Tag: Lions

What we learned from the Saints-Lions tilt

Saints-Lions reflection

By: Jake Rajala

The New Orleans Saints travelled from the Big Easy all the way to Detroit. Yes, I”m talking about a team in Detroit, that has never won a Super Bowl. I”m also talking about a Saints squad that once had a fan-base that put bags over their heads and called themselves, “Aints”.

So, the question is: What should we reflect on? Well, I have to get it out of the way. Chase Young had a strip sack for a touchdown, but it was called off, due to Jared Goff’s throwing motion. It was the strangest thing I have ever heard. We know the refs love to help out Patrick Mahomes or once Tom Brady, but this was on another level. As a Western Michigan Bronco fan, I am suffering. We know the Broncos gave up a hail mary touchdown, after the refs put one second back on the clock.

The biggest play-maker in the game had to be Chris Olave, even if he was on the losing side. The Lions made him look like Calvin Johnson. Olave recorded 182 yards and 10 catches. The Lions pass defense bled on 4th and long on numerous occasions. Aidan Hutchinson wasn’t able to bail them out enough. He wasn’t able to get a pick-six like an edge defender in Pittsburgh, known as T.J. Watt.

Tyler Shough may have thrown the most passing yards in Week 1. This doesn’t excuse him for silly throws. He had a few “Mark Sanchez” moments. He threw a pass to his offensive lineman. He also threw two interceptions where he threw it straight to the defenders.

The Saints and Lions could very well meet in the playoffs. If they do, it would be time to grab some popcorn. The Saints will be out for revenge if this scenario unfolds.

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Previewing the Lions offense

Lions offense outlook

By: Jake Rajala

The Detroit Lions are more balanced in 2026 than they were ten years ago. Back in the day, Matthew Stafford looked like the Buccaneers version of Jameis Winston, where he made lazy mistakes. The former Lions and Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson said he smoked pot for a “handful of games”. If the old version of Matthew Stafford was my QB, I would resort to drugs before each game, too.

The Lions offense took a minor step back when Ben Johnson left. The Lions went from the first scoring offense to the fourth scoring offense. On the flip-side, Nobody will miss the Ben Johnson special where Lions offense runs it on 3rd and long.

The Lions have one of the best WR duos in the league. Amon Ra. St Brown had 10 touchdowns in 2023, 12 TDs in 2024, and 11 TDs last season. The Lions WR2 was Jameson Williams and he’s quite the deep threat. He isn’t as nerdy as former Lions WR2 Nate Burleson, who is a current NFL analyst. However, he’s more explosive than Nate.

Sam LaPorta is from the TE factory, Iowa. I’m not saying he’s as impressive in the red zone as former Iowa TE George Kittle. Sam likely doesn’t laugh while pancaking a defender, as Kittle does.

The Lions don’t only have glamour with their toys on offense. They also have the best tackle in the league with Penei Sewell. PFF graded him as number one. He sadly had a TD catch overturn by a penalty.

Goff may be playing at a very high level. However, he can’t let Matthew Stafford get the best of him. Stafford already have better weather (in LA) than Goff. Goff can’t also let Stafford outperfom his between the white lines.

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Lions vs Patriots in Germany

Lions vs Patriots outlook

By: Jake Rajala

The reigning AFC Champions (who got some help with the Bo Nix injury) New England Patriots square off against a Detroit Lions squad that went on the golf course early last season. They will battle in Munich, Germany in Week 10. The Lions deserved to miss the playoffs, as J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings swept them. Yes, I’m talking about the same Vikings QB that threw less than half touchdowns (11) as the QB (Sam Darnold) that he replaced last season. Darnold threw 25 touchdowns last season.

It shouldn’t be too difficult for the Pats to tear down this wall the Lions defense. They finished 22nd in PPG allowed. They also finished 22nd in takeaways. Those are the two most vital categories. Sure, they had someone by the name of Aidan Hutchinson and he made the Lions a Top 5 defense in sacks. Nonetheless, this didn’t only stop the Vikings from sweeping them, but the Packers also had their way with them, as they swept the Lions. It almost look like Aaron Rodgers was back on the Packers, as he is 19-8 against them.

Beer is quite relevant in Germany. Sadly, beer doesn’t fit in well with the Lions or Patriots. Hopefully, the Buffalo Bills can play drink and break some tables in Germany in 2027.

Dan Campbell (Lions head coach) and Mike Vrabel (Patriots head coach) are two guys that look like they don’t skip chest day. They always have a lot of tenancity. They will have to energize their teams to be prepared physcially and mentally for the overseas game.

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