1 00:00:00,360 --> 00:00:02,960 Speaker 1: Hurts has got it, wants to throw Hurts setting up 2 00:00:02,960 --> 00:00:07,800 Speaker 1: the screen. It is complete and blown. Miles Sanders got it. 3 00:00:07,920 --> 00:00:11,399 Speaker 1: Mountain Rodriguet was there way forth. That's a big play 4 00:00:11,800 --> 00:00:22,280 Speaker 1: by Rodrigo. Welcome to the Twentyman in the Huddle Podcast 5 00:00:22,360 --> 00:00:24,880 Speaker 1: presented by Microsoft. I know you guys like that new 6 00:00:24,920 --> 00:00:27,840 Speaker 1: little lead in we had going there. Amani got retired. 7 00:00:28,040 --> 00:00:31,160 Speaker 1: Rodrigo jumps in and I might have a little surprise 8 00:00:31,280 --> 00:00:33,720 Speaker 1: player for you guys today. I'm not I'm not gonna 9 00:00:33,720 --> 00:00:36,199 Speaker 1: say who it is, but you guys will be you 10 00:00:36,200 --> 00:00:39,560 Speaker 1: guys will be entertained for sure. I've got John Kim 11 00:00:39,680 --> 00:00:43,160 Speaker 1: from ESPN who covers the Washington Commanders. He's going to previous. 12 00:00:43,159 --> 00:00:45,159 Speaker 1: So I got a busy show for you guys today. 13 00:00:45,200 --> 00:00:48,000 Speaker 1: But let's start, as we always do, with news and notes. 14 00:00:48,040 --> 00:00:51,040 Speaker 1: And you can't go much farther than the injury report 15 00:00:51,080 --> 00:00:53,560 Speaker 1: when you're talking about the Detroit Lions this week, and 16 00:00:53,720 --> 00:00:57,000 Speaker 1: you know obviously some key injuries DeAndre Swift. The team 17 00:00:57,080 --> 00:00:59,720 Speaker 1: signs Justin Jackson from the practice watch to the active roster. 18 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:03,560 Speaker 1: I think that's more of a kick return, you know, promotion, 19 00:01:03,640 --> 00:01:07,240 Speaker 1: than it is a running back promotion. But obviously, you know, 20 00:01:07,400 --> 00:01:11,360 Speaker 1: if that ankle that Deandrey Swift is dealing with prevents 21 00:01:11,440 --> 00:01:13,560 Speaker 1: him from playing, you need an extra body there, and 22 00:01:14,200 --> 00:01:17,040 Speaker 1: Justin would provide that. To me a little bit more 23 00:01:17,040 --> 00:01:19,280 Speaker 1: concerning is what's going on with the offensive line. You know, 24 00:01:19,360 --> 00:01:21,560 Speaker 1: we talk about that being a huge strength of this 25 00:01:21,600 --> 00:01:24,720 Speaker 1: football team coming into the season, and you know, the 26 00:01:24,800 --> 00:01:28,560 Speaker 1: right guard, Big V goes down. He's on ir head 27 00:01:28,560 --> 00:01:31,679 Speaker 1: back surgery this week. Now, they haven't ruled out him 28 00:01:31,680 --> 00:01:33,800 Speaker 1: returning this week, but obviously I think it's going to 29 00:01:33,840 --> 00:01:37,640 Speaker 1: be extended beyond the four games that you have to 30 00:01:37,680 --> 00:01:39,080 Speaker 1: be off when you go to i R. I think 31 00:01:39,120 --> 00:01:40,360 Speaker 1: it's going to be a little bit longer and that. 32 00:01:40,360 --> 00:01:42,440 Speaker 1: But the hope is, you know, maybe at some point, 33 00:01:42,520 --> 00:01:45,760 Speaker 1: you know, Big VU can come in. Logan Stenberg made 34 00:01:45,760 --> 00:01:48,160 Speaker 1: his start in place a Big V. Had some ups 35 00:01:48,200 --> 00:01:50,440 Speaker 1: and downs like you would expect from any guy making 36 00:01:50,480 --> 00:01:52,480 Speaker 1: his first career start. But you know, I think the 37 00:01:52,480 --> 00:01:54,400 Speaker 1: third year player Art Katuk is going to get better 38 00:01:54,440 --> 00:01:56,440 Speaker 1: this week, going to continue to get better than more 39 00:01:56,480 --> 00:01:58,800 Speaker 1: reps he see he sees. So I'm not too worried 40 00:01:58,800 --> 00:02:02,080 Speaker 1: about that. Rag. Now, Um, you know, dealt with that 41 00:02:02,120 --> 00:02:04,840 Speaker 1: growing injury last week, you know, played in the game 42 00:02:05,000 --> 00:02:07,240 Speaker 1: and now he's shown up with a foot injury and 43 00:02:07,280 --> 00:02:10,760 Speaker 1: a growing injury. Did not practice Wednesday, did not practice Thursday, 44 00:02:11,320 --> 00:02:13,080 Speaker 1: Like we talked about last week. You know, he's not 45 00:02:13,120 --> 00:02:16,720 Speaker 1: a guy that has to practice to play m So 46 00:02:16,760 --> 00:02:19,040 Speaker 1: we'll kind of just see where that goes. Dan Campbell 47 00:02:19,080 --> 00:02:21,840 Speaker 1: did say on when on Monday, I believe it was 48 00:02:22,120 --> 00:02:25,520 Speaker 1: that he was pretty sore still, so um, we'll kind 49 00:02:25,560 --> 00:02:28,600 Speaker 1: of just see, you know, how that develops. And and 50 00:02:28,639 --> 00:02:32,440 Speaker 1: obviously now concerning two is Jonah Jackson, Pro Bowl left 51 00:02:32,440 --> 00:02:35,000 Speaker 1: guard from last year showed up on the injury report 52 00:02:35,120 --> 00:02:37,840 Speaker 1: yesterday with a finger. Typically when a guy shows up 53 00:02:37,840 --> 00:02:41,320 Speaker 1: as limited on a practice report, um, you know that 54 00:02:41,440 --> 00:02:44,760 Speaker 1: that's something they probably did in practice. We'll talk to 55 00:02:44,800 --> 00:02:46,919 Speaker 1: Dan Campbell tomorrow and see if that was the case. 56 00:02:46,960 --> 00:02:49,960 Speaker 1: But he did not practice on Thursday, So that to 57 00:02:50,040 --> 00:02:52,000 Speaker 1: me is a little bit concerning, especially when we talk 58 00:02:52,040 --> 00:02:54,800 Speaker 1: about a finger. Um, you know, usually when a finger 59 00:02:54,880 --> 00:02:57,720 Speaker 1: keeps an offensive lineman out of practice, there's there could 60 00:02:57,720 --> 00:02:59,320 Speaker 1: be something a little bit more to that than just 61 00:02:59,400 --> 00:03:02,239 Speaker 1: jamming a finger and tying two together and going out there. 62 00:03:02,440 --> 00:03:04,600 Speaker 1: We saw that with Taylor Decker last year that ended 63 00:03:04,680 --> 00:03:07,720 Speaker 1: up being you know, obviously a more concerning injury. So 64 00:03:08,120 --> 00:03:10,760 Speaker 1: you don't have any details on Jonah Jackson yet. Dan 65 00:03:10,800 --> 00:03:13,960 Speaker 1: Campbell did not speak to the media Thursday. He scheduled 66 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:18,120 Speaker 1: to do that Friday, so we hope for an update there. Um, 67 00:03:18,280 --> 00:03:20,080 Speaker 1: but again we'll have to keep an eye on. You know, 68 00:03:20,080 --> 00:03:23,320 Speaker 1: no Big Va at right guard, No Frank rag Now 69 00:03:23,520 --> 00:03:27,320 Speaker 1: at center, um, no Jonah Jackson at a left guard 70 00:03:27,400 --> 00:03:30,200 Speaker 1: at practice. Now, the great good news was Taylor Decker 71 00:03:30,320 --> 00:03:32,480 Speaker 1: was back at left tackle, so you got your book 72 00:03:32,520 --> 00:03:34,440 Speaker 1: n Tackles with Taylor Decker looks like he's going to 73 00:03:34,480 --> 00:03:37,880 Speaker 1: be okay dealing with that calf injury. And obviously Penny 74 00:03:37,920 --> 00:03:41,080 Speaker 1: sewell that's the good news. Um, we'll just kind of 75 00:03:41,080 --> 00:03:43,920 Speaker 1: have to see how the week develops, you know. Inside 76 00:03:44,280 --> 00:03:47,320 Speaker 1: you know, they they went in and signed. I'm gonna 77 00:03:47,360 --> 00:03:50,000 Speaker 1: try to do this name correctly, and I'm sorry ahead 78 00:03:50,040 --> 00:03:54,120 Speaker 1: of time if I mutilate, but kyote oh ska um 79 00:03:55,200 --> 00:03:59,600 Speaker 1: from Philly. So we'll kind of just see, you know, 80 00:03:59,600 --> 00:04:03,520 Speaker 1: where that goes and if he's needed. Um, the lines 81 00:04:03,560 --> 00:04:05,840 Speaker 1: do have some options. Obviously, they got Evan Brown, you know, 82 00:04:05,920 --> 00:04:09,440 Speaker 1: Dan Skipper can push inside. Logan Stenberg got his first start, 83 00:04:09,480 --> 00:04:12,040 Speaker 1: we talked about him, so they've got some options, but 84 00:04:12,080 --> 00:04:15,720 Speaker 1: obviously not ideal when we're talking about, um, you know, 85 00:04:16,080 --> 00:04:18,920 Speaker 1: facing a Washington Comander's team where their strength is their 86 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:22,520 Speaker 1: interior of their defense. And now you're dealing with, you know, 87 00:04:22,640 --> 00:04:26,840 Speaker 1: two extra injuries on top of the big v injury inside, UM, 88 00:04:27,560 --> 00:04:29,440 Speaker 1: a little bit concerning, you know, and we'll kind of 89 00:04:29,440 --> 00:04:32,000 Speaker 1: have to see where where Swift is at. UM. Now 90 00:04:32,080 --> 00:04:34,080 Speaker 1: know there are some reports yesterday you know, some of 91 00:04:34,120 --> 00:04:36,279 Speaker 1: the guys ran into him in the locker room. Um, 92 00:04:36,320 --> 00:04:38,520 Speaker 1: he said he was okay, But you know, I've got 93 00:04:38,520 --> 00:04:40,760 Speaker 1: to wait to see him back at practice and and 94 00:04:40,760 --> 00:04:43,920 Speaker 1: and see him cutting and running before UM. You know, 95 00:04:44,360 --> 00:04:46,719 Speaker 1: we'll we'll take a deep breath on that one. So, look, 96 00:04:46,720 --> 00:04:48,760 Speaker 1: the lines are banged up, and you hate to see 97 00:04:48,760 --> 00:04:51,880 Speaker 1: that heading into week two, UM, especially when you're you're 98 00:04:51,920 --> 00:04:54,760 Speaker 1: you're talking about guys that are expected to be you know, 99 00:04:54,760 --> 00:04:56,880 Speaker 1: the strength of this football team, the offensive line right 100 00:04:56,920 --> 00:04:59,480 Speaker 1: the run game. DeAndre Swift is a running back, especially 101 00:04:59,480 --> 00:05:02,000 Speaker 1: coming off the that he had last week. So we'll 102 00:05:02,000 --> 00:05:04,080 Speaker 1: just kind of have to see where it goes. Be 103 00:05:04,120 --> 00:05:07,680 Speaker 1: sure to check in Friday as the injury report with 104 00:05:07,720 --> 00:05:10,360 Speaker 1: the game designations, that'll be huge. But I think that's 105 00:05:10,360 --> 00:05:12,880 Speaker 1: the big storyline this week for Detroit is just dealing 106 00:05:12,960 --> 00:05:15,599 Speaker 1: with injuries and who's up and who's not Sunday against 107 00:05:15,640 --> 00:05:17,800 Speaker 1: Washington as Lions try to get to five hundred and 108 00:05:18,200 --> 00:05:20,640 Speaker 1: avoid an OZ and two start. You don't want to 109 00:05:20,640 --> 00:05:22,719 Speaker 1: be dealing with that kind of stuff this early, but hey, 110 00:05:22,839 --> 00:05:26,039 Speaker 1: that's the name of the game, you know. I think 111 00:05:26,040 --> 00:05:28,080 Speaker 1: when you move on and you look at the defensive 112 00:05:28,120 --> 00:05:30,680 Speaker 1: side of the ball, obviously there are some big question 113 00:05:30,720 --> 00:05:33,560 Speaker 1: marks on that side of the ball after what Philadelphia 114 00:05:33,600 --> 00:05:35,960 Speaker 1: was able to do to them last week. They rushed 115 00:05:35,960 --> 00:05:38,760 Speaker 1: for two hundred and sixteen yards, averaged over five yards 116 00:05:38,800 --> 00:05:42,120 Speaker 1: per carry, four touchdowns. I mean, that's an area that 117 00:05:42,560 --> 00:05:44,599 Speaker 1: they need to clean up. And look, we talked to 118 00:05:44,600 --> 00:05:48,760 Speaker 1: Aaron Glenn on Thursday and the comment he made about 119 00:05:48,800 --> 00:05:53,040 Speaker 1: watching the tape was I was disappointed, but I was 120 00:05:53,080 --> 00:05:57,120 Speaker 1: also encouraged. And you know, I think the disappointing part 121 00:05:57,200 --> 00:05:59,880 Speaker 1: is obvious. The encouraged part for him is the fact 122 00:06:00,080 --> 00:06:01,800 Speaker 1: that he thinks a lot of this stuff that went 123 00:06:01,839 --> 00:06:05,680 Speaker 1: wrong for Detroit defensively is correctable. You know, stuff like 124 00:06:05,760 --> 00:06:07,840 Speaker 1: you know, guys being a little bit too amped, up 125 00:06:08,160 --> 00:06:11,320 Speaker 1: not being assignment sound, you know, going rogue a little bit, 126 00:06:11,360 --> 00:06:14,400 Speaker 1: seeing an opportunity to make a play and and you know, 127 00:06:14,520 --> 00:06:17,440 Speaker 1: maybe not you know, handling their assignment in the zone 128 00:06:17,640 --> 00:06:21,479 Speaker 1: or not protecting their gap and so, um, you know, 129 00:06:21,480 --> 00:06:23,640 Speaker 1: stuff you hate to see week one, but a little 130 00:06:23,680 --> 00:06:25,880 Speaker 1: bit understandable, especially when we're talking about the young guys. 131 00:06:26,279 --> 00:06:28,560 Speaker 1: You know when Aidan Hudginson a rookie, you know, Aiden's 132 00:06:28,560 --> 00:06:30,480 Speaker 1: the type of guy. I mean, he's just so used 133 00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:32,880 Speaker 1: to going and making plays, right and you know, you 134 00:06:32,920 --> 00:06:35,599 Speaker 1: see that opportunity we saw a couple times in the 135 00:06:35,600 --> 00:06:38,760 Speaker 1: backfield with a chance to get Jalen Hurts, and um, 136 00:06:39,000 --> 00:06:41,360 Speaker 1: you know you like a guy to attack and want 137 00:06:41,360 --> 00:06:43,680 Speaker 1: to make plays, but at the same time, you've got 138 00:06:43,680 --> 00:06:45,920 Speaker 1: to be assignment sound. You can't hang the guy out 139 00:06:46,080 --> 00:06:48,599 Speaker 1: to dry next to you. And so I think Aaron 140 00:06:48,600 --> 00:06:50,200 Speaker 1: will clean some of that up. I think the fact 141 00:06:50,279 --> 00:06:53,120 Speaker 1: that it'll be week two, guys have now played, I 142 00:06:53,120 --> 00:06:55,360 Speaker 1: don't think they'll be as amped up. It's excited as 143 00:06:55,440 --> 00:06:58,719 Speaker 1: jittery as you are week one. So I expect the 144 00:06:58,720 --> 00:07:02,719 Speaker 1: whole operation to be a little bit smoother defensively for Lions. 