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senior editor for @PrideOfDetroit by way of @SBNation. grab an arm, tell a story. “hey, teach.” go Grizz.
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Articles by Ryan Mathews
Lions vs. Vikings 5 Qs preview: Are the 6-0 Vikings real or “frauds”?
The Detroit Lions face their second NFC North opponent in as many weeks, facing off against the “perfect” Minnesota Vikings. We had the pleasure of connecting with Christopher Gates, the Lead Writer for Daily Norseman, to give us some insight into this Vikings team ahead of this week’s matchup.
Lions vs. Packers Song of the Game: ‘Get Over It’ by OK Go Original
If you’re a Packers fan, you have two ways to think about what happened on Sunday. One way of looking at this game is nothing less than comeuppance, justified retribution for the years of officiating that has benefitted Green Bay in critical moments. The other is that your football team was objectively worse in every which way, and had it not been for fumbles your defense didn’t even cause, Sunday would have been a two-score game at a minimum.
Lions vs. Packers 5 Qs preview: Unpacking Jordan Love’s volatile numbers Original
Fresh off their early-season bye, the Detroit Lions pick up where they left off against their first NFC North opponent: the Green Bay Packers. We had the pleasure of connecting with Justis Mosqueda, the Team Community Producer for Acme Packing Company, to give us some insight into this Packers team ahead of this week’s matchup.
Where do the Detroit Lions go from here? Original
Through five games, the Detroit Lions are 3-2. With a stuttering offense akin to an engine during a Michigan winter, and a defense more uneven than Chris Ilitch’s commitment to the city of Detroit, where does this team go from here? Monday’s reactions to the Lions victory over the Arizona Cardinals, 45-21, seemed to track for a portion of the fan base that had already grabbed their pitchforks.
Lions vs. Cardinals 5 Qs preview: Does Arizona do anything well?
One more game remains for the Detroit Lions before they're off for a week—and it's an important game in deciding the vibes as Detroit heads into their Week 6 bye. We had the pleasure of connecting with Seth Cox, the Managing Editor for Revenge of the Birds , to give us some insight into this Arizona Cardinals team ahead of this week's matchup.
Lions vs. Cardinals 5 Qs preview: Does Arizona do ANYTHING well?
One more game remains for the Detroit Lions before they're off for a week—and it's an important game in deciding the vibes as Detroit heads into their Week 6 bye. We had the pleasure of connecting with Seth Cox, the Managing Editor for Revenge of the Birds, to give us some insight into this Arizona Cardinals team ahead of this week's matchup.
Detroit’s defense comes face-to-face with its ugly past selves Original
The sports teams in the city of Detroit had a weekend. The Detroit Red Wings kicked things off on Friday, and before the season even started, the fans voiced their frustration with Dylan Larkin, mercilessly booing the former captain. Within five minutes of the puck dropping, the Hockeytown faithful summed up their thoughts on ownership in just three words.
5 Qs Lions vs. Panthers preview: Bryce Young’s inconsistencies and a bruised Carolina roster Original
For the second time this season, the Detroit Lions are in primetime—this time on Sunday night. We had the pleasure of connecting with Walker Clement, the Deputy Brand Manager for Cat Scratch Reader, to give us some insight into this Panthers team ahead of this week’s matchup.
Lions vs. Jets Song of the Game: ‘Dashboard’ by Modest Mouse Original
After a brief hiatus, “Song of the Game” has returned, back by popular demand of our Editor in Chief and Sticktator, Jeremy Reisman. While I’ve been absolutely swamped between work, writing/editing, podcasting, being a husband and a parent, the next half hour I’ll spend writing this is a welcome break of such serious bellyaching about the secondary.
The secondary is bad, but the Detroit Lions are not
The Detroit Lions are 2-1, adding to their win column after knocking off an up-and-coming New York Jets team. But if you check the temperature of the more reactionary corners of the fanbase, they're unimpressed and uninspired. After the shortcomings on defense snowballed—yet again—in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game, those unimpressed feel little confidence in this team's chances when it comes to accomplishing big-picture goals.
