July 23, 2025 • 17 mins
Chat Sports' Lions reporter Mike Kimber joins the show to talk all things Lions, including the questions along the offensive line, Alex Anzalone's holdout, the NFC North at large, and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
I think these first call it ten days is going
to tell us a lot. You know, by the time
we get to the Hall of Fame game, and then
the competition is still open at that point, like man
working these guards and then you know who is playing center.
But I think it's kind of a two part deal.
We've got an open competition, guys competing, you know, certainly
tat at center. We're working him in there, see how
fast he can get it. I know it's only day one.
(00:21):
Look much better than even spring, you know, so getting
his feet under him. But as I've said before, we
know Graham can slide right in right now and we
don't miss the beat, So keep playing with it. You know.
It's kind of exciting really.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Dan Campbell about his offensive line, arguably the biggest question
mark in camp That and the defensive line, the interior
part of the defensive line. Nobody knows that better than
Mike Kimber. He covers the lines for Chat Sports. You
can follow him on Twitter at micro Mike eighty five
and he joins us here on ex'es and Bros. Mike,
thanks for the time on Wednesday. Hope you're doing well.
(01:02):
When you look at the offensive line, and you know
that Tate Ratledge has never played the position Graham Glasgow has,
but feels more comfortable at right guard. He said that
to you and others the other day. And then who
knows about the left guard? What's your level of concern
with the interior offensive line with this team?
Speaker 3 (01:19):
You know, my concern is is pretty level high right
now when you're dealing with an individual in Tate Ratlige,
who is a rookie who has not played this position
at all really much besides obviously OT's and Minichamp, and
you're placing him with from Frank Rag. Now that is
a concern. And obviously the continuity of an offensive line
is vital. And you've got Mahogany and you've got Graham
(01:41):
Glasgow who is now in another position from who was
last year. So there's a little bit of worrisome there.
With that said, I do believe we have the best
offensive line coach in the game, and I think that
as time progresses, as the weeks goes on, this offensive
line will get better in Tate Ratledge will get better
at the center position, be able to help out this
(02:03):
offensive line as a whole. And it really does help
out that you have a Taylor Decker in a Penney
Sewell who anchors each side. These guys are pros and
pros veterans. I think this offensive line will start out
a little bit rusty, but it will get better and
progress as the weeks go along.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Yeah, I think that's those are all fair points. I
don't mind Graham Glasgow going to right guard. That's where
he was used to playing right before Detroit acquired Kevin Zeitdler.
Graham Glasgow was comfortable at right guard. I worry more
about the center and the left guard position.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Do you think that's yeah, definitely okay, Yeah, definitely fair.
I mean you're talking about Christian Mahogany we played in
what three games last year, and you're talking about Tate
Ratledge who is a rookie. So of course that is
definitely concerning. And you just got to get these reps
for these young players. That's the most important thing right
(02:56):
now for Mahogany and Tate Ratledge and this preseason. And
we do got an extra game in the Hall of
Fame game, and I think those two they should get
some reps there.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
Definitely take ratleedge the most.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
I think people in Philadelphia and I both you and
I both agree that Detroit has the best offensive line coach,
although people in Philadelphia would say Jeff Stoutlin has done
a really good job there. They had the best offensive
line in all of football last year. But look, I'll
tak I'll take what Detroit has, no question what about
the interior defensive line. So I focus a lot on
(03:30):
the interior offensive line, but the interior defensive line, there's
a huge question mark there too. What have you observed
from that unit so far?
Speaker 4 (03:40):
What I'm observe is a lot of injuries.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
Obviously, Levi and Ludrique going down for the year, that's
a significant blow. They brought him in for rotational piece
and they really liked what he could bring on the
interior if he could play on the.
Speaker 4 (03:52):
Outside as well. Josh Pascal, he.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
Has been a player who's consistently injured.