145 00:07:02,880 --> 00:07:04,800 Speaker 1: But it's also a different beast that they're dealing with 146 00:07:04,839 --> 00:07:07,560 Speaker 1: this week too. I mean, this is a Washington Commander's 147 00:07:07,600 --> 00:07:11,160 Speaker 1: team that can throw the football. Carson Wentz through four 148 00:07:11,200 --> 00:07:14,200 Speaker 1: touchdown passes last week. They had four receptions of twenty 149 00:07:14,200 --> 00:07:17,440 Speaker 1: five plus yards last week, that leads the league. They've 150 00:07:17,440 --> 00:07:20,120 Speaker 1: got a nice trio of wide receivers and Curtis Samuels 151 00:07:20,120 --> 00:07:25,240 Speaker 1: and Terry McLaurin and Johanny Dotson. And you know, Gibson's 152 00:07:25,280 --> 00:07:26,960 Speaker 1: a big part of that pass game. They're running back. 153 00:07:26,960 --> 00:07:29,600 Speaker 1: He had seven catches last week. Logan Thomas isn't sending 154 00:07:29,640 --> 00:07:33,080 Speaker 1: tight end, you know. So they've got some weapons, and 155 00:07:33,080 --> 00:07:34,840 Speaker 1: I think it's gonna be the pass game that's gonna 156 00:07:34,880 --> 00:07:37,960 Speaker 1: be kind of, you know more what Detroit has to 157 00:07:37,960 --> 00:07:40,200 Speaker 1: worry about. Obviously, job number one is stopping the run. 158 00:07:40,280 --> 00:07:43,320 Speaker 1: But I think when it comes to Washington, I think 159 00:07:43,360 --> 00:07:46,120 Speaker 1: they offer a little bit more in terms of how 160 00:07:46,160 --> 00:07:48,560 Speaker 1: they can attack teams in the passing game. So well, 161 00:07:48,560 --> 00:07:51,120 Speaker 1: you know, we'll have to see if the Lions are 162 00:07:51,760 --> 00:07:53,400 Speaker 1: up to task. You know, I think this is gonna 163 00:07:53,400 --> 00:07:56,640 Speaker 1: be a big week for Aidan Hutchinson, Charles Harris, Alee McNeil, 164 00:07:57,400 --> 00:08:00,720 Speaker 1: Austin Bryant, Can those guys get more presu and finish. 165 00:08:00,960 --> 00:08:03,560 Speaker 1: You know, I don't think pressure was really the biggest 166 00:08:03,560 --> 00:08:06,559 Speaker 1: issue last week. It was just finished. And look, Jalen 167 00:08:06,640 --> 00:08:09,200 Speaker 1: Hurts is a terrific quarterback in terms of his athletic 168 00:08:09,200 --> 00:08:10,840 Speaker 1: ability and be able to get out of the pocket 169 00:08:10,840 --> 00:08:12,960 Speaker 1: and use his legs and avoid the rush. We saw 170 00:08:13,040 --> 00:08:15,760 Speaker 1: him do that a number of times. M Carson Wentz 171 00:08:15,760 --> 00:08:18,640 Speaker 1: isn't that guy, you know, He's more of the drop 172 00:08:18,720 --> 00:08:22,240 Speaker 1: back statue passer. And so I think there's going to 173 00:08:22,280 --> 00:08:25,880 Speaker 1: be some opportunities for those guys to get more you know, 174 00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:28,520 Speaker 1: more rush opportunities, to get more chances to get sacks 175 00:08:28,560 --> 00:08:30,800 Speaker 1: and and I would expect that to be a lot 176 00:08:30,840 --> 00:08:33,600 Speaker 1: better but a little different challenge for this defense, uh 177 00:08:33,840 --> 00:08:36,480 Speaker 1: this week. And then when you look at, you know, offensively, 178 00:08:36,840 --> 00:08:39,520 Speaker 1: the Lions run game, obviously you loved what what Swift 179 00:08:39,760 --> 00:08:42,480 Speaker 1: and that run game was able to do um last week. 180 00:08:42,520 --> 00:08:45,120 Speaker 1: Swift one hundred forty four yards one hundred and eighty 181 00:08:45,120 --> 00:08:47,679 Speaker 1: one yards, and that was a good Philadelphia you know 182 00:08:47,840 --> 00:08:50,480 Speaker 1: defense that they did that against. And so you love 183 00:08:50,559 --> 00:08:52,640 Speaker 1: that aspect of it. I think, you know, some of 184 00:08:52,640 --> 00:08:54,720 Speaker 1: the operation with the passing game has to be a 185 00:08:54,720 --> 00:08:57,880 Speaker 1: little bit cleaner. Um, I think there were some misreads. 186 00:08:57,960 --> 00:09:00,120 Speaker 1: I think there were some kind of off target throw is. 187 00:09:00,160 --> 00:09:03,720 Speaker 1: Obviously there were more drops than than what you know, 188 00:09:03,800 --> 00:09:05,880 Speaker 1: we were used to hear Lions ranked in the top 189 00:09:05,920 --> 00:09:08,559 Speaker 1: five in the league and the fewest amount of drops 190 00:09:08,679 --> 00:09:12,360 Speaker 1: last year. And to see I'm on raw, you know, 191 00:09:12,520 --> 00:09:14,080 Speaker 1: drop a couple of balls and you know a guy 192 00:09:14,120 --> 00:09:16,360 Speaker 1: I think had one drop all last year. A little 193 00:09:16,440 --> 00:09:19,160 Speaker 1: uncharacteristic for those guys, and I would expect that to 194 00:09:19,240 --> 00:09:21,480 Speaker 1: be cleaned up. I know, you know, offensive coordinate Ben 195 00:09:21,520 --> 00:09:25,640 Speaker 1: Johnson said that that was a point of emphasis this week, 196 00:09:25,720 --> 00:09:30,080 Speaker 1: just cleaning up the entire pass game operation because if 197 00:09:30,120 --> 00:09:32,199 Speaker 1: Swift is, you know, dealing with an ankle, if you're 198 00:09:32,240 --> 00:09:36,080 Speaker 1: missing you know, two or three offensive lineman, that passing 199 00:09:36,120 --> 00:09:37,959 Speaker 1: game is gonna have to be counted on. And I 200 00:09:38,240 --> 00:09:40,840 Speaker 1: think they got to be much crisper. And you know, 201 00:09:40,920 --> 00:09:43,679 Speaker 1: Ben Johnson said, that's a point of emphasis. So you 202 00:09:43,760 --> 00:09:46,240 Speaker 1: hope that's the case. You know, I think Jacksonville had 203 00:09:46,440 --> 00:09:49,720 Speaker 1: a lot of success throwing the ball against Washington last week, 204 00:09:49,840 --> 00:09:52,640 Speaker 1: So you think if you're Detroit, you know that can 205 00:09:52,720 --> 00:09:55,080 Speaker 1: be an asset. You can target that a little bit. 206 00:09:55,240 --> 00:09:58,400 Speaker 1: But the operation has to be smoother overall, you know, 207 00:09:58,400 --> 00:09:59,760 Speaker 1: a couple of other things keeping eye and you know, 208 00:09:59,800 --> 00:10:02,840 Speaker 1: I'm ross Saint Brown eight catches last week. That extended 209 00:10:02,880 --> 00:10:05,920 Speaker 1: his streak to seven straight games with eight plus catches. 210 00:10:06,000 --> 00:10:09,160 Speaker 1: Can he make it eight? You know that that young 211 00:10:09,200 --> 00:10:12,600 Speaker 1: man has become kind of a security blanket for Jared 212 00:10:12,600 --> 00:10:16,280 Speaker 1: Golf and I really like how that relationship is. Bill. 213 00:10:16,440 --> 00:10:19,400 Speaker 1: Jared really looks for him. He's he can get open, 214 00:10:19,559 --> 00:10:22,200 Speaker 1: He's tough and blocking in the run game. He's just 215 00:10:22,240 --> 00:10:24,800 Speaker 1: a really good player. And can that street continue? And 216 00:10:24,840 --> 00:10:27,160 Speaker 1: then you know, to other quick things to look for 217 00:10:27,360 --> 00:10:31,520 Speaker 1: offensively for Detroit this week is is third down in 218 00:10:31,600 --> 00:10:34,840 Speaker 1: red zone. Detroit was thirty first in the NFL last 219 00:10:34,920 --> 00:10:37,640 Speaker 1: year in third down percentage thirty four point seven percent 220 00:10:38,040 --> 00:10:41,040 Speaker 1: and red zone percentage forty seven point eight percent, second 221 00:10:41,080 --> 00:10:43,439 Speaker 1: to last in the league. I thought that part of 222 00:10:43,480 --> 00:10:46,160 Speaker 1: the operation last week was really really good. Detroit nine 223 00:10:46,200 --> 00:10:49,400 Speaker 1: to fourteen, which is sixty four point three percent, and 224 00:10:49,440 --> 00:10:52,079 Speaker 1: then they were perfect four for four in the red zone. 225 00:10:52,200 --> 00:10:56,720 Speaker 1: And so you know, when when you're talking about offensive 226 00:10:56,760 --> 00:10:59,439 Speaker 1: football and the difference between winning and losing, I think 227 00:10:59,480 --> 00:11:02,840 Speaker 1: turnovers are obviously number one, But to me like second 228 00:11:02,840 --> 00:11:05,120 Speaker 1: and third right there are how are you on third down? 229 00:11:05,240 --> 00:11:07,440 Speaker 1: Can you stay on the field offensively? And can you 230 00:11:07,480 --> 00:11:10,400 Speaker 1: get off the field defensively? And then do you take 231 00:11:10,400 --> 00:11:13,000 Speaker 1: advantage of opportunities in the red zone? You know, do 232 00:11:13,040 --> 00:11:15,240 Speaker 1: you have to settle for field goals or can you score? 233 00:11:15,480 --> 00:11:19,120 Speaker 1: Those were two areas lines really struggled, you know last 234 00:11:19,160 --> 00:11:23,040 Speaker 1: week or last year. Excuse me, we're really really good 235 00:11:23,160 --> 00:11:26,920 Speaker 1: last week. And can they continue that moving forward? You 236 00:11:26,920 --> 00:11:29,280 Speaker 1: know Jared Golf the first thing he said this week 237 00:11:29,320 --> 00:11:32,040 Speaker 1: when asked about what you liked, he said, our third 238 00:11:32,080 --> 00:11:35,000 Speaker 1: down and our red zone? Can they keep that part 239 00:11:35,040 --> 00:11:39,079 Speaker 1: of it hot and kind of keep that thing rolling offensively? 240 00:11:39,120 --> 00:11:41,920 Speaker 1: Scored thirty five points against the Eagles. I don't think 241 00:11:41,920 --> 00:11:46,080 Speaker 1: this is as talented a defense overall for Washington as 242 00:11:46,080 --> 00:11:48,720 Speaker 1: it was last week. So you expect them to kind 243 00:11:48,760 --> 00:11:50,400 Speaker 1: of keep them keep that rolling. Can they do it 244 00:11:50,440 --> 00:11:53,520 Speaker 1: on third down and in the red zone? So, you know, 245 00:11:53,559 --> 00:11:55,440 Speaker 1: those are some of the news and notes this week. 246 00:11:55,480 --> 00:11:58,120 Speaker 1: Obviously the injury stuff is is the big news, So 247 00:11:58,240 --> 00:12:01,559 Speaker 1: you know, follow us. You know, Friday for sure, get 248 00:12:01,559 --> 00:12:04,679 Speaker 1: those game designations and Sunday, ninety minutes before football, we'll 249 00:12:04,720 --> 00:12:07,160 Speaker 1: have all the inactives on Detroit Lions dot Com. So 250 00:12:07,440 --> 00:12:09,640 Speaker 1: you know, stay with us for all that stuff. And look, 251 00:12:09,679 --> 00:12:13,000 Speaker 1: stay with us here. We got John Kim from ESPN 252 00:12:13,040 --> 00:12:14,559 Speaker 1: coming up next. He's going to give us a preview 253 00:12:14,640 --> 00:12:17,040 Speaker 1: the Washington Commanders hit. A lot of good stuff there, 254 00:12:17,040 --> 00:12:26,000 Speaker 1: so stay with us. Welcome back to the Twentymen the 255 00:12:26,040 --> 00:12:28,959 Speaker 1: Huddle Podcast. I am joined now by John Kim from 256 00:12:29,240 --> 00:12:31,880 Speaker 1: esp and he does a great job covering the Commanders 257 00:12:31,920 --> 00:12:35,000 Speaker 1: in Washington. And John got to have a pretty good 258 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:37,960 Speaker 1: feeling there in Washington after a week one win over Jacksonville. Right, 259 00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:41,080 Speaker 1: oh yeah, And as you know, like you cover a 260 00:12:41,080 --> 00:12:43,360 Speaker 1: fan base that is desperate for a winner too, and 261 00:12:43,480 --> 00:12:45,560 Speaker 1: I do as well. And I grew up in the 262 00:12:45,559 --> 00:12:48,839 Speaker 1: Cleveland area. I have relatives in Detroit and No Bay 263 00:12:48,960 --> 00:12:51,319 Speaker 1: grew up they grew up in Lavonia. I'm well aware 264 00:12:51,360 --> 00:12:53,480 Speaker 1: of the Lions history and the frustration with the fans. 265 00:12:53,760 --> 00:12:56,319 Speaker 1: So when you have a fan base like that and 266 00:12:56,360 --> 00:12:58,560 Speaker 1: they get off to an opening win, it's always a 267 00:12:58,559 --> 00:13:01,360 Speaker 1: good feeling for them. But I also think it's because 268 00:13:01,360 --> 00:13:03,400 Speaker 1: of the way they did it, and it was the 269 00:13:03,520 --> 00:13:06,480 Speaker 1: offense they showed. That's what I think people really latch 270 00:13:06,520 --> 00:13:10,200 Speaker 1: down to. If Washington had won let's say seventeen fourteen 271 00:13:10,400 --> 00:13:13,320 Speaker 1: kind of an ugby game, then I don't think you 272 00:13:13,440 --> 00:13:16,480 Speaker 1: get the same I don't think you get the same 273 00:13:16,559 --> 00:13:21,439 Speaker 1: level of excitement that you got from this one because 274 00:13:21,679 --> 00:13:24,640 Speaker 1: of the you know, they have a multitude of offensive weapons. 