The Lions are riding a three-game win streak into Week 9, but the NFC North picture still has them chasing. Detroit sits in third place behind the 6-1 Minnesota Vikings and the 6-2 Chicago Bears, even with a 2-0 division record that gives the Lions a useful edge for now. With the Bears and Green Bay Packers both facing upcoming bye weeks, Detroit has a chance to make up ground in the win column while it works through a stretch that includes several key injuries, most notably Jack Campbell.
Even with all that going on, there’s another layer to watch: a few former Lions are making noise elsewhere, and two of the biggest names in that group helped power Chicago’s Week 8 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Kalif Raymond and D’Andre Swift both showed up in a big way for the Bears, giving Ben Johnson plenty to work with in a game where Chicago’s offense found a different gear.
Johnson kept finding ways to use both players, and the results were loud. Raymond logged one rushing attempt for 39 yards, while Swift scored three touchdowns and added 69 rushing yards.
It wasn’t the cleanest night for Swift overall, but his value showed up where it counts most. The red zone is where games get decided, and he made his presence felt there.
For Detroit, Raymond’s departure still stings in a couple of ways. He was a steady part of the special teams operation and a reliable WR3, and that kind of role is easy to miss when a team is trying to hold everything together.
The Lions have managed to keep moving with Isaac TeSlaa in that WR3 spot, and TeSlaa has also been a strong blocker. Sione Vaki’s work in Week 8 was also just as impactful as Swift’s, which helps soften the blow a bit.
Another former Lion who popped up in Week 8 was Alex Anzalone, who turned in a huge day for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Atlanta Falcons. After a very quiet season that at times made him look like a failed free agency signing, Anzalone came through with two interceptions and two stuffs. It was the kind of outing Tampa Bay fans were hoping to see as they try to stay in the mix in a very, very weak NFC South.
Detroit has felt that loss too, especially with the linebacker room taking more hits. Before the injuries piled up in Week 8, it already looked like the Lions could use more help there.
Now, with Jimmy Rolder out for the year and Jack Campbell likely sidelined for some time, Anzalone’s absence stands out even more. The move to let him walk still made sense, but his veteran leadership is something Detroit can use right now.
In Other News...
Lions Defense Suddenly Has A Week 9 Problem Fans Feared
The Lions defense is already dealing with a familiar midseason squeeze, and Dan Campbells latest injury update only added to it ahead of Week 9 against the Dolphins. Rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder is expected to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury that could require surgery, while several other key defenders and depth pieces, including Cade Mays, Brian Branch, DJ Wonnum and D.J. Reed, were set to sit out Wednesdays practice.
Brian Branch and Wonnum are both in concussion protocol, which only deepens the uncertainty around a unit that has been forced to absorb hits in a hurry. Jack Campbell remains hospitalized, though the early signs have been described as positive, and Detroit may have to lean on its linebacker depth while it gets a clearer read on how much more help this defense needs after facing Miami. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Win Came With Injury Questions They Really Didnt Need
The Lions got the kind of Week 8 win they wanted against Minnesota, but the postgame injury report quickly took some of the shine off it. Detroit came out of Sunday with a handful of concerns to sort through, and for a team trying to keep momentum rolling, the timing could hardly be worse.
Jimmy Rolder is the biggest worry, with his injury serious enough that he may need surgery and is expected to cost him the rest of the season. Detroit is also monitoring D.J. Wonnum and Brian Branch after both entered concussion protocol, while Cade Mays and D.J. Reed are working through ankle and hip issues and are not expected back on the practice field early in the week. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Head To Miami With Their Winning Streak Facing A Real Test
Detroit heads to Miami in Week 9 with a three-game winning streak and plenty of momentum, but this is the kind of road trip that can tell you a lot about where a team really stands. The Lions have leaned on a balanced attack during the run, and Jahmyr Gibbs has become a central part of it, giving Detroit a dynamic presence in the backfield as it tries to keep rolling against a Dolphins team that can still make life uncomfortable.
The matchup brings more than just a fresh opponent and a different setting. It also comes with the usual betting buzz and the sense that Detroit is being measured against a tougher level of competition, especially away from home. If the Lions are going to keep this streak alive, they will need the same efficiency that has carried them lately, because Miami is the sort of test that can expose any cracks in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]