Speaker 4 (03:56):
Injured.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Again, we're not going to see huntil eary September. McKay Wingo,
Alee McNeil. Now, we did get some positive news saying
you potentially could return a little bit earlier than expected,
but the injuries continue to mount it as it started
from last year all the way until now, and then
we're depending on Marcus Davenport, who is a player who
has been injured for years, and obviously Aden Hutchinson coming
(04:20):
back from the broken legs. So that is my concern.
It's not the players, it's the injuries and can these
guys stay on the field.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Yesterday, Alexanzeloni for the first time, expressed publicly some disappointment.
Didn't leave camp like Trey Hendrickson left the state, but
he's disappointed at how well there's a lack of progress
and contract extension talks. How do you think that could
disrupt this team if at all.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
I don't think it's going to disrupt it at all.
I do believe that Alexandeloni is a pros pro. I
think he is a guy that will put it aside
once the regular season starts. There's nothing in my brain
that's just they would be anything other than that. He
literally played with a broken arm and a cast on
just to get in the game, So I think that
will be an issue that right now it's a problem,
(05:11):
But once the season starts, if there is no contract done,
I think that will be put to bet and it
would probably just be his last year in Detroit.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Would you sign him to an extension right.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Now, just depending on what their plans are for Jamison
Williams here and or their extension right They got a
lot of players coming up in the next couple of years,
a lot of young players, Sam Laporta, you got Brian Branch,
You got to think about Jamison Williams, Aiden Hutchinson. How
can you affward everybody if they can get a number
(05:42):
to where it can work with a lot of our
players whom we've drafted, I'm okay with that. But if not,
I believe physically responsible is the best way to go.
We have drafted players, we continue to draft players and replacements,
and that's how a great organization operates and continues to
be good organization for year. So if they can't come
to a number that is good for the Lions, I
(06:05):
would suggest simply continue on and draft more players.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
Mike Kimber, who covers the lines for Chad Sports, joins
us here on Ex's and Bros fam on Twitter at
micro Mike eighty five. What happened yesterday at practice? Dan
Campbell pretty upset to a certain extent, and rightfully so.
But it is a fine line. When you preach grit
and toughness, then when you get it, you have to
reel things in a little bit. What was your take
(06:30):
on what took place in practice yesterday.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
These players are feisty and they're grimy, and they're wanting
to get after it. I think the are so competitive.
They bring in so many players that are competitive that
it just brings the best out. And just like Kirby
Joseph said yesterday, I think it's important that you would
rather have on the high end.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
Of that type of feistiness on a practice than the
low end where there's low energy.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
And so yeah, it got a little bit feisty over
there and they had to kick it out. With that said,
I still love the fightiness. I still love the dog
in this team, and that gives me hope that these
players they are ready to fight for Week one all
the way to hopefully the Super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
I know you've read this, and I know you've talked
about it with other people, but it seems like Detroit
may have been a sheep pick last year to reach
the Super Bowl and there are less believers in this year.
Do you think the team recognizes that. What's their reaction
to it? Tim, Why do you think more members of
the national media have decided that probably Detroit is maybe
(07:37):
not as popular a choice in then NFC than it
would be a year ago or maybe even two years ago.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Well, you know, you look at the schedule here and
it is a very tough schedule, right, You're going against
a lot of playoff teams. It is not the same
schedule as last year. The Detroit Lions lost their coordinators
and Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. They lost Frank Ragnow
Kevin Zeitler. So those are pieces that are vital to
the Lions. And so the media looks at that and
(08:04):
they assume that they're going to take a regression. And
the NFC North itself has gotten better. Ben Jonson going
to the Chicago Bears, so a tougher schedule, a tougher
division that gives the Lions from going from fifteen win team,
it's going to drop down and obviously the expectations are
going to get a little bit lower for that. With
that said, the team and the players in the organization
(08:27):
does not care what the national media says. Jared Goff
and this whole squad are all the same with the
idea of they're just focusing on the next game. They're
focusing on what they can do, and they do not
care what the media believes in them.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
I'm glad you brought up the coordinators because I think
it's been overblown, but I could be wrong there. How
much do you attention should it be given? And how
big of a blow do you think that truly is
when you lose Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn on each
side of the ball.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
You know, I actually thought initially that this could be
a blow, But after what I'm seeing from Morton and
what I'm seeing from Shef, I'm actually very encouraged what
the coordinators are doing here. I really like the idea
of putting David Montgomery and Jamior Gibbs on the field
at the same time. I love that philosophy and offense.