275 00:13:25,040 --> 00:13:27,520 Speaker 1: That's what people latch down to big time, and I 276 00:13:27,520 --> 00:13:29,760 Speaker 1: think that's the fan base, but I also think that's 277 00:13:29,760 --> 00:13:32,320 Speaker 1: the team itself. I think a lot of players, especially 278 00:13:32,320 --> 00:13:34,360 Speaker 1: on the defensive side, of like, hey, this is going 279 00:13:34,400 --> 00:13:37,240 Speaker 1: to be a hard offense to cover, so they just 280 00:13:37,320 --> 00:13:39,599 Speaker 1: have to do their job and give the offense a 281 00:13:39,720 --> 00:13:41,560 Speaker 1: chance to score. But I think it gave them a 282 00:13:41,600 --> 00:13:44,640 Speaker 1: big boost of confidence that what they thought could happen 283 00:13:44,720 --> 00:13:48,240 Speaker 1: did Now, again, it's week one, it was Jacksonville. Jacksonville 284 00:13:48,280 --> 00:13:50,400 Speaker 1: is not exactly coming off a Super Bowl run here, 285 00:13:50,679 --> 00:13:54,080 Speaker 1: so you take that into consideration that how much of 286 00:13:54,080 --> 00:13:56,720 Speaker 1: it was Jacksonville versus how much of it was Hey, 287 00:13:56,720 --> 00:13:59,280 Speaker 1: this is a new era for There's offense. This team 288 00:13:59,320 --> 00:14:03,000 Speaker 1: still has a lot of questions, and as every team does, 289 00:14:03,120 --> 00:14:06,000 Speaker 1: but especially this one, we really don't know yet what 290 00:14:06,000 --> 00:14:08,320 Speaker 1: it means. But I do think what people can see 291 00:14:08,559 --> 00:14:10,719 Speaker 1: is they have better skill talent than they've had in 292 00:14:11,280 --> 00:14:13,720 Speaker 1: a while. Yeah, I'm glad you brought that up, because 293 00:14:13,800 --> 00:14:15,959 Speaker 1: that's the one thing Dan Campbell talked about here. You know, 294 00:14:15,960 --> 00:14:18,199 Speaker 1: it's always been Terry McLaurin, and that was kind of 295 00:14:18,200 --> 00:14:19,600 Speaker 1: the guy you had to worry about. But now you 296 00:14:19,680 --> 00:14:22,440 Speaker 1: got giant dots and you've got Curtis Samuel back, and 297 00:14:22,920 --> 00:14:25,080 Speaker 1: you know Heath's contributing. It looks like you can really 298 00:14:25,080 --> 00:14:27,720 Speaker 1: spread the ball around. Logan Thomas, I'd include in there too, 299 00:14:27,760 --> 00:14:30,560 Speaker 1: And it really looks like Carson Wentz can spread the 300 00:14:30,600 --> 00:14:35,520 Speaker 1: ball around and really create some mismatches there for defenses. Absolutely, 301 00:14:35,520 --> 00:14:37,800 Speaker 1: and what they also do, like there were a couple 302 00:14:37,800 --> 00:14:41,160 Speaker 1: of plays last week where they run Curtis Samuel and 303 00:14:41,240 --> 00:14:43,720 Speaker 1: a jet sweep backs into the right. They'd fake a 304 00:14:43,760 --> 00:14:46,880 Speaker 1: hand off on the same play to Antonio Gibson going 305 00:14:46,920 --> 00:14:49,840 Speaker 1: to the right. The defense crash as hard to that 306 00:14:49,920 --> 00:14:52,360 Speaker 1: side as you would expect, because you have to honor 307 00:14:52,400 --> 00:14:55,800 Speaker 1: Samuel and you have to honor Gibson. The result threw 308 00:14:55,840 --> 00:14:58,320 Speaker 1: it back to a screen to the tight end. Nobody's 309 00:14:58,360 --> 00:15:00,880 Speaker 1: within twenty yards. He gets like twenty yards in the carry, 310 00:15:01,000 --> 00:15:03,280 Speaker 1: so on the run. So they are able to do 311 00:15:03,360 --> 00:15:07,240 Speaker 1: things like that you saw in key situations because of 312 00:15:07,280 --> 00:15:09,880 Speaker 1: what they did with Kurtis Samuel early. You saw it 313 00:15:09,960 --> 00:15:12,480 Speaker 1: open up other plays for others later in the game. 314 00:15:12,800 --> 00:15:15,520 Speaker 1: So I think they have something that they haven't had 315 00:15:15,520 --> 00:15:18,120 Speaker 1: in a while, and we did. Wenz was pretty solid, 316 00:15:18,480 --> 00:15:21,040 Speaker 1: you know. I know he's under the microscope quite heavily 317 00:15:21,480 --> 00:15:23,800 Speaker 1: and quite often, but he did a solid job. And 318 00:15:23,880 --> 00:15:27,560 Speaker 1: what people don't realize is how bad the quarterback play 319 00:15:27,760 --> 00:15:31,560 Speaker 1: here has been. That he has considered a definite upgrade. 320 00:15:31,920 --> 00:15:34,960 Speaker 1: And people can scoff at that all they want, but 321 00:15:35,320 --> 00:15:38,760 Speaker 1: we've seen a parade of really bad quarterbacks here over 322 00:15:38,800 --> 00:15:42,000 Speaker 1: the last four years. Kirk Cousins was the best quarterback 323 00:15:42,040 --> 00:15:44,600 Speaker 1: they've had in the last seven years or so. So 324 00:15:45,080 --> 00:15:47,760 Speaker 1: this is he represents an upgrade, but he has but 325 00:15:47,840 --> 00:15:50,480 Speaker 1: he has and I think but what he really has 326 00:15:50,720 --> 00:15:54,480 Speaker 1: is the ability to use multiple weapons, and I think 327 00:15:54,560 --> 00:15:57,640 Speaker 1: that's a big change for them and for him and 328 00:15:58,040 --> 00:16:00,360 Speaker 1: so but you're right, like they can fool with a 329 00:16:00,360 --> 00:16:03,080 Speaker 1: lot of different actions, and you saw it Sunday. They 330 00:16:03,080 --> 00:16:05,080 Speaker 1: got into a lall they turned the ball over. That's 331 00:16:05,080 --> 00:16:08,360 Speaker 1: a problem. But when they when they're moving, it's because 332 00:16:08,360 --> 00:16:11,560 Speaker 1: they have a diverse set of skill weapons well, we 333 00:16:11,600 --> 00:16:14,280 Speaker 1: know all about the quarterback position being under a microscope 334 00:16:14,280 --> 00:16:19,840 Speaker 1: here with Jared Golf, so um, when it's John Dotson 335 00:16:19,920 --> 00:16:21,960 Speaker 1: the real deal, I mean yeah, I saw a couple 336 00:16:22,000 --> 00:16:24,280 Speaker 1: of touchdown passes for him week one, not a whole 337 00:16:24,320 --> 00:16:27,240 Speaker 1: lot of catches, but the touchdowns are what's important, right John? 338 00:16:27,240 --> 00:16:30,240 Speaker 1: And is he the real deal there? Yes? He is. 339 00:16:30,840 --> 00:16:35,240 Speaker 1: From the time, and I don't usually like they've had. 340 00:16:35,320 --> 00:16:38,800 Speaker 1: It's I've covered plenty of first round picks here who 341 00:16:38,800 --> 00:16:42,160 Speaker 1: you'd say like why, like why was this guy first 342 00:16:42,240 --> 00:16:45,440 Speaker 1: round pick? And you start searching for something that they saw, 343 00:16:45,600 --> 00:16:47,920 Speaker 1: not just this group, and I'm going back, you know, 344 00:16:48,080 --> 00:16:50,240 Speaker 1: years with this team that you'd say like, well, why 345 00:16:50,280 --> 00:16:52,680 Speaker 1: did they pick this guy here? Like they've had with 346 00:16:52,760 --> 00:16:55,080 Speaker 1: some receivers who just they weren't as good, this kid 347 00:16:55,160 --> 00:16:58,200 Speaker 1: is really good and you could from the time he 348 00:16:58,360 --> 00:17:02,720 Speaker 1: got here in OTA's through training camp, nothing has looked 349 00:17:03,200 --> 00:17:06,159 Speaker 1: off for him. So I do think he's a real deal. 350 00:17:06,160 --> 00:17:09,600 Speaker 1: Of fact, I was talking to someone yesterday who knows football, 351 00:17:09,640 --> 00:17:12,639 Speaker 1: who played the game, who watches film, does this, and 352 00:17:12,680 --> 00:17:14,439 Speaker 1: he's and he even asked me, goes, who do you 353 00:17:14,480 --> 00:17:17,600 Speaker 1: think defenses are probably most afraid of? On that offense, 354 00:17:18,119 --> 00:17:20,360 Speaker 1: and I'm like, well, I know what he's gonna say, 355 00:17:20,440 --> 00:17:23,240 Speaker 1: and it was Johan Dotson because he is a mature 356 00:17:23,400 --> 00:17:26,760 Speaker 1: route runner and he has quickness and speed. And Terry 357 00:17:26,800 --> 00:17:29,760 Speaker 1: McLaurin is an excellent receiver. Curtis Samuel is a dangerous 358 00:17:29,760 --> 00:17:33,600 Speaker 1: guy underneath, different style of receiver. But Johan Dotson could 359 00:17:33,640 --> 00:17:35,320 Speaker 1: be a guy. And now the only question with him 360 00:17:35,400 --> 00:17:37,680 Speaker 1: is his size. He is a small guy. You see 361 00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:39,719 Speaker 1: how the Lions corners like to try and beat up 362 00:17:39,720 --> 00:17:43,000 Speaker 1: the receivers off the line, very physical kind of like that. 363 00:17:44,240 --> 00:17:46,800 Speaker 1: But he is quick and he is a really good 364 00:17:46,920 --> 00:17:49,120 Speaker 1: route runner. So yes, I do think he's a real deal. 365 00:17:49,320 --> 00:17:51,520 Speaker 1: The question will be how they can spread the ball 366 00:17:51,560 --> 00:17:53,760 Speaker 1: around and you know, because you know, will he get 367 00:17:53,760 --> 00:17:55,840 Speaker 1: as many targets because you do have a lot of 368 00:17:55,840 --> 00:17:58,879 Speaker 1: other options. But I do think he's legit. On the 369 00:17:58,920 --> 00:18:02,080 Speaker 1: two touchdowns he had. The first one freezes the corner 370 00:18:02,160 --> 00:18:04,800 Speaker 1: with a nice little route you stem to the outside, 371 00:18:04,840 --> 00:18:09,800 Speaker 1: cuts back inside, creates separation. The second touchdown he runs 372 00:18:09,800 --> 00:18:12,280 Speaker 1: an out and up corner bites gets up there, ball 373 00:18:12,359 --> 00:18:15,199 Speaker 1: is slightly under throne. The defender is kind of in 374 00:18:15,200 --> 00:18:17,440 Speaker 1: his face and obstructing him, but he hates us. He 375 00:18:17,520 --> 00:18:20,760 Speaker 1: may he adjusted the ball, makes a lunging, diving grab 376 00:18:21,000 --> 00:18:23,160 Speaker 1: and you know, so he does those kind of things. 377 00:18:23,160 --> 00:18:25,320 Speaker 1: So yes, I think he's the real deal, you know, 378 00:18:25,359 --> 00:18:27,600 Speaker 1: switching to the other side of the ball. That defensive lines, 379 00:18:27,640 --> 00:18:30,119 Speaker 1: that still the strength of this defense. I know the 380 00:18:30,160 --> 00:18:32,120 Speaker 1: Lions have talked a lot about that hub They've got 381 00:18:32,119 --> 00:18:34,280 Speaker 1: to be really strong upfront against Alan Sweat and the 382 00:18:34,280 --> 00:18:37,200 Speaker 1: rest of those guys up front. Yes, it is the strength. Now, 383 00:18:37,320 --> 00:18:41,080 Speaker 1: I think this defense is fairly ordinary. So the back, 384 00:18:41,200 --> 00:18:44,080 Speaker 1: I don't think this back the back seven and coverage 385 00:18:44,160 --> 00:18:46,480 Speaker 1: was not very good. And I think that's gonna be 386 00:18:46,560 --> 00:18:49,080 Speaker 1: something to watch, especially against DeAndre Swift. You get him 387 00:18:49,080 --> 00:18:50,919 Speaker 1: in the open field, I think it's going to be 388 00:18:51,600 --> 00:18:53,639 Speaker 1: you know, you've got to be able to get a 389 00:18:53,680 --> 00:18:55,760 Speaker 1: couple of people around him because he makes guys miss. 390 00:18:56,200 --> 00:18:59,239 Speaker 1: And but that said, so my point is it's not 391 00:18:59,280 --> 00:19:02,960 Speaker 1: like there's this great, great talent behind them. But yes, 392 00:19:03,200 --> 00:19:06,280 Speaker 1: it's a very good defensive line. And I thought one 393 00:19:06,280 --> 00:19:08,919 Speaker 1: of the things they did better the other day was 394 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:11,920 Speaker 1: one issue that they had last year was they would 395 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:14,080 Speaker 1: have like you'd watched the game to say, oh, well, 396 00:19:14,080 --> 00:19:15,719 Speaker 1: so and so and so and so and so and 397 00:19:15,760 --> 00:19:18,200 Speaker 1: so each looked like they had a pretty good game, 398 00:19:18,800 --> 00:19:22,000 Speaker 1: but it was all individual. It wasn't coordinated, it wasn't together. 399 00:19:22,320 --> 00:19:24,800 Speaker 1: And I saw what I saw more of on Sunday 400 00:19:25,320 --> 00:19:28,400 Speaker 1: was a better job playing together. So on the stunts, 401 00:19:28,720 --> 00:19:32,120 Speaker 1: more coordinated, more willing to give yourself up reading off 402 00:19:32,200 --> 00:19:34,879 Speaker 1: one guy. You see, there was one sack that dron 403 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:37,960 Speaker 1: Paine had that was basically it looks like a stunt, 404 00:19:38,040 --> 00:19:41,840 Speaker 1: but it was really unplanned. So Pain goes inside, Alan 405 00:19:41,920 --> 00:19:44,960 Speaker 1: reads it and circles around the other way, but it more. 406 00:19:45,560 --> 00:19:47,840 Speaker 1: Alan doesn't make the play, but he closes a gap 407 00:19:47,880 --> 00:19:50,560 Speaker 1: for the quarterback and Pain gets the sack. So they 408 00:19:50,560 --> 00:19:52,679 Speaker 1: are dangerous. And I think that's where you have to watch, 409 00:19:52,760 --> 00:19:55,760 Speaker 1: is with them in the middle against that line's interior. 410 00:19:55,800 --> 00:19:58,080 Speaker 1: I think that's the big match up there. Yeah. I 411 00:19:58,119 --> 00:19:59,520 Speaker 1: think that's a good point by you because we always 412 00:19:59,560 --> 00:20:02,200 Speaker 1: talk about together the offensive line has to be right 413 00:20:02,240 --> 00:20:04,199 Speaker 1: and it's you know, five guys playing at one. But 414 00:20:04,240 --> 00:20:06,320 Speaker 1: I think the same thing applies for defense, especially when 415 00:20:06,320 --> 00:20:08,280 Speaker 1: you're playing some of those games and some of those stunts. 