ALEX ANZALONE

MOBILE, Ala. -- Versatile Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley has one of the more fascinating paths to the 2023 Senior Bowl. Henley, a six-year player who played a handful of positions between Nevada and Washington State, has excelled since finding his home at linebacker. And he’s also one of the more intriguing prospects at this year’s college football showcase for your Detroit Lions. “I do believe that there’s some young guys on our defense right now that are only going to get better. He transferred to Washington State for his graduate season and took his game to a new level.

ALLEN PARK -- The salary cap is rising to an NFL-record $224.8 million next season, according to multiple reports. Detroit has roughly $211 million worth of commitments on the books for 2023, leaving the club with roughly $13.8 million in cap space heading into the offseason. Kalif Raymond, he was the right guy. Charles Harris, he’s the right guy. It’s not that it was just a prove-it one-year deal, but it was the right guy.

Now that the Detroit Lions have wrapped up the 2022 season, MLive is handing out reviews for each of the team’s position groups. Per Pro Football Focus, Malcolm Rodriguez led all rookies with 12 tackles for loss or no gain. They also ranked 31st in creating tackles for loss, with only 3.5 sacks coming from its linebackers. The Lions divvied the snaps at the position between Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes. And Rodriguez looks ready to eat a ton of tackles, while Barnes continues to flash unique ability at the position.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has taken a “selective and strategic” approach to free agency through his two first offseasons. “We’re always going to be very strategic and selective with our approach,” Holmes said. But we were very selective about who were the right guys and being very selective about, ‘all right, Alex Anzalone, he’s the right guy. And we’ll continue that same play.”Related: Lions GM Brad Holmes’ wide-ranging year-end press conference: Live updates recapRelated: RB Jamaal Williams says he wants to re-sign with Detroit Lions, as only he canWe’ve got a Detroit Lions newsletter! We’ll email you your Detroit Lions news five days a week.

The Detroit Lions were powered by the defensive line and linebacker Alex Anzalone in their 20-16 win against the Green Bay Packers in Week 18. Related: John Cominsky, an unsung hero, wants to re-sign with Detroit LionsRelated: Lions grades: Defense shines while offense closes Week 18 win over PackersCominsky was followed by Anzalone, Isaiah Buggs, Kerby Joseph and Hutchinson in the defensive grades. Buggs’ earned the top marks of his year, with strong all-around marks, getting credit for a whopping five PFF stops. He ran 16 times for 72 yards and two scores against his former team in Week 18. And Swift caught all seven of his targets for 61 yards, adding 25 yards on the ground.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions (8-8) beat the Chicago Bears (3-13) 41-10 in Week 17 action from Ford Field. This post will run through MLive’s grades from the game:We’ve got a Detroit Lions newsletter! Grade: ARunning backs: Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift were each at their best against the Bears. Malcolm Rodriguez appeared to miss the ticket on the easy touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet. Ben Johnson also delivered another glowing plan of attack, despite some early technical issues keeping him from communicating with Goff.

The Detroit Lions were gashed by the Carolina Panthers to the tune of 320 yards on the ground, losing 37-23 in Week 16 action. And missed tackles doomed Detroit’s defense in this loss, with whiffs on the ground and in the open field against the pass. Pro Football Focus had the Lions missing 13 tackles, with Kerby Joseph leading the way (three), followed by Ifeatu Melifonwu (two), Jeff Okudah (two) and six others with one. “We just didn’t, boy, we just -- you didn’t see the fire that we’ve had,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said when pressed about the missed tackles. PFF didn’t hit him with a turnover-worthy play, giving him a low fumble grade despite Ragnow taking ownership of the mistake.