The secondary is bad, but the Detroit Lions are not
The secondary is bad, but the Detroit Lions are not DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 27: Jahmyr Gibbs #0 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets with Jameson Williams #1 during the third quarter at Ford Field on September 27, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Detroit Lions are 2-1, adding to their win column after knocking off an up-and-coming New York Jets team.
The secondary is bad, but the Detroit Lions are not
The Detroit Lions are 2-1, adding to their win column after knocking off an up-and-coming New York Jets team. But if you check the temperature of the more reactionary corners of the fanbase, they’re unimpressed and uninspired. After the shortcomings on defense snowballed—yet again—in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game, those unimpressed feel little confidence in this team’s chances when it comes to accomplishing big-picture goals.
5 Qs Lions vs. Jets preview: Big game from Amon-Ra St. Brown incoming?
5 Qs Lions vs. Jets preview: Big game from Amon-Ra St. Brown incoming? EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 18: Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during the National Football League game between the New York Jets and the Detroit Lions on December 18, 2022 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Reunited and it feels… nostalgic.
5 Qs Lions vs. Jets preview: Big game from Amon-Ra St. Brown incoming?
This week, we had the pleasure of connecting with MacGregor Wells, the Deputy Manager for Gang Green Nation, to give us some insight into who these New York Jets are through two weeks. We learned how Jets fans are still very much in a “wait and see” moment with this football team, what Geno Smith needs to do in order to be successful during his second stint in Gotham, and what to make of these suffocating performances from the defense—and much more. 1.
Report: Detroit Lions have ‘checked in’ on free agent cornerback Original
In the aftermath of their disastrous defensive performance against the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football,” the Detroit Lions are reportedly interested in bringing in some other options at the cornerback position. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Lions have “checked in” on former Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore II.
The Lions’ defensive problems are growing out of control Original
Congratulations to the Buffalo Bills and all their fans on what had to have been a magical night. Brand new stadium was rocking, high-scoring offense was undeniable, you couldn’t have storyboarded a more euphoric Thursday night without it coming off as far-fetched. Speaking of far-fetched, how about that defense from the Detroit Lions? Unbelievable, right? After a 2025 season of poor performance on third-and-long to go, you couldn’t have seen this coming.
5 Qs Lions vs. Bills preview: Have Buffalo’s playmakers leveled up Josh Allen? Original
It’s Thursday, there’s football on tonight, and the Detroit Lions are playing the Buffalo Bills. It doesn’t get much more marquee than this. This week, we had the pleasure of connecting with Matthew Byham, the Editor-in-Chief for Buffalo Rumblings, to give us some insight into who these Buffalo Bills are at this early-stage of the season.
The Lions found a way to win, but the time to clean things up is overdue Original
What happened at Ford Field on Sunday felt far too messy for a team with the kind of expectations they have for themselves. After a first half where the Detroit Lions scored just seven points and punted the ball four times, they found themselves up three scores in a hurry. A strip-sack fumble forced by a blitzing Roger McCreary and recovered by DJ Wonnum felt like a fever dream only Brad Holmes could have conjured.
5 Qs Lions vs. Saints preview: How New Orleans will navigate early-season injuries Original
The NFL season is officially underway after Wednesday’s game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks got things kicked off. Thursday, you can throw another shrimp on the barbie because there’s more opening week football coming your way. But if you’re reading this, it’s easy to assume you’re most excited for a game taking place at 1 p.m. ET at Ford Field. Welcome back, football. We’ve been waiting for you.
5 takeaways from the Lions’ preseason finale vs. Colts Original
Saturday saw the preseason finale for the Detroit Lions take place at Lucas Oil Stadium against the Indianapolis Colts. The Lions would come away with the victory, 25-16, but the final score from an exhibition isn’t the main takeaway from this one. With so much at stake for the player’s competing for a spot on the team’s 53-man roster, this was the last chance for those on the roster bubble to make an impression.
