Detroit Lions Podcast: Pressure Rising and Identity on the Line
The Detroit Lions return to Ford Field this weekend in what feels like a must win against the New York Giants. Coming off a deflating loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit cannot afford another slip. In the newest episode of Risdon Reviews the Lions after Philly, the tone shifts from frustration to urgency. The show lays out exactly what went wrong in Philadelphia, what must change fast, and why this match-up with New York may define the trajectory of the season.
Offensive Line Problems, Goff’s Struggles, and the Blueprint Against Detroit
The Lions enter Week 11 with an offense that has been exposed in consecutive losses. Defenses have figured out the formula. The NFL is a copycat league, and the Vikings and Eagles both executed the same plan: attack the interior offensive line, compress the pocket, eliminate the shallow crossers Jared Goff depends on, and force him off rhythm. It worked in Minnesota. It worked even more effectively in Philadelphia.
The interior trio of Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge, and Kayode Awosika was overwhelmed. The transcript makes it clear that none of them played to the level the Lions need. Ratledge looked like a rookie drowning in high level waters. Glasgow struggled with recognition, leverage, and transitions. Even Awosika, who arguably fared the best of the three, was inconsistent. The Eagles blew up the middle of the field and removed Detroit’s bread and butter. The running game never found traction. Goff rarely had clean pockets or clean launch points. The result was predictable: offensive stagnation and stalled drives.
What makes the situation more concerning is that Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator John Morton have not yet adapted their system to match personnel. Brock Wright was asked to be Sam LaPorta. Glasgow was treated like Frank Ragnow. Ratledge was given responsibilities better suited for a seasoned veteran. The podcast argues that Detroit must simplify. Play to strengths, not memories of players who are no longer active. The Lions need new answers, new formations, and new wrinkles before defenses bury them under predictability.
A Defense Worth Believing In and a Giants Team Detroit Must Beat
If there was one beacon of hope from Philadelphia, it was the Lions defense. Jack Campbell played arguably the best game of his young career, totaling fifteen tackles and blowing up multiple Eagles staples. Kelvin Shepherd’s defensive front stood up to the notorious tush push, stonewalling it like no team has this season. The Lions forced the Eagles’ offense into existential panic. Detroit can win big games with this defense. That is not in question.
But injuries remain a hurdle. Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, Taylor Decker, Kirby Joseph, and Penei Sewell highlight a long and critical injury list. The Giants, despite their record, have a dangerous defensive front. Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux (if healthy) are capable of wrecking an unsteady interior. That makes this game a true test of whether Detroit has learned anything from the last two losses.
The Lions cannot afford another misstep. Another loss tightens the playoff picture and erodes confidence. But the podcast remains optimistic. Detroit still controls its fate. Win the next two, including a Thanksgiving rematch with Green Bay, and they will be right back in the NFC North race.
As Risdon says, the Lions remain capable of winning anywhere, anytime. But belief must now be paired with answers. The Giants are the moment to show they are still the hunters, not the hunted.
https://youtu.be/RlijTEo16vc
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