Speaker 4 (09:15):
I think it's going to.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
Disrupt defenses and it's going to help out the offense
actually progress. Shef it gets a different perspective. He played linebacker,
and I like the idea that he spoke how he
likes to do the defensive line in front. That's how
they build their team and how they operate, and so
I think, as different from a lot of other people,
I think this could be a good thing. And there's
some good coaches as well, the wide receivers coaching. I'm
(09:38):
here helping out Jamison Williams and you're seeing the progression there.
So I think that when you've got Dan Campbell and
you have an organization Brad Holmes and Sheila fort Hamp,
I think everything else kind of falls into place. They
know exactly the type of coaches they're going to bring
in here and to help the players and progress. And yeah,
we lost Ben Johnson, we lost shep we lost them coaches,
(10:00):
but they just just like talent from the draft, they
bring in their coaches in here and they do a
phenomenal job. So I think it is overblown.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
Like yourself, what do you think the strength of this
team is and why?
Speaker 3 (10:11):
The biggest strength of this team is the adversity, and
we've seen it last year with all the injuries. They
continue to fight. We literally had players on defense that
not anybody even knew who was on the field at
that time, and yet they still fought. And I think
that's the culture thing, and that's what gives you hope.
You look at organizations, you look at the Pittsburgh Steelers,
(10:31):
you look at perennial winners, you look at the Patriots.
You look at these organizations that's won for years, what
do they do. They have a certain mentality, They have
a coach that's been there for a long time. Their
whole organization is built that way, and I think that
that is the biggest strength of this team. Regardless of
what happens this year with injuries, I think they can
overcome a lot of it.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
If I asked you which quarterback in the NFC North
has the most pressure on it, who would you answer?
Speaker 4 (10:59):
And one.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
I would have to go with actually Jordan Love with
the injuries that he's sustained in the last couple of
years and obviously replaced him more than Jared Goff, more
than Jared Goff. Yes, I think that Jared Goff, Yes,
he has pressure. With that said, I'm not worried about
Jared Goff. I believe that he is the one throwing
(11:22):
the football, and he is the one dictating the police,
calling the plays, and he's finding the opra receiver. I
think there's pressure there. But you look at Jordan Love,
He's been consistently injured. Their team has not been where
they expect. Every time they expect them to get to
the next level, it has not occurred. He's replacing Aaron Rodgers.
And for that, Brett Favre, that's pretty big for that organization.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Wow, who's their biggest threat? Do you think who's Detroit's
biggest threat? If not, then well oh oh.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
For the division, I go with the Minnesota Vikings. I
still think they're a great organization there. They got players
all around. It's all just going to spend on their quarterback.
When it comes to the NFC itself, obviously, the Philadelphia
Eagles an amazing defensive line, their ability to bring in
talent there, they obviously won the Super Bowl. They're the
biggest threats and it's going to be really fun when
(12:14):
the Lions play them because it's going to get a
defensive line or the young offensive line.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Who starts opposite Aiden Hutchinson? And how concerned are you
about that? You know, I've said this for a while now, Mike.
Everybody just assumes that Aiden Hutchinson's coming back at one
hundred percent and says he is. I can take him
at his word and that he's going to be as
equally productive. You still, even if he were, it was
still a concern when he was healthy a year ago.
(12:42):
Who's starting opposite him, who would start opposite him today?
How concerned are you about that position and is there
a chance that this organization reaches out to somebody likea
Zadarius Smith to try and bring in to try and
help sure that up.