5 key stats from Detroit Lions’ preseason win over Washington Commanders Original
The Detroit Lions got their first win of the 2026 preseason, defeating the Washington Commanders at Ford Field, 17-13. Detroit’s defense was particularly impressive, limiting Washington’s offense to just 35 rushing yards across 17 carries, and surrendering just nine first downs over 45 plays run on offense.
5 burning questions prior to the Lions’ 2026 season kicking off
The Detroit Lions will kickoff their second game of the preseason, this time at home against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, and as the possibilities and promise of a summer's training camp fade into the night, the rise of the midnight sun comes to sweat you in your bed. Here are five burning questions still facing the Lions ahead of their penultimate preseason game.
5 burning questions prior to the Detroit Lions’ 2026 season kicking off
“… Dobbs has the benefit of not being subject to waivers due to his accrued seasons, and that led to some roster gymnastics. If the Lions cut Dobbs, I think the Lions could get the best of both worlds: keep Altmyer on the 53 and off waivers while also re-signing Dobbs to the practice squad and elevating him to the game-day roster for the first two weeks. By Week 3, perhaps the team will have more confidence in Altmyer as QB2 or an injury on the roster will open up a spot for Dobbs.
4 key advanced stats from Detroit Lions’ preseason opener Original
The Detroit Lions kicked off their preseason slate with a wet—and often sloppy—60 minutes of football on Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals in Ohio. While the weather made it harder to come to definitive conclusions about the play on the field, particularly at some of the skill positions, there’s still plenty to review and consider from the first bit of preseason action.
4 takeaways from Detroit Lions’ ‘Inside the Den’ for 2026 NFL Draft Original
Thursday evening brought on a surprise drop of “Inside the Den,” the Detroit Lions Emmy-award winning documentary series. The latest installment was a look back at the 2026 NFL Draft, and it provided for a lot of insight into the things that happened—and nearly happened—for the Lions. Here are a few of the biggest takeaways from this newest episode.
Sam LaPorta ranks among top-10 tight ends according to NFL execs, scouts Original
Despite his season ending early with a back injury, Sam LaPorta is still considered one of the best tight ends in the NFL. In ESPN’s most recent release of their top-10 players at each position, as voted on by executives, coaches and scouts around the league, LaPorta checked in at No. 4 among his contemporaries. “He’s got great hands—he’ll make a lot of circus, contested catches, especially in the red zone—and his blocking is high level,” an NFC scout had to say about LaPorta.
Alim McNeill shut out from top-10 DT votes by NFL execs, coaches
Ryan Mathews The Detroit Lions have been well represented thus far in ESPN's ongoing series of the best players at each position in the NFL.
Alim McNeill shut out from top-10 DT votes by NFL execs, coaches
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill (54) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Detroit Lions have been well represented thus far in ESPN's ongoing series of the best players at each position in the NFL.
Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule superlatives: Game we’re most convinced is a win Original
Another day, another opportunity to include an entry in our superlative series on the Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule. Over the course of this week, we’ve broken down a different angle of Detroit’s schedule every day, with each of us on staff offering our unique perspective on what the schedule makers have put together for the Lions. And today, we reach the conclusion of this series.
Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule superlatives: Game we’re most convinced is a loss Original
Another day, another opportunity to include an entry in our superlative series on the Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule. For the rest of this week, we’re breaking down a different angle of Detroit’s schedule every day, with each of us on staff offering our unique perspective on what the schedule makers have put together for the Lions. Here’s a look at our previous entries so far: Today’s superlative has us each picking the game on the schedule we’re most convinced is a loss for the Lions in 2026.
Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule superlatives: Best spot to make a statement in a nationally-televised game Original
Another day, another opportunity to include an entry in our superlative series on the Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule. For the rest of this week, we’re breaking down a different angle of Detroit’s schedule every day, with each of us on staff offering our unique perspective on what the schedule makers have put together for the Lions.
Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule superlatives: Toughest stretch of the schedule Original
Another day, another opportunity to include an entry in our superlative series on the Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule. For the rest of this week, we’re breaking down a different angle of Detroit’s schedule every day, with each of us on staff offering our unique perspective on what the schedule makers have put together for the Lions.
Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule superlatives: Biggest ‘measuring-stick’ game Original
Another day, another opportunity to include an entry in our superlative series on the Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule. For the rest of this week, we’re breaking down a different angle of Detroit’s schedule every day, with each of us on staff offering our unique perspective on what the schedule makers have put together for the Lions.
Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule superlatives: Most anticipated matchup Original
We’re back with another entry in our superlative series on the Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule. For the rest of this week, we’re breaking down a different angle of Detroit’s schedule every day, with each of us on staff offering our unique perspective on what the schedule makers have put together for the Lions. Here’s a look at our previous entries so far: Today’s superlative has us looking at the most anticipated matchups we’re looking forward to this season. Erik Schlitt: Week 7 vs.
Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule superlatives: Most important game, stretch of the season Original
This is the part of the offseason where football fans are arrested to counting off days on the calendar. We won’t see the Detroit Lions take the field to play football for some time now, but at least we have the schedule for when it will all eventually happen! For the next week here at Pride of Detroit, we’re going to share our thoughts on some schedule superlatives.
Detroit Lions’ 6 draft ‘reaches’ offset by one major ‘steal’ Original
It’s almost impossible to judge the true value of a draft pick in real time. People love labeling selections as “reaches” or “steals,” but that kind of talk is more guesswork than anything else at this point. What actually matters is how a player performs over time on the field and that obviously takes time to find out. We also don’t have access to every team’s draft board, so there’s no way to know exactly how each front office viewed these players.
How athletic is the Detroit Lions’ 2026 NFL Draft class? Original
Last year, Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell, Sheila Ford Hamp, and the rest of the Detroit Lions’ war room wore black hoodies with the letters H-S-W crossed through. After sporting “Positional Villains” hoodies during the 2024 NFL Draft, the Lions were turning their draft day wardrobe into a mission statement. “It’s just a line through height, weight, speed,” Holmes said of the HWS attire.
NFL Draft grades 2026 roundup: Detroit Lions rank near middle of the pack Original
With the 2026 NFL Draft in the books, the grades are starting to pour in from all around the internet. And while it’s malpractice to grade a draft class without so much as seeing the players take the field for their respective teams, there is room to assess how well a team did in addressing their short-term and long-term needs with their selections.
NFL Draft grades: Detroit Lions’ revamped OL completed with Blake Miller pick Original
It was a roller coaster ride in the lead up to the Detroit Lions pick at No. 17. Despite some smoke from insiders suggesting that Brad Holmes was looking to move up in the draft, Detroit stayed pat and made their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions selected Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller at pick No. 17, making him the fourth offensive tackle off the board and the fifth offensive linemen overall to be drafted in the first round.
Here’s how the Detroit Lions could ace the 2026 NFL Draft
Detroit Lions executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes speaks during media availability at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The 2026 NFL Draft is an important one for the Detroit Lions. In the here and now, and for the long-term, this feels like a critical 72 hours for Brad Holmes. He gets this right and his Lions can easily contend in an extremely competitive NFC North.
Here’s how the Detroit Lions could ace the 2026 NFL Draft
Alright, go ahead and deal 118 or 128 in the fourth round, but try not to dip into that future draft capital—yeah, that goes against the mock draft from the other day, but people change their minds. We’re hearing the rumors about the Lions poking around to see who might be interested in moving back and what it could cost to move up, but we’re also hearing that teams are looking to leap Detroit and get their first pick ahead of the Lions’ needs.