Detroit Lions prized rookie defender Aidan Hutchinson isn’t slowing down, with his second consecutive game as the team’s highest-graded defender from Pro Football Focus. Hutchinson helped fuel Detroit’s dominant run defense, which held the Jets to only 50 rushing yards on 22 attempts and a long of 6 yards in Week 15. Hutchinson finished with five tackles, including one for loss, while generating two pressures and four PFF run stops (“tackles that constitute a ‘failure’ for the offense”). The Lions hit Jets quarterback Zach Wilson 10 times, including six tackles for loss from the front seven. -- Evan Brown was back out there with the rest of the starting offensive line for all 68 snaps.

DETROIT -- Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson added another sack to his rookie-leading total (seven), drawing the top-graded game of his career from Pro Football Focus in Week 14. “Detroit feels it, they feel we’re coming along right now,” Hutchinson said after the game. The Lions held star Vikings running back Dalvin Cook to only 23 yards on 15 rush attempts. He was kept out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday, returning in a limited capacity to end the week. Stenberg was out there for all 70 offensive snaps with Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Jonah Jackson and Frank Ragnow.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions (6-7) kept their hot streak rolling, beating the Minnesota Vikings (10-3) 34-23 in Week 14. The Lions quarterback hasn’t lost a fumble since losing to the Cowboys in late October. Goff has passed for more than 300 yards in back-to-back games for the first time since joining the Lions. Grade: B+Offensive line: The offensive line stabilized after a shaky start. Grade: B+Defensive line: On the flip side, the Lions hit the quarterback nine times, sacking the Vikings four times.

Defense and offensive weaponry proved to be too much for the Jacksonville Jaguars as the Detroit Lions had a convincing 40-14 victory, improving to 5-7 on the season, and are now just two games back in the loss column for the seventh and playoff spot.

The Lions running back had been limited by ankle and shoulder injuries, seeing double-digit touches in only two of his nine games this season. He pushed the ball downfield and got into a dangerous rhythm with receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and DJ Chark. -- Jared Goff, DJ Chark and Amon-Ra St. Brown were lethal in Week 13. And St. Brown continues to be the engine that powers this offense. Next Gen Stats reports St. Brown leads the league with his 18.2% third-down conversion rate.

ALLEN PARK -- It’s time again for Detroit Lions players and those around the NFL to feature favorite charities and causes on their cleats for Week 13 games. See below for a rundown of the causes and cleats Lions players will wear for this weekend’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lions OL Kayode Awosika's cause is gun violence. Lions DL John Cominsky for Cominsky Family Foundation. DL John Cominsky (Cominsky Family Foundation): Cominsky and his wife, Brittany Cominsky, started their foundation to support the youth in the Barberton, Ohio area “with the goal of creating stronger futures for the next generation.” They have hosted backpack giveaways, football camps and food drives, among other fundraising efforts.

Rodriguez played 38 defensive snaps in the loss, the first time the rookie linebacker has seen that much work since suffering an elbow injury. Rodriguez was limited to 19 snaps in Week 9, then was eased back into action with 28 plays last week in New York. The rookie logged at least 46 defensive snaps through his first seven games, so it’ll be interesting to see where the rotation goes. -- James Houston left his mark on this game with only five defensive snaps. -- Benito Jones, while seeing 25 defensive snaps, was the team’s second-highest graded defender.

Down!”Those were the words play-by-play man Dan Miller shouted after the Detroit Lions finally wrangled Justin Fields to the ground after 10.8 seconds and a handful of missed takedowns on fourth-and-8. Julian Okwara got home for the sack on the Chicago Bears quarterback, with his second of the day sealing the team’s second-straight win and first on the road since 2020. MLive’s Dungeon of Doom podcast is back, and we’re taking a closer look at that fateful play in Chicago from last weekend. Subscribe to the Dungeon of Doom wherever you get your podcasts -- Acast, Spotify, Apple, Google -- Follow Benjamin Raven and Kyle Meinke on Twitter. Up next: #DETvsNYG on FOX — Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 15, 2022Related headlines:A confidence grows in DetroitInstant observations: Lions win second game in row, snap NFL-worst road skidLions midseason grades: Young nucleus reason for optimism on struggling defenseAsk Kyle: What are the Detroit Lions’ biggest needs heading into 2023?

