suggests the offense can thrive against elite units.
Lions injury news: Good news for Amon-Ra St. Brown, Ennis Rakestraw
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell reports mostly positive injury updates after the Packers game. Wide receiver Amon‑Ra St. Brown, who posted a season‑high 153 yards on nine catches, is treated for a swollen ankle and is expected to miss Wednesday practice but should be ready for Thursday. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw also suffered a minor ankle issue and is slated to return to practice Thursday. Campbell emphasized neither injury is serious and highlighted the Lions’ rotating cornerback package that featured D.J. Reed, Roger McCreary, Rock Ya‑Sin and Khalil Dorsey, a strategy he plans to keep using.
Detroit Lions Week 7 snap counts: Secondary rotation leads to success vs. Packers
The Detroit Lions improve to 4-2 after a 20-17 Week 7 win over the Packers, thanks to a deep secondary rotation and balanced snap distribution. quarterback Jared Goff throws for 300 yards, two touchdowns and no picks on 68 snaps, while running back Jahmyr Gibbs sees a career‑high 61 snaps and 34 touches. Wideouts Jameson Williams (57 snaps) and Amon‑Ra St. Brown (53 snaps) drive the passing attack, and tight end Sam LaPorta is on the field for 66 snaps, helping protect Goff and catching the decisive fourth‑quarter pass. The defensive line settles into a three‑technique rotation anchored by Alim McNeill (52 snaps, six pressures), with Levi Onwuzurike providing relief. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson logs 58 snaps, adding pressure to the defense. The snap‑count breakdown highlights depth‑chart stability and hints at how the Lions will manage player workloads moving forward.
The Green Bay Packers were lucky to keep it close vs. the Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions outplayed the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 25, 2026, posting a 53.7% offensive success rate—fifth best in Week 7—while Green Bay managed only 34.3%, the league’s second‑worst. Lions averaged 6.3 yards per play versus the Packers’ 5.0 and forced two turnovers, both unforced errors by Detroit. Green Bay’s few key moments, like a missed snap by Jared Goff and a lucky ball‑fumble recovery by Cade Mays, kept the game close, and controversial calls (roughing the passer, unnecessary roughness) added drama. Ultimately, the Lions’ superior play earned them the win.
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