416 00:20:08,320 --> 00:20:11,439 Speaker 1: And I think really good defensive lines are those lines 417 00:20:11,480 --> 00:20:13,359 Speaker 1: that play together and play off each other. So I 418 00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:15,119 Speaker 1: think that's a great point by you, something the lines 419 00:20:15,160 --> 00:20:17,520 Speaker 1: definitely have to look out for and look that interior 420 00:20:17,520 --> 00:20:19,439 Speaker 1: of their old line. Frank rag Now is dealing with 421 00:20:19,480 --> 00:20:22,960 Speaker 1: a groin injury. They're obviously missing big V at right guard, 422 00:20:23,040 --> 00:20:24,879 Speaker 1: so that'll be an area. I think that's that's a 423 00:20:24,960 --> 00:20:27,720 Speaker 1: key matchup. Is there anything else? What's what's maybe you 424 00:20:27,800 --> 00:20:30,560 Speaker 1: looking at as a key matchup heading into this week 425 00:20:30,600 --> 00:20:33,359 Speaker 1: for you guys, I think how the linebackers play against 426 00:20:33,359 --> 00:20:36,639 Speaker 1: DeAndre Swift has to be a big key because you 427 00:20:36,720 --> 00:20:39,159 Speaker 1: watch what the Eagles did and I really liked how 428 00:20:39,200 --> 00:20:41,280 Speaker 1: the lines did a nice job of getting him in 429 00:20:41,400 --> 00:20:43,800 Speaker 1: space and there were a lot of times like I 430 00:20:43,840 --> 00:20:45,680 Speaker 1: haven't gone back and added this up, but to see 431 00:20:45,720 --> 00:20:49,280 Speaker 1: how many yards he got before contact, I mean the NFL, 432 00:20:49,960 --> 00:20:52,200 Speaker 1: oh it was it was like he had some of them. 433 00:20:52,240 --> 00:20:55,440 Speaker 1: I'm here to how explosive and he is explosive, but 434 00:20:55,680 --> 00:20:58,439 Speaker 1: they created those gaps for him. I mean, it was 435 00:20:58,480 --> 00:21:00,760 Speaker 1: a really good job and it was it's fun to 436 00:21:00,800 --> 00:21:03,440 Speaker 1: watch because like you just see him, like you try, 437 00:21:03,520 --> 00:21:05,320 Speaker 1: why is he able to get? Why they what are 438 00:21:05,320 --> 00:21:07,000 Speaker 1: they able to do here? And they did a really 439 00:21:07,080 --> 00:21:09,560 Speaker 1: nice job getting guys up the field but I also 440 00:21:09,640 --> 00:21:12,560 Speaker 1: felt like they got the Eagles linebackers to kind of 441 00:21:12,600 --> 00:21:16,119 Speaker 1: just read or hesitate too much, and I think so. 442 00:21:16,200 --> 00:21:18,760 Speaker 1: I think a big key here is for Washington's linebackers 443 00:21:18,960 --> 00:21:21,920 Speaker 1: to attack the line a little bit more and force 444 00:21:22,040 --> 00:21:24,600 Speaker 1: him to cut right back, get the double teams off, 445 00:21:24,800 --> 00:21:27,200 Speaker 1: force him to cut right back into help right away, 446 00:21:27,400 --> 00:21:29,520 Speaker 1: and do that, and then I think in the past 447 00:21:29,560 --> 00:21:33,120 Speaker 1: game something to watch will be do they stick. They 448 00:21:33,160 --> 00:21:36,760 Speaker 1: had their talk about first round picks jam And Davis 449 00:21:36,840 --> 00:21:39,840 Speaker 1: last year was the nineteenth overall pick. As linebacker, he 450 00:21:39,960 --> 00:21:42,840 Speaker 1: got put in some tough situations and coverage last week 451 00:21:43,320 --> 00:21:46,320 Speaker 1: against the Jaguars against Christian Kirk, a slot receiver, it's 452 00:21:46,320 --> 00:21:50,040 Speaker 1: a mismatch. They didn't have Cam Curl, the safety, so 453 00:21:50,119 --> 00:21:52,239 Speaker 1: and Curl is really good. So what they can do 454 00:21:52,320 --> 00:21:55,160 Speaker 1: this week is insert if Curl is able to play, 455 00:21:55,200 --> 00:21:57,320 Speaker 1: he's got a hand injury or a thumb injury. If 456 00:21:57,359 --> 00:21:59,600 Speaker 1: he's able to play, you can put him. And that 457 00:21:59,720 --> 00:22:02,640 Speaker 1: was bridges and take out the linebacker and create a 458 00:22:02,680 --> 00:22:05,040 Speaker 1: better situation for the defense. But I do think it 459 00:22:05,119 --> 00:22:08,639 Speaker 1: starts with the linebackers be aggressive getting to the ball 460 00:22:08,960 --> 00:22:12,080 Speaker 1: and don't let Swift get to that second level and 461 00:22:12,200 --> 00:22:15,760 Speaker 1: a lot. No, I didn't mean to cut you off there. 462 00:22:15,800 --> 00:22:18,960 Speaker 1: I just what is Ron Rivera and those players talking 463 00:22:19,000 --> 00:22:21,159 Speaker 1: about this week as kind of keys for them or 464 00:22:21,200 --> 00:22:24,760 Speaker 1: what they expect from Detroit or what they're anticipating. Well, 465 00:22:25,359 --> 00:22:29,080 Speaker 1: you know, I think, again Swift, it's it's stopping him. 466 00:22:29,119 --> 00:22:31,200 Speaker 1: And I know I think they you know, you can't 467 00:22:31,280 --> 00:22:33,760 Speaker 1: let him run wild. And so I think what I 468 00:22:33,840 --> 00:22:35,640 Speaker 1: just said is probably a lot of what they would 469 00:22:35,640 --> 00:22:37,760 Speaker 1: just say. I mean, we've talked a little bit about 470 00:22:37,800 --> 00:22:41,000 Speaker 1: the matchup today on Thursdays the day where we get 471 00:22:41,000 --> 00:22:43,439 Speaker 1: into it even more and you know, we get the 472 00:22:43,560 --> 00:22:45,800 Speaker 1: We talked to the coordinators today, talk to more players, 473 00:22:46,200 --> 00:22:48,680 Speaker 1: and I think, you know, I think beating for the receivers, 474 00:22:48,720 --> 00:22:51,240 Speaker 1: it's going to be beating that press man that they 475 00:22:51,240 --> 00:22:53,720 Speaker 1: did not see that much. Last week. The lines played 476 00:22:53,720 --> 00:22:55,960 Speaker 1: a lot, so beating the press man will be a 477 00:22:56,000 --> 00:22:59,840 Speaker 1: big deal for them, and um, you know, haven't a 478 00:22:59,840 --> 00:23:02,199 Speaker 1: lot will send some pressure do you handle that. They 479 00:23:02,240 --> 00:23:04,280 Speaker 1: did a good job with that last week. And I 480 00:23:04,520 --> 00:23:07,040 Speaker 1: but again, I think a lot of it offensively comes 481 00:23:07,080 --> 00:23:12,000 Speaker 1: back to stopping Swift. Well, John great stuff. Obviously a 482 00:23:12,080 --> 00:23:14,560 Speaker 1: huge game for Detroit to try to get to five hundred. 483 00:23:14,600 --> 00:23:16,280 Speaker 1: I know Washington's tried to go to two and oh 484 00:23:16,359 --> 00:23:18,040 Speaker 1: for the first time in a while and kind of 485 00:23:18,119 --> 00:23:21,000 Speaker 1: keep that momentum going from week one. So it's a 486 00:23:21,040 --> 00:23:23,280 Speaker 1: big week for each team. It should be a fun, 487 00:23:23,280 --> 00:23:27,560 Speaker 1: offensive type matchup. Detroit scored, you know, thirty five on Philly. 488 00:23:27,600 --> 00:23:29,800 Speaker 1: That's a pretty good defense over there. Obviously Wentz and 489 00:23:29,880 --> 00:23:32,520 Speaker 1: that passing game was terrific, So it should be fun. 490 00:23:32,640 --> 00:23:34,880 Speaker 1: Make sure you stop by and say hello and safe 491 00:23:34,920 --> 00:23:37,520 Speaker 1: travels to Detroit. My friend, Hey, thanks for having me on. 492 00:23:37,680 --> 00:23:46,960 Speaker 1: Enjoyed it. Man, all right, thanks John. Welcome back to 493 00:23:46,960 --> 00:23:49,399 Speaker 1: the Twentyman in the Huddle podcast, and I am joined 494 00:23:49,400 --> 00:23:53,760 Speaker 1: by a special guest, rookie linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. Welcome to 495 00:23:53,800 --> 00:23:55,520 Speaker 1: the pot. Yeah, I appreciate you. I appreciate you having 496 00:23:55,520 --> 00:23:59,280 Speaker 1: me on the podcast. Now, what happened here? Yeah, you know, 497 00:23:59,359 --> 00:24:01,919 Speaker 1: I went I guess I went out with the guys 498 00:24:01,960 --> 00:24:03,600 Speaker 1: and you know that got me into No. I'm just 499 00:24:04,280 --> 00:24:05,879 Speaker 1: it was one of those things where you know, I 500 00:24:05,960 --> 00:24:08,199 Speaker 1: kind of inflicted it on myself with my helmet and 501 00:24:08,240 --> 00:24:11,520 Speaker 1: my visor, so I hit someone and you know, visor 502 00:24:11,600 --> 00:24:14,040 Speaker 1: hit back, Advisor hit back. Yeah, but we were talking 503 00:24:14,080 --> 00:24:15,520 Speaker 1: about it on the way up here too. You've always 504 00:24:15,520 --> 00:24:17,399 Speaker 1: played with advisor, right, You just always played with the 505 00:24:17,480 --> 00:24:21,320 Speaker 1: visor and keeping out of eyes. Yeah, fingers out of 506 00:24:21,320 --> 00:24:23,200 Speaker 1: eyes from line and all, all of a sudden, now 507 00:24:23,240 --> 00:24:25,840 Speaker 1: it's kind of trying to retaliate on me. So I 508 00:24:25,880 --> 00:24:27,679 Speaker 1: kind of got to take advisor back off and just 509 00:24:27,760 --> 00:24:30,360 Speaker 1: got without advisor. Now it's gonna be non advisors. Yeah, 510 00:24:30,400 --> 00:24:33,360 Speaker 1: non advisor. We'll getting used to him. Yeah, they'll get 511 00:24:33,480 --> 00:24:35,639 Speaker 1: they'll get used to then, you know. All right, So 512 00:24:35,680 --> 00:24:38,080 Speaker 1: I want to talk about Sunday, you know, and you know, 513 00:24:38,119 --> 00:24:41,840 Speaker 1: obviously you've had a terrific offseason, a terrific training camp, 514 00:24:41,880 --> 00:24:44,439 Speaker 1: earned your way up to us, you know, starting spotting 515 00:24:44,440 --> 00:24:47,800 Speaker 1: a key role on this defense. What was that like Sunday? 516 00:24:47,960 --> 00:24:50,679 Speaker 1: Just getting ready in that tunnel and listening to that 517 00:24:50,760 --> 00:24:54,400 Speaker 1: crowd and that was a sellout first NFL game? Just 518 00:24:54,480 --> 00:24:56,720 Speaker 1: what was that experience like for you? A little bit everywhere, 519 00:24:56,840 --> 00:25:00,440 Speaker 1: you know, nerves or through the roof cry like you said, 520 00:25:00,440 --> 00:25:02,040 Speaker 1: the crowd was electric and you know, it was loud. 521 00:25:02,080 --> 00:25:04,480 Speaker 1: I was like, oh my gosh, I'm here now. So 522 00:25:04,560 --> 00:25:07,040 Speaker 1: it's like first NFL game and you know, ever since 523 00:25:07,080 --> 00:25:09,320 Speaker 1: I was growing up, you know, being in that stadium, 524 00:25:09,640 --> 00:25:11,800 Speaker 1: being an NFL stadium, I mean it was a dream 525 00:25:11,840 --> 00:25:14,280 Speaker 1: come true. So just to be able to, you know, 526 00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:16,480 Speaker 1: play my first NFL game was awesome. You know, I 527 00:25:16,520 --> 00:25:18,880 Speaker 1: had a great time. I wish we would have won. 528 00:25:19,040 --> 00:25:21,159 Speaker 1: You know, there's some things we missed out on. So 529 00:25:21,160 --> 00:25:22,359 Speaker 1: it's one of those things where you just got to 530 00:25:22,400 --> 00:25:25,000 Speaker 1: keep improving each week. But you know your performance too, 531 00:25:25,200 --> 00:25:28,600 Speaker 1: you know, six tackles, a tackle for loss and probably 532 00:25:28,640 --> 00:25:30,760 Speaker 1: the most the biggest thing what Dan Campbell said this 533 00:25:30,840 --> 00:25:33,480 Speaker 1: week is no MS, no miss assignments, right and for 534 00:25:33,520 --> 00:25:36,120 Speaker 1: a rookie guy in his first start. When you went 535 00:25:36,160 --> 00:25:38,000 Speaker 1: back and looked at it on Monday, what did you 536 00:25:38,040 --> 00:25:40,280 Speaker 1: think of the performance? No, there's definitely some plays and 537 00:25:40,320 --> 00:25:41,879 Speaker 1: you know, I wish I would have got back, you know, 538 00:25:42,040 --> 00:25:44,440 Speaker 1: coach Campbell said that some plays I could have got 539 00:25:44,480 --> 00:25:46,399 Speaker 1: in a little bit more on, And just one of 540 00:25:46,400 --> 00:25:48,600 Speaker 1: those things where you know, I take my work serious. 541 00:25:48,640 --> 00:25:51,080 Speaker 1: You know, no m a's you know, it's it's a 542 00:25:51,080 --> 00:25:53,639 Speaker 1: big thing for me. But also you know, I always 543 00:25:54,000 --> 00:25:58,080 Speaker 1: look to critique myself and I try to improve each week. 544 00:25:58,960 --> 00:26:01,320 Speaker 1: And then I have to ask because I'd be remiss 545 00:26:01,320 --> 00:26:03,360 Speaker 1: if I didn't do the pre game outfit. What were 546 00:26:03,400 --> 00:26:08,119 Speaker 1: those boots? So those boots were Python boots plugging somebody 547 00:26:08,119 --> 00:26:11,320 Speaker 1: here Python boots, right, So no, I'm a big I 548 00:26:11,400 --> 00:26:13,719 Speaker 1: like some boots. I actually got some crocodile ones the 549 00:26:13,720 --> 00:26:16,080 Speaker 1: other day, so we might have to bring those out. 550 00:26:16,240 --> 00:26:18,560 Speaker 1: So your pre game outfit game is gonna be pretty strong. Yeah, 551 00:26:18,600 --> 00:26:20,720 Speaker 1: so I like a little you know, little cowboyfriend. I 552 00:26:20,800 --> 00:26:23,520 Speaker 1: like them. And we saw it comfortable. It's comfortable too, man. 553 00:26:23,640 --> 00:26:25,600 Speaker 1: If we saw that from Hard Knocks obviously, And I 554 00:26:25,600 --> 00:26:27,440 Speaker 1: wanted to ask you about Hard Knocks obviously you became 555 00:26:27,800 --> 00:26:30,120 Speaker 1: one of the stars of that show. I'm just curious. 