CHICAGO -- The Detroit Lions entered the fourth quarter trailing the Chicago Bears 24-10. Detroit’s defense looked lost against Bears quarterback Justin Fields, and its offense had stalled out in the second and third quarters. According to Stathead, entering Sunday the Lions had lost 98 straight games when trailing by at least 14 points entering the fourth quarter. Sunday’s comeback started with D’Andre Swift opening the fourth quarter with a 9-yard touchdown run to trim the Bears’ lead to 24-17. “It just shows like our dedication and staying with it,” Williams said of the comeback win.

Then edge rusher Julian Okwara got two mitts on him, but Fields just kind of spun out of the sack. It took the Lions 10.86 seconds to get that stop, but by God, for the second straight week, they did. “When it all comes together, that’s when you start playing with confidence, playing with swagger,” Anzalone said. He didn’t wait long to get rolling either, blowing past Okwara on the game’s first play. Fields got one more shot at the Lions defense.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions enter Tuesday afternoon’s trade deadline losers of five straight games, sitting at 1-6 and well out of contention in the NFC playoff picture. Mine is to make the most of what we got here, which is plenty to compete with, I believe.”“Yeah, I don’t know,” Campbell said. “I know (general manager) Brad (Holmes) is looking into anything and everything on both sides. T.J. Hockenson’s name has been popular in the trade deadline rumor mill. Running back Jamaal Williams, offensive lineman Evan Brown, defensive end John Cominsky, linebackers Alex Anzalone and cornerback Amani Oruwariye, among others, are unrestricted free agents after this season.

Detroit Lions rookie defensive lineman Josh Paschal made his long-awaited debut against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. Hutchinson had a strong game with Paschal and Cominsky back, rocking 1.5 sacks while beating Dallas’ tackles more than a couple of times. Hutchinson created four quarterback pressures, getting into a disruptive groove with his fellow rookie defensive lineman. I look out there at one point and there’s Hutch, there’s Paschal, there’s Rodriguez, there’s Kerby, there’s A.J. The analytics site had Buggs ranked among the team’s three-worst defenders, with Paschal and Cominsky near the middle of the pack.

The Detroit Lions are 1-4 with one of the worst defenses in the league and Jared Goff is too mistake-prone to save them.

Pro Football Focus didn’t come down too hard on the Lions, with cornerback Jeff Okudah standing as one of those exceptions. Jonah Jackson was back in the starting lineup, logging all 66 reps at the other guard spot. The returning guard and Brown were docked for the team’s worst pass-blocking marks. -- Prized rookie defensive end Aidan Hutchinson received strong marks despite creating only one pressure and whiffing on another should-be sack. Defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor, cornerback Bobby Price and veteran defensive lineman Michael Brockers received the worst grades on the defense from PFF.

DETROIT -- Detroit Lions rookie linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is shining through as one of the only things to feel good about on the defensive side of the ball. Rodriguez should rank among the tops of all linebackers against the run when all grades are in for the week. Lockett doesn’t let too many like that slip away, so that’s a heads-up play by the rookie to punch the ball out. Rodriguez also made an impressive read on a screen pass to Seahawks rookie running back Kenneth Walker. PFF had Rodriguez allowing two catches on two targets in coverage for only 5 yards.

Jared Goff passed for 378 yards and four touchdowns, but Detroit struggled against Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks in a wild 48-45 loss.

Finding a home on and off the field can be an overwhelming chore for many NFL players.

