Detroit Lions fans are feeling better about Week 4.
That’s the clear takeaway from the latest SB Nation Reacts survey, sponsored by FanDuel Sportsbook, after a rough dip in confidence following the Week 2 loss to the Bills. For the first time in the Dan Campbell era, approval had dropped below 50 percent. But after the Lions beat the Jets in Week 3, the mood has started to swing back, and this week’s poll shows the fan base expecting another win.
The comments reflected that shift. Some fans are still measured about where the team stands overall, but there’s plenty of belief that a matchup with the Panthers can keep the momentum rolling.
Among the most approved and interacted-with “right direction” responses, UpAllNight wrote, “Honestly, don’t get why people are so upset with this team. The rebuilt O-line looks great, and the new-look defensive scheme is beginning to meld nicely.”
Lee County Flydog was more cautious, saying, “As far as heading in the right direction? No. But beating the Panthers could change my mind.”
The Week 4 prediction comments were even more confident.
Izzo4POTUS said, “We will outscore them in another shootout.”
West.of.Woodward pointed to time of possession, writing, “I was actually concerned about this game before we played the game against the Jets, but I’m feeling better now. The Lions average 31:32 in time of possession per game, while the Panthers average 27:44.
If we can push to 33 minutes, we can protect our defense a little bit. Petzing showed he can do it, likely with input from Goff (over) the last 12 days or so.”
task0778 kept it simple: “I’m expecting a win. Don’t care how, don’t care by how much, just do it. What I’m hoping for is a continuation of offensive scoring plus further improvement on defense.“
And AJK78 predicted a comfortable result, saying, “I predict the Lions will win so convincingly that those who always find a way to be negative will resort to detracting from the win by pointing to Panthers injuries.”
In Other News...
Panthers Hit With New NFL Discipline Right Before Lions Game
The Panthers are dealing with a little added noise before their matchup with the Lions, as the NFL handed down fines to three Carolina players for penalties committed in Week 3 against Cleveland. A.J. Dillon was fined for a facemask, Lee Hunter for unsportsmanlike conduct tied to taunting, and Thomas Incoom for unnecessary roughness involving helmet use.
None of the three was suspended, so Carolina will still have its full group available when it lines up against Detroit. Even so, the discipline serves as a reminder that the league is watching closely, and the Lions will face a Panthers team trying to keep its edge without letting the extra attention spill into Sunday. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Suddenly Face A Sam LaPorta Question They Couldn't Settle
The Lions and Sam LaPorta have hit pause on contract-extension talks after several weeks of negotiations failed to produce a deal, a familiar sort of detour for a franchise that has not shied away from working on its own timeline. LaPortas side decided to step back for now so the tight end can stay focused on the season, leaving open the possibility that the conversation picks up again once the games are over.
For Detroit, the situation turns one of its most important young pieces into an offseason question again, even if the door is not closed. The team has a history of handling contracts during the season, and it would not be a surprise if it tries again to keep LaPorta in place long term, especially with the chance that any agreement could land him among the leagues highest-paid tight ends. [Read more 🡒]
Isaac TeSlaa Has A Real Chance To Build On Last Week
Isaac TeSlaa finally gave the Lions a glimpse of what he can add to the passing game last week, finishing with four catches for 66 yards against the Jets. For a second-year receiver still trying to carve out a steadier role, it was the kind of outing that can change how a coaching staff looks at the depth chart from one week to the next.
The next opportunity looks even more inviting against Carolina, which has already lost two starting cornerbacks to injured reserve. With Detroit likely looking to keep feeding TeSlaa after his uptick in involvement, betting analyst Drew Ellis is expecting him to top his receiving total from last week, a sign that this might be more than a one-game spike for a young player trying to force his way into the offense. [Read more 🡒]