After getting humbled by Buffalo, the Detroit Lions return home with 10 days of rest and a chance to reset. But with Aaron Glenn coming back to Ford Field, the Jets won’t be walking into a friendly environment.
Ford Field will be rocking once again when the Detroit Lions host the New York Jets this Sunday at 1 p.m. Adam Amin and Drew Brees will be on the call for the game. I’m especially eager to hear Brees call a Lions game, as I don’t believe he has done so yet for Detroit.
This will also mark the first time former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn not only takes on the Lions, but returns to Ford Field since leaving Detroit last year to become the Jets’ head coach. Detroit has done well against former coordinators who have gone on to become head coaches, including defeating Ben Johnson and the Bears last season, twice. The Lions will look to make it a perfect 3-0 against former Lions coordinators under Dan Campbell who became head coaches.
Both teams are dealing with several injuries. Jets starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is dealing with a groin injury and did not practice today, making him likely to be ruled out. Another significant injury is tight end Mason Taylor, who is dealing with a thumb injury and is considered doubtful.
Detroit has been particularly bad at covering tight ends, and the Lions will now have to deal with rookie first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq if Taylor is unable to suit up. Rookie edge rusher David Bailey is also dealing with an elbow injury but logged a full practice. Bailey is currently the favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year and has recorded a sack in each of his first two games.
The Lions had a relatively solid injury report. Offensive linemen Christian Mahogany and Blake Miller returned to practice on a limited basis. Right guard Tate Ratledge was also limited, but all three are expected to play. Alim McNeill did not practice due to a personal issue, but it has been reported that Dan Campbell and the Lions expect him to play Sunday.
Offensive lineman Ben Bartch did not practice while dealing with a foot injury. This is somewhat significant because if Mahogany is unable to go, Detroit could have to resort to its third-string left guard. The Lions also signed center Seth McLaughlin from the practice squad to the active roster. This appears to be a small insurance plan in case Bartch and Mahogany cannot play. I would expect Juice Scruggs to play left guard and McLaughlin to handle center.
Detroit is once again dealing with a safety injury, as Thomas Harper has an ankle injury and did not practice. This comes in the wake of the Lions placing Avonte Maddox on season-ending IR.
Detroit also made another move by signing linebacker Joe Bachie back to the practice squad. Bachie had been on the active roster for the first two weeks but was cut earlier this week and now returns to the practice squad.
The emphasis for the Lions will be on shutting down the run, with Breece Hall entering the game with 38 carries for 131 yards. Hall has not had a run longer than 15 yards this season and is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. If Detroit can hold him to his season average I believe it would go a long way.
Another name to watch is Garrett Wilson, who has 11 receptions on 14 targets for 136 yards and a touchdown. Geno Smith and the Jets appear to be much better than their record might indicate to start the season. New York nearly started the season 2-0 but ultimately fell to the Packers in overtime last week.
Playing in overtime last week could have a slight carryover effect and leave the Jets a bit worn down. Smith has just one passing touchdown this season, but he has not thrown an interception and has taken four sacks. I expect Detroit to add to that sack total and potentially come away with Smith’s first interception of the season.
One Lions cornerback who undoubtedly has this game circled is former Jets cornerback DJ Reed. Reed will be facing the Jets for the first time since leaving New York in free agency last year. He spent three seasons with the Jets from 2022 to 2024.
The Lions currently sit as -6.5 favorites over the Jets, and if Detroit plays a solid game, it should be in a position to win this matchup comfortably. Going from playing Buffalo to having 10 days of rest before facing the Jets should provide Detroit with a nice turnaround opportunity and a chance to get back on track.