556 00:26:30,440 --> 00:26:32,560 Speaker 1: Did you watch it for one? Did you kind of 557 00:26:32,560 --> 00:26:34,240 Speaker 1: fit it in? And what did you think of that 558 00:26:34,240 --> 00:26:36,879 Speaker 1: whole experience? It was a good experience, you know Hard Knocks. 559 00:26:36,920 --> 00:26:39,119 Speaker 1: They were everyone was awesome. You know. I like the 560 00:26:39,119 --> 00:26:41,199 Speaker 1: way how they worked. They weren't like always like nagging 561 00:26:41,240 --> 00:26:43,600 Speaker 1: you in your way, so they everyone was so you know, 562 00:26:43,720 --> 00:26:46,000 Speaker 1: friendly on that staff. And yeah, I watched it. I 563 00:26:46,040 --> 00:26:47,440 Speaker 1: sent it to my family, you know, they sent the 564 00:26:47,520 --> 00:26:49,320 Speaker 1: link out and you know, I sent it back to 565 00:26:49,359 --> 00:26:51,080 Speaker 1: my family so they could watch it because you know, 566 00:26:51,080 --> 00:26:53,080 Speaker 1: they got work in the one and so I wanted to, 567 00:26:53,240 --> 00:26:54,959 Speaker 1: you know, get push it to them early so they 568 00:26:54,960 --> 00:26:56,720 Speaker 1: can get some sleep. So you know, they were just 569 00:26:57,640 --> 00:27:00,000 Speaker 1: laughing and everything, and they loved how Hard Knocks kind. 570 00:27:00,000 --> 00:27:01,879 Speaker 1: I flew them out to Pittsbury that one week and 571 00:27:01,920 --> 00:27:04,919 Speaker 1: so right we we Hard Knocks was good to us 572 00:27:04,960 --> 00:27:07,359 Speaker 1: and my family. Or get back to football. What was 573 00:27:07,400 --> 00:27:10,120 Speaker 1: Aaron Glenn's message to you guys in that defensive meeting 574 00:27:10,200 --> 00:27:13,160 Speaker 1: room after you guys watch that tape on Monday? He said, 575 00:27:13,160 --> 00:27:15,040 Speaker 1: we just gotta clean up the little stuff. He said, 576 00:27:15,119 --> 00:27:17,760 Speaker 1: keep being aggressive. We're gonna, you know, throw their punches. 577 00:27:17,760 --> 00:27:19,600 Speaker 1: We're gonna throw their punches. You know, it's gonna be 578 00:27:19,600 --> 00:27:21,680 Speaker 1: one it's gonna be a dog fight each play. So 579 00:27:21,720 --> 00:27:23,560 Speaker 1: it's just one of those things where we just do 580 00:27:23,680 --> 00:27:26,160 Speaker 1: our job, do you know, do the little stuff? He said, 581 00:27:26,160 --> 00:27:28,040 Speaker 1: don't even overthink it, he said, just do your job, 582 00:27:28,040 --> 00:27:29,959 Speaker 1: will be fine. Is that encouraging then to look at 583 00:27:30,000 --> 00:27:31,960 Speaker 1: the tape and know that, you know, some of the 584 00:27:32,000 --> 00:27:34,359 Speaker 1: stuff was self inflicted. It's one thing, right if you're 585 00:27:34,359 --> 00:27:37,040 Speaker 1: getting beat man and man, or if you're just you know, 586 00:27:37,160 --> 00:27:39,639 Speaker 1: someone's you know, more physical than you are. But that 587 00:27:39,680 --> 00:27:42,520 Speaker 1: didn't seem like the case on Sunday, it seemed like, 588 00:27:42,560 --> 00:27:44,800 Speaker 1: just like like you said, just some things that you 589 00:27:44,840 --> 00:27:47,280 Speaker 1: guys can clean up, lad you guys being too aggressive, 590 00:27:47,280 --> 00:27:49,399 Speaker 1: not assignment sound, things of that exactly. It's just one 591 00:27:49,400 --> 00:27:51,880 Speaker 1: of those things where you know, you just gotta okay, yeah, 592 00:27:51,880 --> 00:27:53,480 Speaker 1: I know it's the first game. You know, first game, 593 00:27:53,480 --> 00:27:55,119 Speaker 1: you're gonna go out there electric. But at the end 594 00:27:55,160 --> 00:27:57,000 Speaker 1: of the day, just do your job. I mean, just 595 00:27:57,080 --> 00:27:59,600 Speaker 1: do teach the technique, Like do the technique. We've you know, 596 00:27:59,640 --> 00:28:01,880 Speaker 1: taught you this whole camp, this whole time and camp 597 00:28:01,920 --> 00:28:03,160 Speaker 1: and all that. So it's just one of those things 598 00:28:03,200 --> 00:28:05,600 Speaker 1: where we're just gonna go back to the basics and uh, 599 00:28:05,840 --> 00:28:07,800 Speaker 1: just do your job. That's your message to the job. 600 00:28:07,880 --> 00:28:11,360 Speaker 1: So obviously, you know, a different challenge this week with Washington. 601 00:28:11,440 --> 00:28:14,560 Speaker 1: What jumped out about them when you threw the tape on. 602 00:28:14,800 --> 00:28:17,760 Speaker 1: So they got they got some fast receivers, fast running backs. 603 00:28:17,760 --> 00:28:20,040 Speaker 1: You know, they're they're pretty quick on the ends, and 604 00:28:20,640 --> 00:28:22,480 Speaker 1: old line. They got a couple of good old line guys, 605 00:28:22,520 --> 00:28:24,639 Speaker 1: and they like to go lateral with the ball a lot, 606 00:28:25,040 --> 00:28:28,119 Speaker 1: and so they try to get us linebackers stepping lateral 607 00:28:28,200 --> 00:28:30,000 Speaker 1: rather than downhill. So it's just one of those things 608 00:28:30,040 --> 00:28:32,399 Speaker 1: where we gotta be aggressive like we've been taught and 609 00:28:32,480 --> 00:28:35,600 Speaker 1: just go downhill and help out our d line. How 610 00:28:35,640 --> 00:28:38,360 Speaker 1: much more important is it this week to be assignment 611 00:28:38,400 --> 00:28:40,360 Speaker 1: sound With some of the eye candy and some of 612 00:28:40,400 --> 00:28:42,959 Speaker 1: the pre snap stuff they do. It seems like they 613 00:28:43,120 --> 00:28:45,960 Speaker 1: really try, especially from the linebackers position, to to move 614 00:28:46,000 --> 00:28:47,760 Speaker 1: you guys, or at least move your eyes and then 615 00:28:47,800 --> 00:28:49,800 Speaker 1: they'll just run a simple zone. They'll do a lot 616 00:28:49,800 --> 00:28:51,640 Speaker 1: of stuff to maybe just do some simple stuff. Is 617 00:28:51,680 --> 00:28:53,280 Speaker 1: am I correcting? Yeah? Yeah, And they do a lot 618 00:28:53,280 --> 00:28:55,120 Speaker 1: of you like I candy turbo, you know, try to 619 00:28:55,120 --> 00:28:57,080 Speaker 1: get you know, linebackers out of their positions. So it's 620 00:28:57,080 --> 00:28:58,760 Speaker 1: just one of those things where you know, we've got 621 00:28:58,760 --> 00:29:00,800 Speaker 1: to be sounding and you know those key areas and 622 00:29:00,880 --> 00:29:03,040 Speaker 1: just like I said, fitting the run downhill, you know, 623 00:29:03,120 --> 00:29:05,480 Speaker 1: letting the back in, you know, work on the turbos 624 00:29:05,480 --> 00:29:08,080 Speaker 1: and everything and linebackers stopping the run. So it's just 625 00:29:08,080 --> 00:29:09,360 Speaker 1: one of those things just doing your job at the 626 00:29:09,440 --> 00:29:12,360 Speaker 1: end of the day. How how much of a benefit 627 00:29:12,520 --> 00:29:15,880 Speaker 1: is that crowd when it's roaring like that, Oh, it's awesome. 628 00:29:15,960 --> 00:29:18,200 Speaker 1: I mean it's one of those things where the offense 629 00:29:18,320 --> 00:29:20,640 Speaker 1: can't hear the quarterback, you know, delay a game or 630 00:29:20,680 --> 00:29:23,400 Speaker 1: could you know fall start. So now the crowd is awesome, 631 00:29:23,440 --> 00:29:25,360 Speaker 1: and you know they're they're all in tune, they're all 632 00:29:25,360 --> 00:29:27,080 Speaker 1: into it, and so it just kind of feeds us 633 00:29:27,080 --> 00:29:29,440 Speaker 1: as players too, and you know we kind of live 634 00:29:29,480 --> 00:29:31,040 Speaker 1: for those moments and how big is it them to 635 00:29:31,120 --> 00:29:37,120 Speaker 1: get a win for that crowd too. It's awesome exactly, 636 00:29:37,200 --> 00:29:39,640 Speaker 1: you know, especially in Detroit, man, I mean it's a big, 637 00:29:39,720 --> 00:29:42,000 Speaker 1: big sports city here, So it's one of those things. 638 00:29:42,080 --> 00:29:43,840 Speaker 1: You keep winning, you know, the crowd is going to 639 00:29:43,880 --> 00:29:46,800 Speaker 1: be into it each and every game. Well, it was 640 00:29:46,800 --> 00:29:49,520 Speaker 1: a great debut. It's been great watching you come here, 641 00:29:49,840 --> 00:29:52,160 Speaker 1: put your head down, do all the right things, work 642 00:29:52,200 --> 00:29:55,120 Speaker 1: your way into a into a starting and key role, 643 00:29:55,160 --> 00:29:59,400 Speaker 1: and I um, you just expected to just keep getting Yeah, 644 00:29:59,400 --> 00:30:02,560 Speaker 1: how much is that experience a real thing? And just 645 00:30:02,760 --> 00:30:04,600 Speaker 1: the game slowing down as they say, Yeah, it's one 646 00:30:04,640 --> 00:30:05,840 Speaker 1: of those things where you know a lot of film 647 00:30:05,880 --> 00:30:07,840 Speaker 1: study goes into it, and you know, coach Shep and 648 00:30:07,880 --> 00:30:10,360 Speaker 1: Alex and you know Odor guys like that, like, hey man, 649 00:30:10,400 --> 00:30:12,720 Speaker 1: it's just you know, first game. Just keep stacking your chips, 650 00:30:12,720 --> 00:30:16,120 Speaker 1: you know, just keep working, bettering yourself critiquing yourself. So 651 00:30:16,160 --> 00:30:18,160 Speaker 1: it's one of those things I come to work every 652 00:30:18,240 --> 00:30:19,880 Speaker 1: day and just you know, I just try to improve 653 00:30:19,880 --> 00:30:22,360 Speaker 1: myself each and every day. Is this also a staple now? 654 00:30:22,520 --> 00:30:25,160 Speaker 1: So it's also staple. I got a couple other Sellers'll 655 00:30:25,200 --> 00:30:27,680 Speaker 1: get somebody with the You gotta get into with somebody 656 00:30:27,680 --> 00:30:30,640 Speaker 1: in the stadium, right yeah, coordinate that the music comes 657 00:30:30,680 --> 00:30:33,800 Speaker 1: on when we've got to work on that. I gotta 658 00:30:33,840 --> 00:30:35,800 Speaker 1: work with the broadcasters or something like that. Get a 659 00:30:35,800 --> 00:30:38,600 Speaker 1: little salsa dance or something like that. But it's fun 660 00:30:38,640 --> 00:30:41,040 Speaker 1: and you're bringing some excitement to the defense. It's fun 661 00:30:41,080 --> 00:30:42,880 Speaker 1: to watch your play. Keep doing your thing, and thanks 662 00:30:42,880 --> 00:30:45,440 Speaker 1: for coming on. Appreciate you, yes, thank you for having me. 663 00:30:52,440 --> 00:30:55,360 Speaker 1: Great stuff right there. Now we go into our matchup 664 00:30:55,440 --> 00:30:59,920 Speaker 1: segment presented by MGM, and you know it's a segment 665 00:31:00,000 --> 00:31:02,320 Speaker 1: every week we take a look at five matchups that 666 00:31:02,320 --> 00:31:05,480 Speaker 1: that I think are key to this week into success 667 00:31:06,040 --> 00:31:08,240 Speaker 1: for the Detroit Lions. And I'm gonna start with with 668 00:31:08,600 --> 00:31:11,000 Speaker 1: kind of an interesting when it's not player at a player, 669 00:31:11,040 --> 00:31:13,800 Speaker 1: but to me it's Carson Wentz first, Aaron Glenn, the 670 00:31:13,840 --> 00:31:16,160 Speaker 1: defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, and why I think 671 00:31:16,200 --> 00:31:19,400 Speaker 1: that's keys. Carson's a veteran guy, right, and he's coming 672 00:31:19,440 --> 00:31:22,680 Speaker 1: off a week last week where he threw four touchdowns, um. 673 00:31:22,840 --> 00:31:25,920 Speaker 1: You know, and and you know that offense was humming 674 00:31:25,960 --> 00:31:28,880 Speaker 1: in terms of their pass game. UM. But you know, 675 00:31:29,520 --> 00:31:33,040 Speaker 1: Carson has a propensity to throw interceptions. Like a few 676 00:31:33,120 --> 00:31:35,960 Speaker 1: years ago it was, you know, sixteen touchdowns and fifteen 677 00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:38,920 Speaker 1: interceptions for him. He was much better last year with 678 00:31:39,080 --> 00:31:42,200 Speaker 1: Indie UM. But again last week, you know, had a 679 00:31:42,200 --> 00:31:45,120 Speaker 1: couple of interceptions and and you know he'll throw him 680 00:31:45,160 --> 00:31:46,520 Speaker 1: to you. You know, he's a guy who likes to 681 00:31:46,560 --> 00:31:49,680 Speaker 1: stand back there, scan the field and throw the ball 682 00:31:49,720 --> 00:31:53,480 Speaker 1: down the field. And if you're in a position, um, 683 00:31:53,640 --> 00:31:56,320 Speaker 1: you know, to make those plays, you know he'll give 684 00:31:56,360 --> 00:31:57,840 Speaker 1: them to you. And so that's why, you know, I 685 00:31:57,880 --> 00:31:59,840 Speaker 1: think for the Aaron Glenn can he put his guys 686 00:32:00,080 --> 00:32:02,800 Speaker 1: in the right matchups, in the good positions to force 687 00:32:02,880 --> 00:32:06,800 Speaker 1: turnovers at A really interesting statistic for the Detroit Lions. 