Speaker 3 (12:59):
Marcu's dev is going to be the guy opposite of
Aiden Hutchinson.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
Now.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
I love what he brings on the field. He's been
phenomenal in camp. He's putting a lot of pressures. He's
got great talent, But I'm concerned because this inability to
stay healthy. The guy just can't stay healthy. And if
you can't depend on a player, it's going to hurt.
We've seen what happened to the Lions defensive line last year,
and I would love for the Lions to bring back
(13:24):
Zadarias Smith. I think he would bring more depth to
this defensive line. I believe in the philosophy. Has had
multiple pass rushers, multiple players getting after the quarterback. And
you look at the injuries already sustained on this defensive line.
Josh Pascal, Alee McNeil, McKay, wingo, you have players going
down three days into camp that we need to really
(13:47):
fortify this defensive line. This is a super Bowl winning
team in my opinion, where a couple players away to
sustain that via depth. So yes, Davenport is the guy,
but I'm extremely concerned.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
How have you noticed Terry on Arnold taking a step forward?
I think he's a big part of this defense. DJ
Reid with a lockdown on one side. I thought Arnold
played really well last year, primarily at the end of
the season. What has been your observation of Terry on
Arnold's growth so far in year two?
Speaker 4 (14:18):
Ab lookncur with you right there.
Speaker 3 (14:20):
I think that he was getting better by the end
of the season if you look at the pass interferences initially,
and it just got better. Yesterday, the second year player,
he made a great play with an interception for over
DJ Reed benefiting that and just learning versatile and established
what he can do highlighting that interception over Jared Goff
with one hand, and you're seeing more vocal leader from him.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
From Terry and Arnold.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
From what I'm hearing is he's becoming more confident on
the field. And once you breed that confidence, once you
start making those plays, want your understand the defense and
not thinking about the play, that's when you start making plays.
I think that right now, he's making a significant jump.
Now expect him to be an All Pro or anything
like that, but to continue to growth. Get a couple interceptions,
(15:06):
be that potentially one a cornerback for the Lions this year.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
If you saw a jump from him from rookie year
to year two, much like you saw from Jack Campbell,
how happy would do you think Lions coaches would because
I thought Campbell took a massive step a year ago.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
Oh they would be significantly happy. I mean, if you
look at if Terry and Arnold takes that second year
step that Jack Campbell did, if you look at the
defensive backs of the Lions, it's absolutely insane. You got
Kirbie Joseph, Brian Brandt, DJ reid A, Meek Robertson. A
lot of people don't give a lot of credit to
and Terry and Arnold. So Terryan Arnold takes that next step,
(15:45):
this secondary can be elite. It honestly can. And if
you look at the backups, they're very well too. Now
Enni's Reichstraw is someone that we got to watch for injury,
but they drafted him high as well. So this Lions
secondary can be great. If Terryan Arnold.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
Takes that step.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Is there any chance that the Lions go outside the
organization if at some point they recognize it's not working
on the offensive line? I mean, would Brandon suff be
a guy that they could possibly go out and sign.
A guy who's been around a long time, ten years
or so, he's been highly effective, He's a guard he
(16:23):
could help you win with. Do you think there's any
chance something like that might happen.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
I don't think it's going to happen right now.
Speaker 3 (16:31):
If there's an injury that occurred, I believe they can
look outside the organization and pick up an offensive line.
But you also got to realize too, once other teams
cut down to fifty three, there's going to be some
players that are released, and I'm sure Brad Holmes is
going to be watching the preseason game to see the
depth or offensive line, so they could go that route.
I don't believe they're going to go that route.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
At this moment, Okay. I just I think he's a
plug and play type of guy, and I think it'd
be really great, like we talk about Zadaria Smith. But sure,
if it's a plug and play guy, granted it's at
right guard, which would require Glasgow moving back to left guard.
But at some point they're going to come to a
conclusion on whether it works or it doesn't work, and
you've got to make that conclusion pretty quick. You got
(17:13):
to be patient. You and I both have to be patient.
But it's a possibility because he remains on the signed
it's great stuff. I appreciate the inside, Mike. Don't be
a stranger. I have a great week. Okay, thanks for
the time today.