2026 NFL Draft: Why the Detroit Lions should pick Keionte Scott on Day 2 Original
With the 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaching, the Detroit Lions find themselves in a different spot from years past. After drafting largely for depth and developmental players the last couple of years, the Lions are in need of immediate contributors, and those players can be most easily found with either of their first two picks—No. 17 and 50—on the first two days of the draft.
What it might cost Detroit Lions to move up in 2026 NFL Draft Original
It wasn’t the eventful, splashy, or exciting free agency people had hoped it would be for the Detroit Lions. A three-year, $25 million deal for Cade Mays headlined a bunch of other short-term solutions while long-term fits marinate. But even if Detroit’s approach to free agency left you wanting more, there’s still time for them to add talent and contributors, namely with their two picks in the top-50 selections of this year’s NFL Draft.
5 questions: Cardinals writer weighs in on Greg Dortch's strengths, weaknesses
Ryan Mathews Kalif Raymond leaving for a division rival in the Chicago Bears was one of the more surprising moments of this offseason for the Detroit Lions. After being such a steady and reliable player for years in Detroit, both as a receiver and a punt returner, replacing Raymond added another item to the Lions' to-do list. To replace Raymond, the Lions signed Greg Dortch.
5 Questions: Cardinals writer weighs in on Greg Dortch’s strengths, weaknesses Original
Kalif Raymond leaving for a division rival in the Chicago Bears was one of the more surprising moments of this offseason for the Detroit Lions. After being such a steady and reliable player for years in Detroit, both as a receiver and a punt returner, replacing Raymond added another item to the Lions’ to-do list. To replace Raymond, the Lions signed Greg Dortch.
4 questions: Panthers writer weighs in on DJ Wonnum's strengths, weaknesses
Ryan Mathews Many were waiting patiently for the Detroit Lions to make a move and secure some help at defensive end. Though it isn't the splashy move some were hoping Brad Holmes to pull off, DJ Wonnum, at the very least, provides for rotational support in a spot where Detroit had a roster hole heading into this offseason. But what exactly are the Lions getting in Wonnum? What was his role in Carolina? Does he have the upside of being a starter opposite of Aidan Hutchinson?
4 Questions: Panthers writer weighs in on DJ Wonnum’s strengths, weaknesses Original
Many were waiting patiently for the Detroit Lions to make a move and secure some help at defensive end. Though it isn’t the splashy move some were hoping Brad Holmes to pull off, DJ Wonnum, at the very least, provides for rotational support in a spot where Detroit had a roster hole heading into this offseason. But what exactly are the Lions getting in Wonnum? What was his role in Carolina? Does he have the upside of being a starter opposite of Aidan Hutchinson?
Lions sign Damone Clark to bolster linebacker depth Original
The Detroit Lions added depth and experience to their linebacker room today, signing unrestricted free agent Damone Clark. While financial terms were not released, the move brings in a player with starting experience on defense, special teams in all four phases, and, potentially, some developmental upside. Clark, a former fifth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, entered the league out of LSU with a reputation for his sideline-to-sideline range and strong instincts.
5 Questions: Buccaneers insider weighs in on Christian Izien’s strengths, weaknesses Original
The Detroit Lions are in a very precarious and strange spot when it comes to their defensive backfield. The health of their safety room, combined with the uncertainty of the cornerback group, leaves more questions than answers. One potential answer for some of those concerns came in the way of signing Christian Izien. But what exactly are the Lions getting in Izien? What sort of role did he excel in with Tampa Bay? Where does the fourth-year defender still have room to grow?
5 Questions: Dolphins insider weighs in on Larry Borom’s strengths, weaknesses Original
A team never wants to go into the NFL Draft desperate to fill a hole because they need a contributor. Early on in free agency, the Detroit Lions have made a few moves in that regard, including coming to terms with tackle Larry Borom on a one-year deal. While Borom has mostly served as a depth option during his career, the Lions clearly see value in adding a versatile lineman with starting experience as they continue to build their roster for 2026. But what exactly are the Lions getting in Borom?
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