688 00:32:06,960 --> 00:32:09,840 Speaker 1: Through three preseason games and one regular season game, they 689 00:32:09,840 --> 00:32:13,400 Speaker 1: have not forced a turnover yet. That's pretty amazing to 690 00:32:13,440 --> 00:32:15,560 Speaker 1: think about, you especially when you talk about preseason and 691 00:32:15,600 --> 00:32:17,520 Speaker 1: some of the quarterbacks that you face and get down 692 00:32:17,560 --> 00:32:20,480 Speaker 1: the bottom of the roster, but no turnovers for this 693 00:32:20,560 --> 00:32:23,400 Speaker 1: Lions team. So, you know, obviously we talked about turnovers 694 00:32:23,400 --> 00:32:26,240 Speaker 1: being so key to winning and losing in the NFL. 695 00:32:26,440 --> 00:32:29,360 Speaker 1: Can Aaron Glenn um, you know, put his guys in 696 00:32:29,440 --> 00:32:32,280 Speaker 1: position to make those plays, to generate those turnovers, to 697 00:32:32,400 --> 00:32:36,640 Speaker 1: make those huge game breaking plays. To me, that's that's 698 00:32:36,800 --> 00:32:40,200 Speaker 1: a huge part of this game. And look, Washington was 699 00:32:40,240 --> 00:32:43,080 Speaker 1: pretty good offensively last week, you know, in that win 700 00:32:43,120 --> 00:32:46,040 Speaker 1: over Jacksonville, you know, especially you know, throwing the ball. 701 00:32:46,360 --> 00:32:48,640 Speaker 1: They were seven of ten on third down last week. 702 00:32:48,680 --> 00:32:52,360 Speaker 1: They were really efficient. But again, you know, one sack, 703 00:32:52,480 --> 00:32:55,120 Speaker 1: no turnovers for the Detroit Lions. They've got to be 704 00:32:55,120 --> 00:32:57,000 Speaker 1: better than that defensively. And so I think this is 705 00:32:57,360 --> 00:32:59,680 Speaker 1: a key week for for Aaron Glenn to kind of 706 00:33:00,040 --> 00:33:02,400 Speaker 1: hole all the right strings, get his guys in the 707 00:33:02,480 --> 00:33:05,640 Speaker 1: right spots to make plays, and get after Carson Wentz, 708 00:33:05,640 --> 00:33:07,440 Speaker 1: get him off his spot. I think Detroit will be 709 00:33:07,440 --> 00:33:10,000 Speaker 1: a little bit better rushing the passer. Jalen Hurts is 710 00:33:10,040 --> 00:33:12,200 Speaker 1: a whole different kind of beasts in terms of rushing 711 00:33:12,280 --> 00:33:15,040 Speaker 1: him and having to be very disciplined in your rush lanes. 712 00:33:15,440 --> 00:33:19,160 Speaker 1: Um wentzs isn't quite the athlete. He'll stand there. He 713 00:33:19,200 --> 00:33:21,320 Speaker 1: wants to scan and throw down field, so you know, 714 00:33:21,400 --> 00:33:23,400 Speaker 1: get after him and put yourself in a position to 715 00:33:23,400 --> 00:33:25,680 Speaker 1: to get those turnovers in game breaking plays. I think 716 00:33:25,720 --> 00:33:27,760 Speaker 1: that's going to be key for the Lions. You know. 717 00:33:27,840 --> 00:33:31,360 Speaker 1: Second for me is is Jonathan Allen versus Jonah Jackson. 718 00:33:31,440 --> 00:33:33,920 Speaker 1: And now obviously you know Jona has been dealing with, 719 00:33:34,160 --> 00:33:36,960 Speaker 1: you know, the injury. Um didn't practice on Thursday, so 720 00:33:37,120 --> 00:33:39,640 Speaker 1: you know, we'll see if, if, if he's there. But 721 00:33:39,840 --> 00:33:42,440 Speaker 1: you know, I think you can just put Jonathan Allen 722 00:33:42,480 --> 00:33:45,320 Speaker 1: against whoever's playing you know, left guard for the Detroit 723 00:33:45,360 --> 00:33:48,280 Speaker 1: Lions because he is obviously, um, you know, one of 724 00:33:48,320 --> 00:33:51,080 Speaker 1: their best players. I mean, a career high nine sacks 725 00:33:51,160 --> 00:33:54,920 Speaker 1: last year, career high thirty quarterback hits. Um you know, 726 00:33:54,960 --> 00:33:57,200 Speaker 1: had a sack and two tackles for loss and a 727 00:33:57,280 --> 00:34:00,360 Speaker 1: quarterback hit last week for the Jags. You know, he's 728 00:34:00,440 --> 00:34:02,560 Speaker 1: kind of the the engine that really makes that them 729 00:34:02,600 --> 00:34:06,520 Speaker 1: go up front, and it's a talented front and so look, 730 00:34:06,520 --> 00:34:09,760 Speaker 1: he was third among all defensive tackles and sacks last season. 731 00:34:09,840 --> 00:34:12,360 Speaker 1: He was first in quarterbacks hits, and he was fifth 732 00:34:12,360 --> 00:34:15,440 Speaker 1: in tackles for loss. He is disruptive. He's been that 733 00:34:15,480 --> 00:34:17,560 Speaker 1: way his whole career, and so I think that's a 734 00:34:17,560 --> 00:34:21,080 Speaker 1: really key matchup for Jonah Jackson. If it's, you know, 735 00:34:21,239 --> 00:34:23,120 Speaker 1: one of the new guys that they just signed. If 736 00:34:23,160 --> 00:34:26,759 Speaker 1: it's Logan Stenberg moving back to left guard, if it's 737 00:34:26,840 --> 00:34:29,080 Speaker 1: Dan Skipper, who they who they throw in there, who's 738 00:34:29,160 --> 00:34:31,320 Speaker 1: played some guard before and they can do that as well. 739 00:34:31,680 --> 00:34:33,520 Speaker 1: Whoever it is is going to have their hands full 740 00:34:33,760 --> 00:34:36,359 Speaker 1: with Jonathan Allen, and I would expect the center, if 741 00:34:36,360 --> 00:34:41,000 Speaker 1: it's Frank rag now U or Evan Brown, to to 742 00:34:41,080 --> 00:34:43,279 Speaker 1: kind of look that way and and help out too. 743 00:34:43,320 --> 00:34:45,439 Speaker 1: But you've got pain on the other side, so it's 744 00:34:45,440 --> 00:34:47,279 Speaker 1: going to be hard to do that. It's certainly going 745 00:34:47,360 --> 00:34:49,480 Speaker 1: to be a test for Detroit. But I think they've 746 00:34:49,560 --> 00:34:53,200 Speaker 1: got to have an idea of where Jonathan Allen is 747 00:34:53,200 --> 00:34:54,759 Speaker 1: and have a good plan for him, because he can 748 00:34:54,760 --> 00:34:57,799 Speaker 1: wruck a game. We've seen that throughout his career, last 749 00:34:57,800 --> 00:34:59,879 Speaker 1: season and last week. Detroit's got to have a good 750 00:35:00,080 --> 00:35:03,600 Speaker 1: land for him. Third for me Aidan Hutchinson and Sam 751 00:35:03,680 --> 00:35:08,000 Speaker 1: cos me Um the right tackle for Washington. Look cos 752 00:35:08,040 --> 00:35:11,240 Speaker 1: me at nine starts um and only allowed two sacks 753 00:35:11,360 --> 00:35:14,759 Speaker 1: last year. Um so you know, not bad for him, 754 00:35:14,800 --> 00:35:17,400 Speaker 1: and you expect Aden to be much better than he 755 00:35:17,520 --> 00:35:20,400 Speaker 1: was last week. Um, look, he had three pressures, he 756 00:35:20,440 --> 00:35:23,359 Speaker 1: had a couple chances and for a sac and um, 757 00:35:23,520 --> 00:35:26,040 Speaker 1: you know, Jalen Hurts was able to escape him. I 758 00:35:26,040 --> 00:35:28,440 Speaker 1: think he was one of those players that that you know, 759 00:35:28,560 --> 00:35:31,160 Speaker 1: Aaron Glenn was talking about, got a little too excited, 760 00:35:31,239 --> 00:35:33,719 Speaker 1: wanted to make a play, maybe got a little out 761 00:35:33,760 --> 00:35:37,520 Speaker 1: of his assignment to make a play. And he expected 762 00:35:37,560 --> 00:35:39,520 Speaker 1: him to calm down and and and be a lot 763 00:35:39,560 --> 00:35:42,120 Speaker 1: better this week. I expect the same thing. Um. Look, 764 00:35:42,160 --> 00:35:44,600 Speaker 1: Aidan's is too talented to be shut out of the 765 00:35:44,640 --> 00:35:47,160 Speaker 1: stat sheet the way he was last week. Um, I 766 00:35:47,160 --> 00:35:49,840 Speaker 1: would expect him to, um, you know, you know, be 767 00:35:49,920 --> 00:35:53,120 Speaker 1: pretty determined to have a bigger impact this week. And look, 768 00:35:53,160 --> 00:35:56,040 Speaker 1: the Lions need him to have a bigger impact. One sack, 769 00:35:56,400 --> 00:35:59,319 Speaker 1: no turnovers. Like I mentioned, they need to generate more 770 00:35:59,320 --> 00:36:01,839 Speaker 1: of that pressure. They need to get Carson Wentz off 771 00:36:01,840 --> 00:36:04,600 Speaker 1: his spot. Doesn't always have to result in a sack, 772 00:36:04,640 --> 00:36:07,279 Speaker 1: but get him off his spot, you know, disrupt the play, 773 00:36:07,400 --> 00:36:10,360 Speaker 1: disrupt the timing. That's what helps create some of those turnovers. 774 00:36:10,680 --> 00:36:13,839 Speaker 1: Um that that's Troit's been lacking so far. So to me, 775 00:36:13,920 --> 00:36:16,560 Speaker 1: that's that that's a really big matchup in this one. 776 00:36:17,200 --> 00:36:20,680 Speaker 1: What's the encore performance for Aiden Hutchinson? Um, you expect 777 00:36:20,680 --> 00:36:22,960 Speaker 1: it to be good. I expect it to be much 778 00:36:23,000 --> 00:36:25,160 Speaker 1: better than we saw last week. So you know, we'll 779 00:36:25,160 --> 00:36:28,240 Speaker 1: see who wins that matchup between you know him and Sam. 780 00:36:28,280 --> 00:36:31,880 Speaker 1: Another big one for me is Terry mclauren and Jeff Okuda. 781 00:36:32,000 --> 00:36:34,239 Speaker 1: You know, I thought Jeff played you know, really good 782 00:36:34,560 --> 00:36:37,200 Speaker 1: last week, had ten tackles, defended a pass. I thought 783 00:36:37,239 --> 00:36:38,960 Speaker 1: it was really tough in the run game as well. 784 00:36:39,280 --> 00:36:41,120 Speaker 1: That's one guy who's never been afraid to come up 785 00:36:41,160 --> 00:36:44,600 Speaker 1: and look stick is uh, sticks helmet into into a 786 00:36:44,719 --> 00:36:47,640 Speaker 1: runner and and play strong against the run game. I 787 00:36:47,640 --> 00:36:52,200 Speaker 1: thought he was really good um in that regard. Um, 788 00:36:52,239 --> 00:36:55,960 Speaker 1: But you look at Terry mclauren, he's been kind of 789 00:36:56,000 --> 00:36:59,840 Speaker 1: that guy for um, the Washington Redskins at receiver and 790 00:37:00,080 --> 00:37:02,080 Speaker 1: or their pass game. I mean, look, he was six 791 00:37:02,239 --> 00:37:06,160 Speaker 1: among all receivers and targets last year, tenth in receiving yards, 792 00:37:06,280 --> 00:37:09,520 Speaker 1: and I think one of the more underrated stats is 793 00:37:09,560 --> 00:37:12,839 Speaker 1: he was first in contested catches with twenty five. So 794 00:37:12,960 --> 00:37:15,560 Speaker 1: you know that to me, that's a guy he doesn't 795 00:37:15,560 --> 00:37:18,960 Speaker 1: even have to generate his own space, his own you know, 796 00:37:19,040 --> 00:37:23,080 Speaker 1: to catch the football and make plays. UM and Jeff Okuda, 797 00:37:23,600 --> 00:37:26,640 Speaker 1: we obviously know the Achilles injury, hadn't played football in 798 00:37:26,680 --> 00:37:28,719 Speaker 1: a year, and I thought for him to play as 799 00:37:28,719 --> 00:37:32,400 Speaker 1: well as he did, um, you know, without playing football 800 00:37:32,400 --> 00:37:34,640 Speaker 1: for a year, UM, I thought was really encouraging for 801 00:37:34,680 --> 00:37:37,560 Speaker 1: the Lions. Um look at Moni or Yu are left 802 00:37:37,560 --> 00:37:41,640 Speaker 1: practice the open portion of practice on Thursday, um, you know, 803 00:37:42,440 --> 00:37:45,280 Speaker 1: with a little bit of what looked like a back issue. 804 00:37:45,320 --> 00:37:48,279 Speaker 1: So um you know, we'll see what his status is 805 00:37:48,320 --> 00:37:51,399 Speaker 1: and that'll make Jeff just even more important if if 806 00:37:51,600 --> 00:37:53,440 Speaker 1: a Moni can't go and they have to do Will 807 00:37:53,520 --> 00:37:57,000 Speaker 1: Harris and um or whatever else is over on the 808 00:37:57,000 --> 00:38:01,480 Speaker 1: other side there. So UM I thought Jeff was was 809 00:38:01,480 --> 00:38:03,520 Speaker 1: was really really good. That's gonna be a key matchup. 810 00:38:03,520 --> 00:38:05,040 Speaker 1: But again, like I said off the top, you know 811 00:38:05,120 --> 00:38:09,760 Speaker 1: Johnny Dotson um uh is on that Washington wide receiver 812 00:38:09,840 --> 00:38:12,520 Speaker 1: corp porter Samuel who can do a lot of different things. 