The Detroit Lions (1-2) lost to the Minnesota Vikings (2-1) in the final minutes after blowing two double-digit leads in Week 3. This post will run through MLive’s grades for the team’s performance:Quarterbacks: Jared Goff had a clean day while playing with some banged-up offensive weapons. And he managed some good while running seven times for 31 yards, catching three passes for 15 yards. And it was another solid day on the ground, with the Lions running 35 times for 139 yards and two touchdowns. For those looking for the bright side, at least the Lions head coach sounds well aware of that after this loss.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have preached to their players that physicality is something they want to be known for around the league. But they’re trying to find the right balance after getting flagged for two unnecessary roughness hits on the quarterback in Week 1. Safety Tracy Walker got called for hitting the sliding quarterback and then for his role in a scuffle after the play. Because we do -- we stress physicality, and we want to be that, but it has to be directed the right way. Especially, you see on film like guys not going or sliding,” Anzalone said.

The Detroit Lions began their 2021 season by rallying to turn a potential blowout into a close loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions (0-1) kept it interesting but didn’t have enough in the tank to get the ball back one more time in their 38-35 season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles (0-1). They even went into the fourth quarter trailing 38-21 before a pair of solid scoring drives made things interesting. The Eagles were able to put the game on ice with a fourth-and-1 conversion late in the game, though. “Yeah, I think in the run game, we did a good job against them,” Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone said. Brown and the Eagles win, 38-35, in a season-opening shootout with the Detroit Lions -- The Philadelphia InquirerHurts, Eagles too much for Lions in opener 38-35 -- The Associated PressLions and Eagles separated after late hit on Hurts -- ESPNA.J.

ALLEN PARK -- Josh Woods opened training camp on the Detroit Lions’ roster bubble. Quarterback Jared Goff, center Frank Ragnow, linebacker Alex Anzalone, defensive lineman Michael Brockers and safety Tracy Walker were the others. “I love where he’s taken his leadership. You can tell he’s taken it serious, too. A year later, Woods won another roster spot by making himself indispensable on special teams.

ALLEN PARK -- Former first-round linebacker Jarrad Davis’ second stint with the Detroit Lions won’t make it to the regular season. NFL Network reports Davis is included on the team’s cuts ahead of the 53-man roster deadline. Davis, who was Pick 21 in 2017 to the Lions, spent one season away with the New York Jets last year. And while Davis always had a chance to make the roster based on his standing as a true veteran leader in the locker room. It was the emergence of rookie Malcolm Rodriguez, not to mention recognizable on-field struggles plaguing Davis’ return.

ALLEN PARK -- Derrick Barnes had a ho-hum start to his second training camp and preseason, with sixth-round rookie linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez shooting up the depth chart and into fans’ hearts. Also, Barnes remains in the mix for that starting job next to Anzalone heading into the preseason finale in Pittsburgh. “Derrick Barnes is coming, and that’s a real thing,” Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard said. Pro Football Focus graded Barnes as the third-worst linebacker in the league among those with enough snaps. Still, the Lions have preached that Barnes is a raw prospect who remains new to what they’re asking him to do.

ALLEN PARK -- New Detroit Lions linebacker Chris Board played a lot of games for the Baltimore Ravens over the previous four seasons. He logged 63 appearances while earning a rotational linebacker role on the defense to go along with his key spot on special teams. Because we know players two through four, two through five are really good special teams players. He’s played at least 300 snaps on special teams in three of his four seasons in the league. His 11 tackles on special teams were among the most in the NFL in 2021 while playing a career-high 337 defensive snaps.

Detroit brought in Alex Anzalone in 2021, then used a fourth-round pick on Derrick Barnes that year. The 23-year-old linebacker said he’s seeing the field better after an offseason spent watching film and studying the playbook. Campbell said he’d noticed maturation in Barnes’ game as well. I ask Alex questions. I ask Board questions.

ALLEN PARK -- Alex Anzalone missed 21 tackles while rarely coming off the field through 14 games last season. The Detroit Lions linebacker had the second-most whiffs in the league at his position despite missing the final three games. Anzalone said the team’s switch to a more attacking mentality while playing behind four-person defensive lines should help in that department. I think that’s definitely something that’s going to benefit our crew. “He’s too good of an athlete and I know this, he calms our defense down because they all know he’s going to know exactly what’s up, he communicates well, all of those things.