Speaker 4 (17:24):
All right, thank you. Have a great one.
I think these first call it ten days is going
to tell us a lot. You know, by the time
we get to the Hall of Fame game, and then
the competition is still open at that point, like man
working these guards and then you know who is playing center.
But I think it's kind of a two part deal.
We've got an open competition, guys competing, you know, certainly
tat at center. We're working him in there, see how
fast he can get it. I know it's only day one.
(00:21):
Look much better than even spring, you know, so getting
his feet under him. But as I've said before, we
know Graham can slide right in right now and we
don't miss the beat, So keep playing with it. You know.
It's kind of exciting really.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Dan Campbell about his offensive line, arguably the biggest question
mark in camp That and the defensive line, the interior
part of the defensive line. Nobody knows that better than
Mike Kimber. He covers the lines for Chat Sports. You
can follow him on Twitter at micro Mike eighty five
and he joins us here on ex'es and Bros. Mike,
thanks for the time on Wednesday. Hope you're doing well.
(01:02):
When you look at the offensive line, and you know
that Tate Ratledge has never played the position Graham Glasgow has,
but feels more comfortable at right guard. He said that
to you and others the other day. And then who
knows about the left guard? What's your level of concern
with the interior offensive line with this team?
Speaker 3 (01:19):
You know, my concern is is pretty level high right
now when you're dealing with an individual in Tate Ratlige,
who is a rookie who has not played this position
at all really much besides obviously OT's and Minichamp, and
you're placing him with from Frank Rag. Now that is
a concern. And obviously the continuity of an offensive line
is vital. And you've got Mahogany and you've got Graham
(01:41):
Glasgow who is now in another position from who was
last year. So there's a little bit of worrisome there.
With that said, I do believe we have the best
offensive line coach in the game, and I think that
as time progresses, as the weeks goes on, this offensive
line will get better in Tate Ratledge will get better
at the center position, be able to help out this
(02:03):
offensive line as a whole. And it really does help
out that you have a Taylor Decker in a Penney
Sewell who anchors each side. These guys are pros and
pros veterans. I think this offensive line will start out
a little bit rusty, but it will get better and
progress as the weeks go along.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Yeah, I think that's those are all fair points. I
don't mind Graham Glasgow going to right guard. That's where
he was used to playing right before Detroit acquired Kevin Zeitdler.
Graham Glasgow was comfortable at right guard. I worry more
about the center and the left guard position.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Do you think that's yeah, definitely okay, Yeah, definitely fair.
I mean you're talking about Christian Mahogany we played in
what three games last year, and you're talking about Tate
Ratledge who is a rookie. So of course that is
definitely concerning. And you just got to get these reps
for these young players. That's the most important thing right
(02:56):
now for Mahogany and Tate Ratledge and this preseason. And
we do got an extra game in the Hall of
Fame game, and I think those two they should get
some reps there.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
Definitely take ratleedge the most.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
I think people in Philadelphia and I both you and
I both agree that Detroit has the best offensive line coach,
although people in Philadelphia would say Jeff Stoutlin has done
a really good job there. They had the best offensive
line in all of football last year. But look, I'll
tak I'll take what Detroit has, no question what about
the interior defensive line. So I focus a lot on
(03:30):
the interior offensive line, but the interior defensive line, there's
a huge question mark there too. What have you observed
from that unit so far?
Speaker 4 (03:40):
What I'm observe is a lot of injuries.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
Obviously, Levi and Ludrique going down for the year, that's
a significant blow. They brought him in for rotational piece
and they really liked what he could bring on the
interior if he could play on the.
Speaker 4 (03:52):
Outside as well. Josh Pascal, he.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
Has been a player who's consistently injured.
Speaker 4 (03:56):
Injured.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Again, we're not going to see huntil eary September. McKay Wingo,
Alee McNeil. Now, we did get some positive news saying
you potentially could return a little bit earlier than expected,
but the injuries continue to mount it as it started
from last year all the way until now, and then
we're depending on Marcus Davenport, who is a player who
has been injured for years, and obviously Aden Hutchinson coming
(04:20):
back from the broken legs. So that is my concern.
