Daily DLP: Lions game film notes vs Packers Detroit Lions Podcast

The Detroit Lions fixed their pass defense by playing Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch next to Detroit Lions safety Keith Abney. The pairing cut miscommunications, created range, and produced on-ball plays, which, as Jeff Risdon emphasized, set the tone in the win over the Green Bay Packers and validated improvements seen since Arizona.
How big was Brian Branch's return to the Detroit Lions secondary?
Brian Branch changed the game, and the Brian Branch-Abney safety tandem was Detroit’s best look all season. As Jeff Risdon noted, Brian Branch high-pointed a throw in front of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson and delivered clean hits, strong run fits, and real range. With Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark rotating in, the communication with the cornerbacks finally synced. The result was fewer coverage busts and a coordinated back end that stacked positives from the Panthers and Cardinals games.
What is wrong with Jack Campbell in coverage and what should the Lions do?
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell struggled in coverage and needs to exit some passing situations. He defended the run and blitzed well, but he was manipulated by play action and spacing. The third down to Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Craft showed the issue, with Campbell false-stepping toward Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes’ assignment instead of shading Craft. Risdon called for more Trevor Nowaski and even a look at Jimmy Rolder in the old nickel role Alex Anzalone once handled, because the linebackers’ second-level coordination is disrupting what the safeties are cleaning up.
Should the Lions ditch jumbo and condensed formations on offense?
Yes. The extra tackle look with Detroit Lions tackle Larry Borom has been a drag on the run game. As Jeff Risdon detailed, the first three rushes with Borom on the field went for negative five, negative three, and negative two yards, and team EPA on jumbo runs over the last three weeks is the worst of the Dan Campbell era. Spread sets were the antidote.
What worked instead for Detroit?
11 personnel spacing and timing. Detroit Lions slot receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa stressed coverage and created clean windows for Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Cade Mays' return at center had a shared hiccup snap with Jared Goff, but pass protection was superb overall, with just five QB pressures allowed all day. Detroit Lions guards Chris Mahogany and Tate Ratledge were perfect in protection, and Detroit Lions tackle Blake Miller was steady.
Are Jared Goff and Aidan Hutchinson playing at a star level?
Yes. Jared Goff operated with mastery, standing in and attacking downfield to Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Risdon put him in the MVP conversation based on this performance. Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson was dominant again, adding a sack and nearly housing a deflection for a pick six. Around them, Detroit’s run defense clicked, with Detroit Lions defensive lineman Dorsey Moore and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyler Lacy stacking edges and squeezing lanes, and special teams popped with a DJ Wonnum field goal tip and Detroit Lions special teamer Eric O'Neil flying down coverage. DeAndre Carter replacing Tom Kennedy added return juice, and with the Minnesota Vikings blitzing 92.7 percent last week, this clean pass-pro look travels.

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