813 00:38:12,520 --> 00:38:15,480 Speaker 1: So we'll see what the matchups look like. I would 814 00:38:15,560 --> 00:38:18,680 Speaker 1: guess it's not going to always be McLaurin and Okuda, 815 00:38:18,760 --> 00:38:21,719 Speaker 1: but either way, it's it's gonna be a big game 816 00:38:21,760 --> 00:38:23,959 Speaker 1: for Jeff, a big responsibility to kind of slow those 817 00:38:24,000 --> 00:38:26,960 Speaker 1: guys down. Uh. You know, Washingtons gonna attack them down 818 00:38:27,040 --> 00:38:29,400 Speaker 1: the field in the passing game. Can Jeff hold up 819 00:38:29,440 --> 00:38:31,719 Speaker 1: and can Jeff have a really good encore performance after 820 00:38:31,800 --> 00:38:34,360 Speaker 1: a good one uh last week and then the last 821 00:38:34,360 --> 00:38:37,680 Speaker 1: one too. For me is i'man Ross Saint Brown. You know, 822 00:38:37,719 --> 00:38:40,240 Speaker 1: we talked about them before to really talented wide receiver 823 00:38:40,760 --> 00:38:46,040 Speaker 1: UM versus Benjamin Saint Justine. UM. Uh, They're they're a 824 00:38:46,080 --> 00:38:50,000 Speaker 1: slot corner UM for Washington. UM. We talked about i'man 825 00:38:50,080 --> 00:38:53,000 Speaker 1: Ross Saint Brown with seven straight games with UM eight 826 00:38:53,040 --> 00:38:59,200 Speaker 1: plus catches UM, Saint Saint just three catches last week 827 00:38:59,239 --> 00:39:03,279 Speaker 1: allowed on five targets. UM. So you know, to me, 828 00:39:04,520 --> 00:39:07,920 Speaker 1: Saint Brown has become a security blanket of sorts for UM, 829 00:39:07,960 --> 00:39:09,799 Speaker 1: for Jared Goff. You know, that guy that can be 830 00:39:09,800 --> 00:39:13,279 Speaker 1: trusted in the slot to to to get open um 831 00:39:13,440 --> 00:39:16,319 Speaker 1: third and short, third and five, third and six, that 832 00:39:16,440 --> 00:39:19,440 Speaker 1: kind of guy that's always there in the middle. UM. 833 00:39:19,480 --> 00:39:21,560 Speaker 1: So to me, that's a that's a huge matchup. You know, 834 00:39:21,560 --> 00:39:24,279 Speaker 1: I think Washington is a little bit better outside than 835 00:39:24,320 --> 00:39:28,680 Speaker 1: they are. UM. You know, inside at the cornerback spot. UM. 836 00:39:28,760 --> 00:39:32,280 Speaker 1: So to me, that's a matchup that I think Detroit 837 00:39:32,320 --> 00:39:34,560 Speaker 1: can take advantage of with I'm on ron Sight Brown 838 00:39:34,640 --> 00:39:37,640 Speaker 1: just because of his toughness, his route running ability, um, 839 00:39:37,680 --> 00:39:40,239 Speaker 1: and it just his playmaking ability. So you know, that's 840 00:39:40,239 --> 00:39:41,960 Speaker 1: a really big one for me. So those are my 841 00:39:42,040 --> 00:39:44,880 Speaker 1: key matchups. And obviously we'll see how it all plays 842 00:39:44,920 --> 00:39:47,080 Speaker 1: out on Sunday and PJ Clark and I will be 843 00:39:47,120 --> 00:39:50,040 Speaker 1: breaking it all down post game. But don't go away 844 00:39:50,160 --> 00:39:54,000 Speaker 1: just yet. I've got another surprise little guest here to 845 00:39:54,080 --> 00:39:57,279 Speaker 1: hear Whitehead. Who's who former line from two thousand and 846 00:39:57,360 --> 00:40:01,919 Speaker 1: twelve to twenty and seventeen retire a Detroit Lion last 847 00:40:01,960 --> 00:40:03,840 Speaker 1: week and he stopped by the podcast. We had a 848 00:40:03,840 --> 00:40:09,920 Speaker 1: good conversation about Detroit linebacker room retirement, you know, Dan Campbell, 849 00:40:10,000 --> 00:40:13,000 Speaker 1: what it's like to play under a player's coach, and 850 00:40:13,080 --> 00:40:15,359 Speaker 1: it was a good conversation. So stick around for that. 851 00:40:22,120 --> 00:40:24,120 Speaker 1: Welcome to the Twentymen in the Huddle podcast. I have 852 00:40:24,160 --> 00:40:28,040 Speaker 1: a special guest this week to hear Whitehead, former Detroit 853 00:40:28,080 --> 00:40:31,120 Speaker 1: Lion looked twenty twelve fifth round draft pick. You're here 854 00:40:31,160 --> 00:40:35,400 Speaker 1: all the way till seventeen. You go play an Opland Carolina, 855 00:40:35,520 --> 00:40:38,960 Speaker 1: you finish up in Arizona. But what was it about 856 00:40:39,000 --> 00:40:41,799 Speaker 1: wanting to retire a Detroit Lion that was big for you? 857 00:40:42,960 --> 00:40:46,520 Speaker 1: For me, No, this is it's been my second home. 858 00:40:46,600 --> 00:40:48,759 Speaker 1: You know, it's you know, going to raise in North 859 00:40:48,840 --> 00:40:51,480 Speaker 1: New Jersey. Got my first opportunity here. You know, it 860 00:40:51,520 --> 00:40:53,960 Speaker 1: was drafted here, It's spent most of my career here. 861 00:40:54,320 --> 00:40:56,440 Speaker 1: So it was a no brainer. You know, it had 862 00:40:56,480 --> 00:40:58,480 Speaker 1: to finish it the way it started, you know, and 863 00:40:58,600 --> 00:41:01,040 Speaker 1: you've talked about this being your second home. You know, 864 00:41:01,120 --> 00:41:03,399 Speaker 1: what is it about Detroit? And we've heard this from 865 00:41:03,400 --> 00:41:07,359 Speaker 1: other players, you know, Jordan Davis has come back, Jerry 866 00:41:07,400 --> 00:41:09,440 Speaker 1: Davis has come back and talked about this being his 867 00:41:09,520 --> 00:41:12,040 Speaker 1: second home. And you talked about Dan Campbell and your 868 00:41:12,040 --> 00:41:14,359 Speaker 1: press compition being a former player here and being so 869 00:41:14,440 --> 00:41:17,160 Speaker 1: tied to the city. What is it about Detroit? Is 870 00:41:17,200 --> 00:41:19,279 Speaker 1: it the people? Is it just what is it to 871 00:41:19,360 --> 00:41:21,239 Speaker 1: hear that that's kind of made this your second home? 872 00:41:21,440 --> 00:41:26,080 Speaker 1: It's everything, and you know it's the people. You know, 873 00:41:26,400 --> 00:41:29,760 Speaker 1: there's there's just the community to support. You know, it's 874 00:41:29,800 --> 00:41:32,120 Speaker 1: one thing to play football and you have the support 875 00:41:32,160 --> 00:41:34,320 Speaker 1: of the fans just because you're on a football field, 876 00:41:34,600 --> 00:41:37,239 Speaker 1: but when you're out in the public and they recognize 877 00:41:37,280 --> 00:41:39,680 Speaker 1: you and they just they're genuinely happy to just have 878 00:41:39,800 --> 00:41:41,319 Speaker 1: you in the city or a part of their team 879 00:41:41,360 --> 00:41:43,719 Speaker 1: like something you know they hold near and dear to 880 00:41:43,800 --> 00:41:47,000 Speaker 1: their heart. But what they see what we're doing in 881 00:41:47,040 --> 00:41:49,839 Speaker 1: the community, and that's what I was always a problem. 882 00:41:49,960 --> 00:41:53,040 Speaker 1: And at one point it was, you know, on Wikipedia 883 00:41:53,200 --> 00:41:55,720 Speaker 1: something that was oh white Head's a good tipperer, and 884 00:41:55,800 --> 00:41:57,600 Speaker 1: that was all this other stuff that was going around. 885 00:41:58,040 --> 00:42:01,880 Speaker 1: I'm like, well, I'm like, dang, where did that come from? 886 00:42:01,920 --> 00:42:04,520 Speaker 1: But you know, it was just the support, the love 887 00:42:04,600 --> 00:42:07,600 Speaker 1: that people always gave to me, and you know, I 888 00:42:07,680 --> 00:42:11,000 Speaker 1: always wanted to reciprocate that. So you know, definitely said 889 00:42:11,160 --> 00:42:13,799 Speaker 1: the football side of it is over for you. I know, 890 00:42:13,840 --> 00:42:17,360 Speaker 1: you've got four boys. What are the ages? Four boys 891 00:42:17,440 --> 00:42:21,439 Speaker 1: want old? This is thirteen, eight, five and a two 892 00:42:21,520 --> 00:42:24,520 Speaker 1: year old. Say a prayer for him. First off, away, 893 00:42:24,640 --> 00:42:28,360 Speaker 1: all guys play football, all boys. Yet my my thirteen 894 00:42:28,440 --> 00:42:32,120 Speaker 1: down to my five year old, they played football. But um, yeah, 895 00:42:32,120 --> 00:42:35,040 Speaker 1: it's all that first years. And you know, I'm excited 896 00:42:35,080 --> 00:42:37,919 Speaker 1: for them. They're excited. You know, I try, I'm trying, 897 00:42:37,960 --> 00:42:40,400 Speaker 1: not the coach. You know, give them too many points, 898 00:42:40,760 --> 00:42:42,839 Speaker 1: but you know that's gonna be tough. So the football side, 899 00:42:42,880 --> 00:42:44,839 Speaker 1: it's over obviously the family, You're going to be very 900 00:42:44,880 --> 00:42:46,960 Speaker 1: involved there. But but you were wanting to stay involved 901 00:42:46,960 --> 00:42:48,680 Speaker 1: in the community as well, and I know you've got 902 00:42:48,719 --> 00:42:50,800 Speaker 1: a couple of stuff going at your home in Newark 903 00:42:50,880 --> 00:42:54,160 Speaker 1: and here in Detroit. What's kind of the plans after 904 00:42:54,160 --> 00:42:57,719 Speaker 1: football to kind of stay involved and have that community 905 00:42:57,760 --> 00:43:00,399 Speaker 1: outreach that I know it's so important to you. So 906 00:43:00,480 --> 00:43:03,560 Speaker 1: for me, you know, it's continuing to be involved with 907 00:43:03,600 --> 00:43:07,080 Speaker 1: the downtown boxing gym, you know, here in Detroit, and 908 00:43:07,280 --> 00:43:10,800 Speaker 1: you know, just being a continual supporter there and making 909 00:43:10,800 --> 00:43:14,040 Speaker 1: sure that I'm more accessible and more available, you know 910 00:43:14,080 --> 00:43:18,479 Speaker 1: from a time standpoint, you know, um, and back at home, 911 00:43:18,480 --> 00:43:20,279 Speaker 1: it's pretty much doing the same thing. I have a 912 00:43:20,320 --> 00:43:23,719 Speaker 1: recreation center there where you know, my intentions are to 913 00:43:23,920 --> 00:43:28,040 Speaker 1: you know, uh, introduced even more financial literacy programs and 914 00:43:28,320 --> 00:43:31,319 Speaker 1: you know, just understanding that health and wellness and you know, 915 00:43:31,480 --> 00:43:34,839 Speaker 1: like then to hygiene and you know, it's it's just 916 00:43:35,120 --> 00:43:38,520 Speaker 1: bringing back resources and tools you know, for you know, 917 00:43:38,560 --> 00:43:41,919 Speaker 1: the the citizens, the residents to be successful both here 918 00:43:41,960 --> 00:43:44,759 Speaker 1: in Detroit and back in North that's so great because 919 00:43:44,760 --> 00:43:46,680 Speaker 1: I know that was always a passion of years when 920 00:43:46,680 --> 00:43:49,400 Speaker 1: you were here. That passion of those started on the 921 00:43:49,400 --> 00:43:52,839 Speaker 1: football field, you know, and obviously twenty fourteen, I want 922 00:43:52,840 --> 00:43:54,520 Speaker 1: to talk about that just a little bit. You know 923 00:43:54,880 --> 00:43:57,080 Speaker 1: that toile it goes down with with an injury, you 924 00:43:57,120 --> 00:43:59,520 Speaker 1: get an opportunity to play, and that really kind of 925 00:43:59,520 --> 00:44:02,200 Speaker 1: spearhead it's your career. You played really well. You're part 926 00:44:02,239 --> 00:44:04,400 Speaker 1: of that defense. I think it was sixty three rushing 927 00:44:04,480 --> 00:44:08,080 Speaker 1: yards per game on average. I think that's still top 928 00:44:08,120 --> 00:44:10,080 Speaker 1: six in the NFL something like that. You guys were 929 00:44:10,120 --> 00:44:12,799 Speaker 1: really really good. But how fun was it to be 930 00:44:13,280 --> 00:44:15,200 Speaker 1: on that defense? And then the second part of it, 931 00:44:15,200 --> 00:44:17,719 Speaker 1: This Detroit Lions team, right is a team that's really 932 00:44:17,880 --> 00:44:20,960 Speaker 1: trying to improve their run defense. And I'm curious from 933 00:44:20,960 --> 00:44:24,200 Speaker 1: your perspective, what is it what makes a good run defense? 934 00:44:24,239 --> 00:44:26,879 Speaker 1: So first just that that season and what that did 935 00:44:26,920 --> 00:44:29,520 Speaker 1: for your career, and then you just identify what is 936 00:44:29,520 --> 00:44:32,120 Speaker 1: it about a defense that that that makes it a 937 00:44:32,160 --> 00:44:38,319 Speaker 1: good run defense? Mentality, mindset, grit, you know, it's like 938 00:44:38,440 --> 00:44:40,759 Speaker 1: we hear that word around to your credit exactly, you know, 939 00:44:40,800 --> 00:44:43,319 Speaker 1: and it's as you think of it, and it's like 940 00:44:43,360 --> 00:44:47,000 Speaker 1: it sounds cliche, but it's the true. You know, it's 941 00:44:47,000 --> 00:44:50,879 Speaker 1: a mindset that you need to possess on defense to say, look, 942 00:44:51,040 --> 00:44:53,160 Speaker 1: no one's going to run in my gap, no one's 943 00:44:53,200 --> 00:44:56,960 Speaker 1: going to run in my hole, and have the respect 944 00:44:57,040 --> 00:45:00,160 Speaker 1: of all your teammates that look, I am not to 945 00:45:00,239 --> 00:45:02,319 Speaker 1: let my teammate down. The guy that where I know, 946 00:45:02,440 --> 00:45:05,200 Speaker 1: worked his butt off all week and learned and made 947 00:45:05,280 --> 00:45:07,359 Speaker 1: sure that he did his job. So if you get 948 00:45:07,400 --> 00:45:09,920 Speaker 1: all eleven guys doing their one eleven we like to 949 00:45:09,960 --> 00:45:12,600 Speaker 1: call it, then that makes their call. That's a recipe 950 00:45:12,680 --> 00:45:15,520 Speaker 1: for you know success. You go out there and I 951 00:45:15,600 --> 00:45:17,920 Speaker 1: think it might have been with two thy fourteen it 952 00:45:18,000 --> 00:45:26,080 Speaker 1: was might have been like sixty eight yards again, but 953 00:45:26,800 --> 00:45:30,520 Speaker 1: you know, um, but like what I learned during that 954 00:45:30,600 --> 00:45:34,279 Speaker 1: season was not only did we have great talent, we 955 00:45:34,360 --> 00:45:37,400 Speaker 1: had guys that were dedicated guys I was smart and 956 00:45:37,719 --> 00:45:41,200 Speaker 1: genuinely like enjoy being around each other. And that's the 957 00:45:41,200 --> 00:45:43,520 Speaker 1: field that I'm getting here. You know, when I watched 958 00:45:43,560 --> 00:45:45,520 Speaker 1: them play, you know, on film last year and Dan's 959 00:45:45,560 --> 00:45:48,800 Speaker 1: first year, they ran to the ball. They were, you know, energetic, 960 00:45:49,000 --> 00:45:51,640 Speaker 1: and you can see it starts from the top down. 961 00:45:51,440 --> 00:45:54,880 Speaker 1: Dan's energetic, you know, he's giving them and they're feeting 962 00:45:54,920 --> 00:45:57,560 Speaker 1: off one another. You gotta have that. The coaches and 963 00:45:57,600 --> 00:45:59,800 Speaker 1: the players got to be like pulling the same to 964 00:46:00,640 --> 00:46:02,560 Speaker 1: you know. So that's the other thing which calls for 965 00:46:02,680 --> 00:46:05,160 Speaker 1: a great run defense, right, You have to have an 966 00:46:05,239 --> 00:46:08,600 Speaker 1: understanding of what you're trying to accomplish each and every 967 00:46:08,640 --> 00:46:11,839 Speaker 1: game you go in there. You gotta understand how good 968 00:46:11,840 --> 00:46:14,640 Speaker 1: a team's run offense is, and you that's the way 969 00:46:14,680 --> 00:46:17,279 Speaker 1: you gotta, you know, make them one side past the ball. 970 00:46:17,400 --> 00:46:21,120 Speaker 1: Not every team had great quarterbacks. Yeah, it starts at 971 00:46:21,120 --> 00:46:23,439 Speaker 1: the top, like you mentioned. And you know, you played 972 00:46:23,520 --> 00:46:28,040 Speaker 1: under a player's couch type coach and Jim called, well, 973 00:46:28,160 --> 00:46:30,239 Speaker 1: you know a guy that was really respected in that room, 974 00:46:30,239 --> 00:46:32,400 Speaker 1: and Dan tom Me strikes me as the same type 975 00:46:32,400 --> 00:46:35,000 Speaker 1: of guy. Dude, What does that mean to you? What 976 00:46:34,840 --> 00:46:37,040 Speaker 1: what does it mean when when when a guy is 977 00:46:37,080 --> 00:46:39,840 Speaker 1: described as a player's coach? And do you see that 978 00:46:39,880 --> 00:46:43,000 Speaker 1: in Dan as well? I definitely see it in Dan 979 00:46:43,360 --> 00:46:46,080 Speaker 1: Um obviously, just in a different light. You know, just 980 00:46:46,480 --> 00:46:49,680 Speaker 1: dance energy and everything is you know through the roof. 981 00:46:49,960 --> 00:46:51,800 Speaker 1: You know, I just bumped into him in the hallway. 