It's not the players, it's the injuries and can these
guys stay on the field.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Yesterday, Alexanzeloni for the first time, expressed publicly some disappointment.
Didn't leave camp like Trey Hendrickson left the state, but
he's disappointed at how well there's a lack of progress
and contract extension talks. How do you think that could
disrupt this team if at all.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
I don't think it's going to disrupt it at all.
I do believe that Alexandeloni is a pros pro. I
think he is a guy that will put it aside
once the regular season starts. There's nothing in my brain
that's just they would be anything other than that. He
literally played with a broken arm and a cast on
just to get in the game, So I think that
will be an issue that right now it's a problem,
(05:11):
But once the season starts, if there is no contract done,
I think that will be put to bet and it
would probably just be his last year in Detroit.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Would you sign him to an extension right.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Now, just depending on what their plans are for Jamison
Williams here and or their extension right They got a
lot of players coming up in the next couple of years,
a lot of young players, Sam Laporta, you got Brian Branch,
You got to think about Jamison Williams, Aiden Hutchinson. How
can you affward everybody if they can get a number
(05:42):
to where it can work with a lot of our
players whom we've drafted, I'm okay with that. But if not,
I believe physically responsible is the best way to go.
We have drafted players, we continue to draft players and replacements,
and that's how a great organization operates and continues to
be good organization for year. So if they can't come
to a number that is good for the Lions, I
(06:05):
would suggest simply continue on and draft more players.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
Mike Kimber, who covers the lines for Chad Sports, joins
us here on Ex's and Bros fam on Twitter at
micro Mike eighty five. What happened yesterday at practice? Dan
Campbell pretty upset to a certain extent, and rightfully so.
But it is a fine line. When you preach grit
and toughness, then when you get it, you have to
reel things in a little bit. What was your take
(06:30):
on what took place in practice yesterday.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
These players are feisty and they're grimy, and they're wanting
to get after it. I think the are so competitive.
They bring in so many players that are competitive that
it just brings the best out. And just like Kirby
Joseph said yesterday, I think it's important that you would
rather have on the high end.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
Of that type of feistiness on a practice than the
low end where there's low energy.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
And so yeah, it got a little bit feisty over
there and they had to kick it out. With that said,
I still love the fightiness. I still love the dog
in this team, and that gives me hope that these
players they are ready to fight for Week one all
the way to hopefully the Super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
I know you've read this, and I know you've talked
about it with other people, but it seems like Detroit
may have been a sheep pick last year to reach
the Super Bowl and there are less believers in this year.
Do you think the team recognizes that. What's their reaction
to it? Tim, Why do you think more members of
the national media have decided that probably Detroit is maybe
(07:37):
not as popular a choice in then NFC than it
would be a year ago or maybe even two years ago.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Well, you know, you look at the schedule here and
it is a very tough schedule, right, You're going against
a lot of playoff teams. It is not the same
schedule as last year. The Detroit Lions lost their coordinators
and Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. They lost Frank Ragnow
Kevin Zeitler. So those are pieces that are vital to
the Lions. And so the media looks at that and
(08:04):
they assume that they're going to take a regression. And
the NFC North itself has gotten better. Ben Jonson going
to the Chicago Bears, so a tougher schedule, a tougher
division that gives the Lions from going from fifteen win team,
it's going to drop down and obviously the expectations are
going to get a little bit lower for that. With
that said, the team and the players in the organization
(08:27):
does not care what the national media says. Jared Goff
and this whole squad are all the same with the
idea of they're just focusing on the next game. They're
focusing on what they can do, and they do not
care what the media believes in them.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
I'm glad you brought up the coordinators because I think
it's been overblown, but I could be wrong there. How
much do you attention should it be given? And how
big of a blow do you think that truly is
when you lose Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn on each
side of the ball.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
You know, I actually thought initially that this could be
a blow, But after what I'm seeing from Morton and
what I'm seeing from Shef, I'm actually very encouraged what
the coordinators are doing here. I really like the idea
of putting David Montgomery and Jamior Gibbs on the field
at the same time. I love that philosophy and offense.