ALLEN PARK -- Aidan Hutchinson has been impressive in Detroit Lions training camp. Guys like him don’t even make it out of training camp all the time. Now Campbell is already having conversations with position coach Kelvin Sheppard about promoting Rodriguez up the depth chart. The former Oklahoma State standout has played mostly the WILL in camp, while adding some work at the MIKE in sub-packages. “I’ll tell you what, his key and diagnose for a young guy right now is pretty good, pretty good,” Campbell said.

Detroit’s coaching staff has maintained they expect fierce competition at the position to help some of the cream rise to the top in training camp. “So there is competition in that room,” Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said. He had never played more than 48% of his team’s defensive snaps before 2021, then saw 76% of the action across 17 games. He played three seasons of linebacker at Florida, then excelled with a switch to a pass-rusher role at Jackson State. Roster projection: LB Alex Anzalone, LB Derrick Barnes, LB Chris Board, LB Malcolm Rodriguez, LB Jarrad Davis, OLB Charles Harris, OLB James Houston

ALLEN PARK -- Add linebacker Alex Anzalone’s name to the list of defenders celebrating the switch to a more attacking defensive scheme for the Detroit Lions. “I think last year we were more in a wait and pat our cleats type linebacker play. It makes it easier for us to make tackles and (tackles for loss) and things of that nature. Pro Football Focus graded Anzalone as the eighth-worst linebacker with enough snaps to qualify last season. And despite those on-field struggles, it’s hard to dispute Anzalone’s standing as a leader inside the linebacker room and on Detroit’s youthful defense.

ALLEN PARK -- Derrick Barnes saw action in 17 games, earning six starts in Year 1 with the Detroit Lions. Barnes credited Anzalone for helping him become a more vocal leader, not to mention more comfortable with the idea of calling the defense. It’s hard to ignore the leadership and presence Jarrad Davis brings to the linebacker room. Anzalone, Davis and Barnes are joined by free-agent addition Chris Broad, and sixth-round picks Malcolm Rodriguez and James Houston. The coaching staff is confident the competition in the linebacker room should help the cream rise to the top.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions took Oklahoma State linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft. Rodriguez was a five-year player at Oklahoma State, and one of the most productive linebackers in this class. The linebacker had 129 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception in his redshirt senior season. He leaves Stillwater with 408 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. The Lions have two picks left on the final day, both in the seventh round at Picks 217 and 237.

The Detroit Lions are also re-signing quarterback David Blough, according to ESPN. Blough is the seventh player Detroit has re-signed in the last week, and the second quarterback, joining fellow backup Tim Boyle. That includes big extensions for safety Tracy Walker (three years, $25 million) and pass rusher Charles Harris (two years, $14 million). The only player Detroit has lost in free agency is Jalen Reeves-Maybin, a special teams standout who just agreed to a two-year deal with Houston that is worth $7.5 million and includes $5 million in guarantees. With Reeves-Maybin out in Detroit, the book is closed on the Lions’ 2017 draft class.

“We’re not just searching for one-year deal guys. Chark can sign his deal when the signing period opens at 4 p.m. today. But to this point, that one-year deal is the only agreement in place with an external player. Walker said not to get too hung up on Detroit bringing back so many players from a three-win team. Yeah, I feel like we’re on the come-up.”Here’s a look at where things stand heading into the signing period later today.

