Can Kelvin Sheppard fix the Detroit Lions defense against the New York Jets? Joe Chapp and James Nahikian break down the Lions-Jets Week 3 matchup and the changes Detroit must make on defense.

The discussion covers Detroit’s blitz and coverage problems, third-down and red-zone failures, communication breakdowns and whether the defense should return to more man coverage. Joe and James also examine Geno Smith, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Blake Miller vs. David Bailey and the best offensive approach for Jared Goff and the Lions.

Plus: betting-line movement, early sharp action, game predictions and why this could be a prove-it game for Kelvin Sheppard.

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Odds and betting percentages were current at the time of recording.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Detroit Lions News Podcast 00:57 Fallout from the Buffalo loss 05:59 Why the Jets game is a defensive litmus test 09:23 Lions defense by the numbers 17:52 Man coverage, zone coverage and blitzing 21:26 Has Detroit’s defense been overworked? 28:34 Is another cornerback really the answer? 32:36 Using the pass to establish the run 38:19 Packers concerns and the NFC landscape 43:49 Is the Jets defense really elite? 44:58 Blake Miller vs. David Bailey 50:09 How Detroit should attack New York 53:52 The Jets’ ball-control formula 55:26 Detroit’s third-down and red-zone crisis 59:53 Is Kelvin Sheppard’s job under pressure? 1:08:11 Lions-Jets prediction 1:08:21 Betting line and sharp-money discussion 1:11:20 A referendum game for the defense 1:11:59 Detroit’s NFC North opportunity 1:15:17 Final thoughts

The Detroit Lions improve to 2-1 with a 31-24 win over the New York Jets.

Joe Chapp breaks down Jahmyr Gibbs’ huge three-touchdown performance, Jared Goff’s efficient afternoon, Detroit’s five-sack defensive effort and the improvements the Lions showed after a difficult start to the season.

We also discuss Christian Izien’s impact at safety, Blake Miller’s strong performance, the Lions’ improved pass protection and the defensive concerns that remain after New York scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

Topics include:

• Jahmyr Gibbs: 99 rushing yards, 65 receiving yards and 3 total TDs • Jared Goff and Detroit’s passing offense • Lions offensive line and Blake Miller • Detroit’s 5 sacks and 7 QB hits • Christian Izien and the Lions secondary • Kelvin Sheppard’s defensive adjustments • Detroit’s red-zone defense • The Jets’ fourth-quarter comeback • What the Lions need to improve before facing Carolina

Detroit Lions News Podcast covers Lions news, analysis, previews and postgame reactions throughout the 2026 NFL season.

00:00 Lions Beat Jets 31-24 — Postgame Reaction 01:26 Detroit Wins Time of Possession & Controls the Game 03:09 Jahmyr Gibbs Takes Over — 3 Total Touchdowns 05:24 Lions Defense Shows Progress 06:55 Kelvin Sheppard & Second-Half Defensive Concerns 08:45 Red Zone Defense Still Needs Improvement 09:55 Christian Izien’s Huge Game at Safety 12:47 Ennis Rakestraw & Lions Secondary Step Up 13:53 Jets’ 14-Point Fourth-Quarter Comeback 14:21 Gibbs Scores the Go-Ahead Touchdown 15:48 Jared Goff’s Efficient Performance 16:29 Blake Miller Shuts Down David Bailey 17:51 Lions Stop the Jets’ Run Game 18:53 Looking Ahead to Panthers on Sunday Night Football 21:55 Why Detroit’s Defense Still Needs Time 22:59 Jared Goff Joins Elite NFL Company 23:38 Skyler Gill-Howard Gets Offensive Snaps 25:20 Final Thoughts on Lions 31, Jets 24

The Detroit Lions lose 41-31 in Orchard Park, and the defense is now allowing a touchdown on 67% of opponent drives since halftime of Week 1 — 10 touchdowns on 15 drives. We go through the full stat pack: zero three-and-outs forced, 5.6 yards per rush allowed, James Cook at 6.4 per carry, Buffalo 9-for-12 on third down and 5-for-5 in the red zone. Jared Goff threw for 327 and four touchdowns and it didn't matter.

Plus: the pass rush wasn't the problem (19 pressures), the coverage numbers by corner, Larry Borom's night in place of Blake Miller, and why the Jets game with Aaron Glenn on the other sideline is the real test.

0:00 Lions lose 41-31 1:20 10 touchdowns on 15 drives 7:20 Stop saying it's talent 10:20 The 1981 Colts comparison 16:45 Two-game defensive splits 25:50 The blitz problem 32:30 James Cook, 6.4 per carry 35:45 Aaron Glenn and the Jets trap game 41:00 Zero three-and-outs 42:45 Panthers, Bengals, historic comps 51:10 James's tweet 54:50 Pass rush pressure numbers 55:10 Coverage report by corner 57:15 Borom and the offensive line 58:45 Wrapping up