Speaker 4 (09:15):
I think it's going to.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
Disrupt defenses and it's going to help out the offense
actually progress. Shef it gets a different perspective. He played linebacker,
and I like the idea that he spoke how he
likes to do the defensive line in front. That's how
they build their team and how they operate, and so
I think, as different from a lot of other people,
I think this could be a good thing. And there's
some good coaches as well, the wide receivers coaching. I'm
(09:38):
here helping out Jamison Williams and you're seeing the progression there.
So I think that when you've got Dan Campbell and
you have an organization Brad Holmes and Sheila fort Hamp,
I think everything else kind of falls into place. They
know exactly the type of coaches they're going to bring
in here and to help the players and progress. And yeah,
we lost Ben Johnson, we lost shep we lost them coaches,
(10:00):
but they just just like talent from the draft, they
bring in their coaches in here and they do a
phenomenal job. So I think it is overblown.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
Like yourself, what do you think the strength of this
team is and why?
Speaker 3 (10:11):
The biggest strength of this team is the adversity, and
we've seen it last year with all the injuries. They
continue to fight. We literally had players on defense that
not anybody even knew who was on the field at
that time, and yet they still fought. And I think
that's the culture thing, and that's what gives you hope.
You look at organizations, you look at the Pittsburgh Steelers,
(10:31):
you look at perennial winners, you look at the Patriots.
You look at these organizations that's won for years, what
do they do. They have a certain mentality, They have
a coach that's been there for a long time. Their
whole organization is built that way, and I think that
that is the biggest strength of this team. Regardless of
what happens this year with injuries, I think they can
overcome a lot of it.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
If I asked you which quarterback in the NFC North
has the most pressure on it, who would you answer?
Speaker 4 (10:59):
And one.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
I would have to go with actually Jordan Love with
the injuries that he's sustained in the last couple of
years and obviously replaced him more than Jared Goff, more
than Jared Goff. Yes, I think that Jared Goff, Yes,
he has pressure. With that said, I'm not worried about
Jared Goff. I believe that he is the one throwing
(11:22):
the football, and he is the one dictating the police,
calling the plays, and he's finding the opra receiver. I
think there's pressure there. But you look at Jordan Love,
He's been consistently injured. Their team has not been where
they expect. Every time they expect them to get to
the next level, it has not occurred. He's replacing Aaron Rodgers.
And for that, Brett Favre, that's pretty big for that organization.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Wow, who's their biggest threat? Do you think who's Detroit's
biggest threat? If not, then well oh oh.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
For the division, I go with the Minnesota Vikings. I
still think they're a great organization there. They got players
all around. It's all just going to spend on their quarterback.
When it comes to the NFC itself, obviously, the Philadelphia
Eagles an amazing defensive line, their ability to bring in
talent there, they obviously won the Super Bowl. They're the
biggest threats and it's going to be really fun when
(12:14):
the Lions play them because it's going to get a
defensive line or the young offensive line.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Who starts opposite Aiden Hutchinson? And how concerned are you
about that? You know, I've said this for a while now, Mike.
Everybody just assumes that Aiden Hutchinson's coming back at one
hundred percent and says he is. I can take him
at his word and that he's going to be as
equally productive. You still, even if he were, it was
still a concern when he was healthy a year ago.
(12:42):
Who's starting opposite him, who would start opposite him today?
How concerned are you about that position and is there
a chance that this organization reaches out to somebody likea
Zadarius Smith to try and bring in to try and
help sure that up.
Speaker 3 (12:59):
Marcu's dev is going to be the guy opposite of
Aiden Hutchinson.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
Now.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
I love what he brings on the field. He's been
phenomenal in camp. He's putting a lot of pressures. He's
got great talent, But I'm concerned because this inability to
stay healthy. The guy just can't stay healthy. And if
you can't depend on a player, it's going to hurt.