The first day of free agency negotiations is well underway, and quite a bit of money has been sent around to get the week started. Quandre Diggs re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks for a reported $40 million deal over three seasons. The agreement includes a $20 million signing bonus, and the salary goes from $1.5 million to $15.5 million in Year 2. This post will continue to update as more signings and happenings occur:2022 NFL free agency tracker: Latest signings, trades, contract info for all 32 teams -- NFL.comCould Baker Mayfield get traded? Hilton: I’m A Free Agent, So If You Want Me, Come Get Me -- Pro Football TalkJacksonville Jaguars make free agency splash, land Brandon Scherff, Christian Kirk -- Florida Times-UnionPackers Re-Signing All-Pro Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell -- Sports IllustratedJaguars’ free agency moves point toward Aidan Hutchinson at No.

Let the dealing begin — if mostly unofficial.

Alex Anzalone didn’t have the best on-field season during his first with the Detroit Lions. Anzalone re-signed with the Lions in the minutes leading into the opening of the negotiating window. Anzalone added that he felt a mindset change during his first season with the Lions, though, especially down the stretch. Anzalone and Williams were selected by the Saints in the same draft class, playing four seasons together in New Orleans. I definitely will.”Related headlines:Free agency live tracker: Detroit Lions start day by re-signing Alex Anzalone, Tim Boyle to new dealsDetroit Lions free agency preview: Safety Marcus Williams looks like the top name to watchFree agency primer: Detroit Lions expected to increase spending when market opensDetroit Lions strengthen offensive line by reportedly signing Evan Brown to 1-year dealReport: Detroit Lions re-signing special teams ace, safety C.J.

The Lions lack talent throughout their roster, and they can use help in NFL free agency at every position in coach Dan Campbell's second season.

The Detroit Lions will need to find a new inside linebackers coach after Mark DeLeone departs after only one season, per the Detroit News. DeLeone landed with the Lions after coaching inside linebackers for the Chicago Bears. Brian Duker (defensive assistant), Stephen Thomas (defensive quality control) and David Corrao (director of football research) remain in Detroit. He served as inside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at Princeton University across six seasons before coming to Detroit. Corrao also had a stint as a defensive quality control coach with the Miami Dolphins.

Anzalone added 78 tackles, one sack and seven pass deflections but also missed a whopping 21 tackles. Fourth-round rookie Derrick Barnes added 42 tackles and two sacks in a rotational role. Ben’s grade: DBreakdown: This team’s coaching staff loves Reeves-Maybin, and it’s easy to envision him back in Detroit in 2022. He and Anzalone head into the offseason without contracts, leaving the team with Barnes and Curtis Bolton. Pro Football Focus had Barnes ranked as the third-worst linebacker in the league with enough snaps to qualify.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions did a lot of good work this past season. Everyone needs good glue, and the Lions have a lot of guys who could fit that kind of role for a contender. But I just don’t think he’s the answer for the rebuild. I love these guys, especially Jacobs, but I’m scared they have “empty” stats and they would be bench players on a good team. Anyway, I don’t think so.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are signing linebacker Curtis Bolton off their practice squad, according to his agent. Bolton has already played the last three weeks on special teams anyway, logging 35 snaps as a COVID replacement for Detroit. Now he’s earned a spot on the 53-man roster, offering some depth at linebacker in addition to his contributions on special teams. A former Oklahoma linebacker who went undrafted in 2019, Bolton has gone on to have stints with the Packers, Texans, Colts, 49ers and now Lions over the last three years. He didn’t make his NFL debut until he landed with Detroit late this season, and has three tackles in three games while playing exclusively on special teams.

Dan Campbell has already shown himself to be an aggressive coach.

This season has never been easy for Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell.

DETROIT -- The Lions have lost yet another starter to injury. Linebacker Alex Anzalone will not play again this season because of a right shoulder injury he sustained in the 30-12 win against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Ford Field. The injury is not believed to be long term, but the timing of it -- with just three games to go -- will end his first season in Detroit after 14 games. He played the last four seasons in New Orleans, where Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were on staff. The running back is expected to return to practice this week after missing the last three games with a shoulder injury of his own.

Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was taken to a hospital for a head injury after he was carted off the field in the third quarter of Denver’s 15-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Kyler Murray had a shaky performance and that helped the Detroit Lions stun the Arizona Cardinals 30-12 on Sunday.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions will be without running back D’Andre Swift for the third straight week due to his shoulder injury. Edge defender Julian Okwara (ankle) will join Swift on the sideline, missing his second straight game. Lions coach Dan Campbell said it’s unlikely they’ll get anyone back from that list despite the league making changes to protocols. Without Swift and Williams in the backfield, it should be another weekend of Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson. Shane Zylstra has been elevated from the practice squad, with the tight end catching two of six targets for 18 yards last week.

The Detroit Lions knew they didn’t have much of a chance against the Denver Broncos.

The Lions lost six players to COVID last week, including starters like safety Tracy Walker, running back Jamaal Williams and center Evan Brown. That’s exactly what happened, as the Broncos overwhelmed the Lions with a 24-0 scoring run to put the game on ice. With the players the Lions put in uniform on Sunday, they had no shot. With the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals on deck next week, well, the only shot they seem to have left is for the No. 1 overall pick -- and in a league that includes Urban Meyer’s Jacksonville Jaguars, that is really saying something.

The Denver Broncos honored the late Demaryius Thomas with a 38-10 win over Detroit and tributes including a video montage and a moment of silence.

The Detroit Lions (1-10-1) are on the road after their first win of the season, drawing the Denver Broncos (6-6) in Week 14 action. On the bright side, Jared Goff got it clicking with receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds and tight end Brock Wright in last week’s win. Detroit’s secondary has shown flashes, with Amani Oruwariye’s five interceptions and the gradual growth from undrafted rookie Jerry Jacobs. The Lions have worked Cabinda with the tight end room some, with Nick Eubanks and Shane Zylstra on the practice squad. Zylstra converted from wide receiver to tight end while with the Vikings in camp.

DETROIT -- Lions linebacker Josh Woods has been a special teams staple since landing in Detroit but had drawn only four defensive snaps leading into week 13. Reeves-Maybin and rookie Derrick Barnes had split most of the work behind Alex Anzalone to this point, so it was interesting to see Woods jump ahead of the fourth-round rookie. Pro Football Focus docked Woods for his work against the pass while ranking him 12th among linebackers on the ground. -- Alim McNeill was right there with his fellow rookie on the defensive line, drawing a career-high 43 snaps. -- Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds dominated the snaps out wide, both seeing more than 60 snaps in the win.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions plan to honor the Oxford shooting victims during their game on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Line is now the head football coach at Oxford, and one of his star players -- Tate Myre -- was killed in the shooting. “Tate was and will always be a beaming light for Oxford,” Line tweeted this week. “I feel like there’s no better person in that position to help the community get through something like this,” Anzalone said. More than two decades later, he broke into tears when asked about yet another school shooting that occurred just miles away from him.

The Detroit Lions for all the mistakes they had made Thursday against the Chicago Bears still had one chance to pick up their first win of the season.

The Detroit Lions' annual Thanksgiving Day game traditionally showcases one of the NFL's most downtrodden franchises.

The winless Detroit Lions will kick off the NFL’s schedule of games on Thanksgiving as usual and their guests have plenty of problems of their own for a change.

The Baltimore Ravens are favored to beat Detroit by more than a touchdown and it is easy to understand why.

A new era of Detroit Lions football kicks off Friday at Ford Field. There’s another new GM and head coach, and Matthew Stafford won’t be starting at quarterback.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. The victory kept the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (13-1) in pole position to capture the AFC's lone playoff bye as a No. Mahomes' second TD toss looked more like a basketball assist, a chest-pass to tight end Travis Kelce cutting behind blockers for a 1-yard score. With two timeouts remaining, the Saints kicked deep, but could not prevent Mahomes and Co. from running out the clock. Saints: Receiver Tre'Quan Smith and safety Marcus Williams each left with ankle injuries in the second half.