982 00:46:52,160 --> 00:46:54,040 Speaker 1: Dan looked like he said he could still go out 983 00:46:54,040 --> 00:46:55,799 Speaker 1: there a lot, like you can still go out there too, 984 00:46:55,800 --> 00:47:01,040 Speaker 1: but he's put together locked up a little bit. Um No, 985 00:47:01,200 --> 00:47:04,160 Speaker 1: it's you know they you want to have, like what 986 00:47:04,200 --> 00:47:06,759 Speaker 1: it means to be a player's coaches. Your players are 987 00:47:06,840 --> 00:47:09,480 Speaker 1: going to go out there and play for you that 988 00:47:09,719 --> 00:47:11,799 Speaker 1: like you know, they they're going to make sure that 989 00:47:11,840 --> 00:47:16,000 Speaker 1: they're doing their job to not disappoint you, because now 990 00:47:17,120 --> 00:47:19,600 Speaker 1: you know, like, look this coach, he's put his time 991 00:47:19,640 --> 00:47:22,600 Speaker 1: into creating this game plan, and you know how invested 992 00:47:22,680 --> 00:47:24,759 Speaker 1: he is, and he showed you that all week. So 993 00:47:24,880 --> 00:47:27,680 Speaker 1: as a player you're like, look, I need to reciprocate that, 994 00:47:27,760 --> 00:47:29,719 Speaker 1: and I need to go out there and give the 995 00:47:29,760 --> 00:47:32,560 Speaker 1: same dedication that the coach is given. But then you 996 00:47:32,600 --> 00:47:36,920 Speaker 1: know the difference only is I mean car well, he's 997 00:47:36,960 --> 00:47:40,560 Speaker 1: just even killed just always every he always talked about 998 00:47:40,640 --> 00:47:43,839 Speaker 1: riding that emotional roller coaster. Say don't don't get too high, 999 00:47:43,840 --> 00:47:45,879 Speaker 1: don't get too low, you know, just keep it right 1000 00:47:45,880 --> 00:47:47,200 Speaker 1: there and try to keep it right there in the 1001 00:47:47,239 --> 00:47:50,160 Speaker 1: middle of the road, which is hard to help playing football. 1002 00:47:50,200 --> 00:47:51,719 Speaker 1: I was just gonna say, that's not hard to do 1003 00:47:51,800 --> 00:47:53,960 Speaker 1: sometimes in the course of sixty minutes, right, I mean, 1004 00:47:54,480 --> 00:47:57,600 Speaker 1: he was always he did it you know, he was 1005 00:47:57,800 --> 00:48:00,560 Speaker 1: and he and he allowed his coach to coach, He 1006 00:48:00,600 --> 00:48:03,520 Speaker 1: allowed the players to play make him. He reminded me 1007 00:48:03,560 --> 00:48:05,880 Speaker 1: of a more of like a you know that grandfather 1008 00:48:05,960 --> 00:48:08,239 Speaker 1: figure just gonna come and sit on the porch and 1009 00:48:08,320 --> 00:48:11,440 Speaker 1: gonna put you on game and just drop some gems 1010 00:48:11,480 --> 00:48:14,439 Speaker 1: on you. You know. Dan, He's like, no, look, we're 1011 00:48:14,440 --> 00:48:16,520 Speaker 1: gonna go out here and we're gonna get it done together. 1012 00:48:16,760 --> 00:48:18,640 Speaker 1: He rides the emotional wave, I think a little bit 1013 00:48:18,760 --> 00:48:21,319 Speaker 1: right right, but sometimes it's good. It is good. Got 1014 00:48:21,360 --> 00:48:23,560 Speaker 1: to embrace it. And he embraces it, and the players 1015 00:48:23,560 --> 00:48:25,600 Speaker 1: embrace it and they go out there and you know, 1016 00:48:25,719 --> 00:48:27,480 Speaker 1: they leave it on the line. I know this is 1017 00:48:27,520 --> 00:48:29,400 Speaker 1: going so well. So I hate to bring up a 1018 00:48:30,160 --> 00:48:33,040 Speaker 1: maybe a sore subject a little bit, but how much 1019 00:48:33,080 --> 00:48:36,919 Speaker 1: do you look back at twenty fourteen and wonder why 1020 00:48:37,880 --> 00:48:40,560 Speaker 1: that was a shot right there? That was a shot 1021 00:48:40,600 --> 00:48:42,560 Speaker 1: because that was a really good defense, that was a 1022 00:48:42,600 --> 00:48:45,080 Speaker 1: really good team and obviously everybody out there knows how 1023 00:48:45,400 --> 00:48:48,120 Speaker 1: it ended in Dallas, but jever think back to, like, boy, 1024 00:48:48,200 --> 00:48:50,439 Speaker 1: that was that was a really good opportunity to maybe 1025 00:48:50,440 --> 00:48:54,879 Speaker 1: do something. Definitely, I think like all season when we 1026 00:48:55,080 --> 00:48:58,800 Speaker 1: you know, just like game after game we were putting 1027 00:48:58,800 --> 00:49:02,399 Speaker 1: it together on defense, but then you know, it's it's 1028 00:49:02,440 --> 00:49:05,400 Speaker 1: just it's a three phase game, and when you really 1029 00:49:05,440 --> 00:49:07,480 Speaker 1: start to you know, break it down, you've got to 1030 00:49:07,560 --> 00:49:10,320 Speaker 1: understand you can only do control what you could control, 1031 00:49:10,600 --> 00:49:12,800 Speaker 1: and you can only do what you could do. And 1032 00:49:13,000 --> 00:49:14,680 Speaker 1: you know, we go back and we kick ourselves in 1033 00:49:14,719 --> 00:49:16,440 Speaker 1: the but we still talk about it till this day. 1034 00:49:16,480 --> 00:49:19,319 Speaker 1: I have fans, you know, they send me pitches. Man, 1035 00:49:19,320 --> 00:49:21,799 Speaker 1: you guys with some beastle in two thy fourteen. And 1036 00:49:21,800 --> 00:49:24,799 Speaker 1: then you know, for me, I'm just happy to be uh, 1037 00:49:25,160 --> 00:49:26,719 Speaker 1: to have been a part of that, you know, that 1038 00:49:26,800 --> 00:49:30,080 Speaker 1: defense and the history of it. But you know, I 1039 00:49:30,160 --> 00:49:33,960 Speaker 1: definitely wish we could go back and you know, change 1040 00:49:33,960 --> 00:49:37,240 Speaker 1: a few things, because it's always a handful of plays 1041 00:49:37,280 --> 00:49:40,480 Speaker 1: in every game that if you take those back, you 1042 00:49:40,560 --> 00:49:44,640 Speaker 1: win the game. We talked about then and kind of 1043 00:49:44,640 --> 00:49:47,160 Speaker 1: the culture he's building here, what he wants to build. 1044 00:49:47,239 --> 00:49:50,440 Speaker 1: You think the future is bright here? Definitely? Yeah, I 1045 00:49:50,480 --> 00:49:54,000 Speaker 1: think it's bright. You know obviously, you know it starts 1046 00:49:54,000 --> 00:49:56,400 Speaker 1: with Dan and making sure that you know he's um 1047 00:49:56,680 --> 00:49:59,160 Speaker 1: putting you know, the people in place, which I believe 1048 00:49:59,200 --> 00:50:02,000 Speaker 1: he has a lot the former players on the staff, 1049 00:50:02,040 --> 00:50:05,080 Speaker 1: and I think they have a different insight, you know, 1050 00:50:05,160 --> 00:50:07,240 Speaker 1: and you could tell that they're just letting their guys 1051 00:50:07,280 --> 00:50:11,280 Speaker 1: go out there, they play, and they give them certain tools, 1052 00:50:11,400 --> 00:50:14,439 Speaker 1: but it's like ultimately they're letting them play, letting them learn, 1053 00:50:14,840 --> 00:50:17,160 Speaker 1: and then you know, you kind of corrected in the 1054 00:50:17,200 --> 00:50:19,720 Speaker 1: meeting room. So I think that I think the future 1055 00:50:19,800 --> 00:50:22,239 Speaker 1: is bright, just you know, off the energy. You know, 1056 00:50:22,640 --> 00:50:25,440 Speaker 1: Dan's been around some winning teams, you know, he's been 1057 00:50:25,480 --> 00:50:27,839 Speaker 1: a part of them, so he knows what it looks like. 1058 00:50:28,200 --> 00:50:30,719 Speaker 1: And you can see even in his first year last year, 1059 00:50:30,760 --> 00:50:33,359 Speaker 1: you know it was rough patches for sure, but you 1060 00:50:33,400 --> 00:50:36,120 Speaker 1: can tell that all the way up to the end. 1061 00:50:36,160 --> 00:50:39,200 Speaker 1: They went down fighting and they reminded me nothing to 1062 00:50:39,200 --> 00:50:42,879 Speaker 1: play with, nothing to play, But it's always no, that's look, 1063 00:50:42,880 --> 00:50:44,600 Speaker 1: that's what we get wrong. We think it's nothing to 1064 00:50:44,600 --> 00:50:47,120 Speaker 1: play for. But when you're out there and you have 1065 00:50:47,239 --> 00:50:50,000 Speaker 1: nothing to play for, you're playing for your job, you're 1066 00:50:50,000 --> 00:50:52,799 Speaker 1: playing for next year. You're playing like they're seeing there there, 1067 00:50:52,840 --> 00:50:55,040 Speaker 1: you're still being the value. Yeah, it's like how are 1068 00:50:55,080 --> 00:50:56,719 Speaker 1: you are you going to lay it down when things 1069 00:50:56,719 --> 00:50:59,360 Speaker 1: are tough? And that's important, right, And that's why you 1070 00:50:59,400 --> 00:51:01,799 Speaker 1: see a lot of guys back. It's because they were 1071 00:51:01,800 --> 00:51:03,959 Speaker 1: being evaluated there now. They didn't have anything to play 1072 00:51:03,960 --> 00:51:06,759 Speaker 1: for obviously in terms of playoffs, wins, things like that. 1073 00:51:07,040 --> 00:51:09,680 Speaker 1: But the fact that they fought tooth and nail all 1074 00:51:09,719 --> 00:51:11,920 Speaker 1: the way to Week eighteen. I mean that says something right. 1075 00:51:12,040 --> 00:51:14,600 Speaker 1: Can't teach it, can't teach, can't teach it. You either 1076 00:51:14,640 --> 00:51:17,280 Speaker 1: got it or you don't. Yeah, and that's what you realize. 1077 00:51:17,440 --> 00:51:19,319 Speaker 1: You know, across the league is some new you know, 1078 00:51:19,400 --> 00:51:21,319 Speaker 1: some guys do want to go out there there. It's 1079 00:51:21,320 --> 00:51:23,360 Speaker 1: all about the fame, it's all about what comes with 1080 00:51:23,480 --> 00:51:27,279 Speaker 1: being associated with the NFL. Some guys actually love a game, 1081 00:51:27,560 --> 00:51:29,560 Speaker 1: you know, they have a passion for it in the shows, 1082 00:51:29,680 --> 00:51:31,120 Speaker 1: you know, the way to go out there and carry 1083 00:51:31,160 --> 00:51:33,920 Speaker 1: themselves on the field. And for me, that's how I 1084 00:51:34,040 --> 00:51:37,719 Speaker 1: always wanted to show people like, look, I love this game. 1085 00:51:37,760 --> 00:51:39,719 Speaker 1: I'm gonna go out there and I'm gonna lay it 1086 00:51:39,760 --> 00:51:42,319 Speaker 1: on the line and you're gonna know. You know, he 1087 00:51:42,320 --> 00:51:45,200 Speaker 1: gave us everything we got. He got. I covered you 1088 00:51:45,239 --> 00:51:47,719 Speaker 1: through your first with five five years in the league, 1089 00:51:47,719 --> 00:51:49,799 Speaker 1: and I could say you were exactly that player. Courter 1090 00:51:49,880 --> 00:51:52,680 Speaker 1: Special teams guy was always hard when you got your 1091 00:51:52,719 --> 00:51:55,160 Speaker 1: opportunity to play on defense. You made the most of it. 1092 00:51:55,239 --> 00:51:57,399 Speaker 1: What a heck of a career. Man, Ten years, right, 1093 00:51:57,400 --> 00:52:00,879 Speaker 1: Did you ever think you'd be ten years in? Never? Never? Man, 1094 00:52:00,960 --> 00:52:04,120 Speaker 1: I didn't even honestly. I went. I studied criminal justice 1095 00:52:04,160 --> 00:52:06,080 Speaker 1: at Temple and I was going to be a state trooper, 1096 00:52:06,320 --> 00:52:08,439 Speaker 1: and that's what I thought I was gonna do after 1097 00:52:08,480 --> 00:52:11,719 Speaker 1: I graduated. But you know, the Lord he had other 1098 00:52:11,760 --> 00:52:15,400 Speaker 1: plans for me. And you know, uh, you know, twenty 1099 00:52:15,560 --> 00:52:18,200 Speaker 1: and twelve, fifth Round, one hundred and thirty eighth overall. 1100 00:52:18,760 --> 00:52:22,759 Speaker 1: You know, the Lions went up, you know, traded with 1101 00:52:22,880 --> 00:52:26,160 Speaker 1: I guess what the Viking give up? You know, So 1102 00:52:26,200 --> 00:52:28,359 Speaker 1: that is like that, you don't, I don't. I don't 1103 00:52:28,400 --> 00:52:30,560 Speaker 1: forget that, And that's why I'm so appreciative of that 1104 00:52:30,719 --> 00:52:34,000 Speaker 1: understanding what went into things on the front end, and 1105 00:52:34,200 --> 00:52:37,120 Speaker 1: you know, gotta gotta end it the way it started. 1106 00:52:37,280 --> 00:52:38,880 Speaker 1: It was a great career. It's great to have you. 1107 00:52:39,440 --> 00:52:42,480 Speaker 1: Congratulations on the retirement. It sounds like you're you're gonna 1108 00:52:42,520 --> 00:52:45,360 Speaker 1: be busy with the boys and all the all the 1109 00:52:45,680 --> 00:52:50,480 Speaker 1: community work. Great job, great career, A really great guy.