We've seen what happened to the Lions defensive line last year,
and I would love for the Lions to bring back
(13:24):
Zadarias Smith. I think he would bring more depth to
this defensive line. I believe in the philosophy. Has had
multiple pass rushers, multiple players getting after the quarterback. And
you look at the injuries already sustained on this defensive line.
Josh Pascal, Alee McNeil, McKay, wingo, you have players going
down three days into camp that we need to really
(13:47):
fortify this defensive line. This is a super Bowl winning
team in my opinion, where a couple players away to
sustain that via depth. So yes, Davenport is the guy,
but I'm extremely concerned.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
How have you noticed Terry on Arnold taking a step forward?
I think he's a big part of this defense. DJ
Reid with a lockdown on one side. I thought Arnold
played really well last year, primarily at the end of
the season. What has been your observation of Terry on
Arnold's growth so far in year two?
Speaker 4 (14:18):
Ab lookncur with you right there.
Speaker 3 (14:20):
I think that he was getting better by the end
of the season if you look at the pass interferences initially,
and it just got better. Yesterday, the second year player,
he made a great play with an interception for over
DJ Reed benefiting that and just learning versatile and established
what he can do highlighting that interception over Jared Goff
with one hand, and you're seeing more vocal leader from him.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
From Terry and Arnold.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
From what I'm hearing is he's becoming more confident on
the field. And once you breed that confidence, once you
start making those plays, want your understand the defense and
not thinking about the play, that's when you start making plays.
I think that right now, he's making a significant jump.
Now expect him to be an All Pro or anything
like that, but to continue to growth. Get a couple interceptions,
(15:06):
be that potentially one a cornerback for the Lions this year.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
If you saw a jump from him from rookie year
to year two, much like you saw from Jack Campbell,
how happy would do you think Lions coaches would because
I thought Campbell took a massive step a year ago.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
Oh they would be significantly happy. I mean, if you
look at if Terry and Arnold takes that second year
step that Jack Campbell did, if you look at the
defensive backs of the Lions, it's absolutely insane. You got
Kirbie Joseph, Brian Brandt, DJ reid A, Meek Robertson. A
lot of people don't give a lot of credit to
and Terry and Arnold. So Terryan Arnold takes that next step,
(15:45):
this secondary can be elite. It honestly can. And if
you look at the backups, they're very well too. Now
Enni's Reichstraw is someone that we got to watch for injury,
but they drafted him high as well. So this Lions
secondary can be great. If Terryan Arnold.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
Takes that step.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Is there any chance that the Lions go outside the
organization if at some point they recognize it's not working
on the offensive line? I mean, would Brandon suff be
a guy that they could possibly go out and sign.
A guy who's been around a long time, ten years
or so, he's been highly effective, He's a guard he
(16:23):
could help you win with. Do you think there's any
chance something like that might happen.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
I don't think it's going to happen right now.
Speaker 3 (16:31):
If there's an injury that occurred, I believe they can
look outside the organization and pick up an offensive line.
But you also got to realize too, once other teams
cut down to fifty three, there's going to be some
players that are released, and I'm sure Brad Holmes is
going to be watching the preseason game to see the
depth or offensive line, so they could go that route.
I don't believe they're going to go that route.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
At this moment, Okay. I just I think he's a
plug and play type of guy, and I think it'd
be really great, like we talk about Zadaria Smith. But sure,
if it's a plug and play guy, granted it's at
right guard, which would require Glasgow moving back to left guard.
But at some point they're going to come to a
conclusion on whether it works or it doesn't work, and
you've got to make that conclusion pretty quick. You got
(17:13):
to be patient. You and I both have to be patient.
But it's a possibility because he remains on the signed
it's great stuff. I appreciate the inside, Mike. Don't be
a stranger. I have a great week. Okay, thanks for
the time today.
Speaker 4 (17:24):
All right, thank you. Have a great one.
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