Dave Birkett
@davebirkett.bsky.social
📤 6651
📥 28
📝 1434
Detroit Lions beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. 4x Michigan Sportswriter of the Year.
pinned post!
Gonna leave this pinned here. Get your copy of my book, "Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline." It's a great gift for the Lions fan in your life. If you want it personalized, shoot me an email or leave it in the comments of the order and we'll make it happen
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Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline - Dave Birkett
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https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML5DCRZXRBE5P/checkout/PT7NY7ZN5TLVGJZ4FTC3SC3W
8 months ago
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Lions not overlooking Browns: 'Usually you’re playing them and they’re kind of at the end of the season and they kind of know they’re not making the playoffs. This team’s hungry and they got the right guys on the team so it’s going to be a good fight"
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Detroit Lions not overlooking Cleveland Browns: 'This team's hungry'
The Cleveland Browns rallied last week to upset the Green Bay Packers, who beat the Detroit Lions in Week 1.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/26/detroit-lions-cleveland-browns-trap-game/86371173007/
about 2 hours ago
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Lions injury report
about 2 hours ago
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Friday practice vibes in AP
about 5 hours ago
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Watch Amon-Ra St. Brown on this play, goes across the middle, dodges a hit from Roquan Smith then goes back looking to hit Smith after Jahmyr Gibbs makes the catch. Lions WR Kalif Raymond said this was his favorite play of the game.
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about 5 hours ago
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I spy — Why Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard changed his approach to spying mobile QBs
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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I spy — Why Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard changed his approach to spying mobile QBs
Kelvin Sheppard denounced spying mobile quarterbacks in 2022 as a ploy that "waste(s) a defender," but used it effectively to beat the Ravens.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/26/detroit-lions-gameplan-vs-baltimore-ravens-kelvin-sheppard/86351644007/
about 5 hours ago
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Dan Campbell said Zach Cunningham will be out - pretty sure he was talking about for Sunday's game - after he popped up on the Lions' injury report yesterday with a hamstring injury
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Zach Cunningham injury: Detroit Lions' added to report; OT Taylor Decker misses practice
Detroit Lions linebacker Zach Cunningham made 2 tackles in the Lions' goal-line stand against the Baltimore Ravens last week.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/25/lb-zach-cunningham-added-to-detroit-lions-injury-list/86355357007/
about 5 hours ago
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Detroit Lions OC John Morton: Top-ranked Cleveland Browns run defense hasn't 'seen a run game like ours yet'
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Browns defense hasn't 'seen a run game like ours yet,' says Detroit Lions' John Morton
The Cleveland Browns haven't allowed a team to run for 100 yards this season and lead the NFL in rush defense at 57.3 yards per game.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/25/detroit-lions-oc-john-morton-not-worried-about-browns-run-defense/86349248007/
1 day ago
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Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard confirmed Terrion Arnold will have a diminished role for now, but he insists the move "has nothing to do with Terrion’s play or performance" and is about wanting to get Amik Robertson more snaps
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Terrion Arnold's benching about wanting to get Amik Robertson more involved, Lions DC says
Second-year Lions CB Terrion Arnold has allowed the second most receiving yards in the NFL (236) through 3 games, per the NFL's Next Gen stats.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/25/terrion-arnold-benched-detroit-lions-depth-chart/86344823007/
1 day ago
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Lions LB Jack Campbell took a cleat to the mouth that left a hole big enough he could stick his tongue through: "It was like some fake blood, scary movie type of deal"
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Lions LB Jack Campbell took cleat to mouth; had hole big enough to stick his tongue through
Jack Campbell didn't miss a snap against the Ravens despite bleeding profusely during the second half after getting kicked by teammate Brian Branch
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/25/detroit-lions-linebacker-jack-campbell-baltimore-ravens-plastic-surgery-stitches-bloody-face/86337406007/
1 day ago
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Lions injury report: Starting gunner undergoes forearm surgery; Decker, Muhammad miss practice
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Lions S Daniel Thomas undergoes forearm surgery; Decker, Muhammad miss practice
Al Quadin-Muhammad, who had 2.5 sacks against the Ravens, was listed as a non-participant on the Detroit Lions' estimated practice report Wednesday.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/24/lions-injury-report-week-4-browns/86334452007/
2 days ago
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Are changes coming to the Lions secondary? Terrion Arnold is off to a rocky start and while Dan Campbell said on 97.1 Arnold will 'keep working thru it" he added 'we’ll probably use Amik on some stuff, too. Amik’s a good player so we’re going to mix it up a little bit'
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Dan Campbell hints Terrion Arnold could lose snaps as Lions CB
Terrion Arnold has a Detroit Lions-worst 130.1 passer rating against and 2 touchdowns allowed through 3 games.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/24/terrion-arnold-lions-nfl-dan-campbell/86326633007/
2 days ago
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Jake Bates missed what would have been an NFL record 67-yard FG on Monday. Lions coach Dan Campbell said Bates will get more cracks at it and is confident 'he'll make those' when he does
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Dan Campbell: Lions' Jake Bates will get more tries at NFL record-setting FG: 'He'll make those'
Jake Bates is 4 for 6 on field goals this season after missing a 67-yarder wide left against the Ravens.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/23/dan-campbell-lions-jake-bates-will-get-more-tries-at-record-field-goal/86316471007/
2 days ago
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3 years after they put the handoff to Amon-Ra St. Brown/option to Jahmyr Gibbs in the playbook, the Lions finally turned it into points. How 'Red Saint Gibbs' came to life for the once again aggressive, creative Lions
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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How Lions finally brought 'Red Saint Gibbs' play call to life, 3 years later
The Detroit Lions converted all 3 of their fourth-down attempts against the Ravens to score or set up important touchdowns in their 38-30 win.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/23/lions-nfl-amon-ra-st-brown-jahmyr-gibbs-ravens/86309128007/
3 days ago
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The Lions racked up 7 sacks and stuffed Lamar Jackson for a statement win over the Baltimore Ravens: “It was a great effort and that’s what it takes when you play a fricking alien”
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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How Lions stuffed 'alien' Lamar Jackson for statement win at Ravens
The Detroit Lions ran for 224 yards and sacked Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson seven times to improve to 2-1 on the season.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/23/detroit-lions-stymie-ravens-alien-lamar-jackson-in-statement-win/86295018007/
3 days ago
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Lions grades: David Montgomery, Detroit defense get high marks in 38-30 win vs Ravens
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Lions grades: David Montgomery, Detroit defense get high marks in 38-30 win vs Ravens
The Lions showed creativity on both sides of the ball, but they had their worst performance of the season on special teams
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/23/grades-david-montgomery-detroit-lions-defense-vs-baltimore-ravens/86294995007/
3 days ago
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Detroit Lions put on offensive clinic in epic Monday Night Football win vs Ravens
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Detroit Lions put on offensive clinic in epic Monday Night Football win vs Ravens
The Detroit Lions made all the big plays down the stretch on Monday Night Football in a 38-30 win over Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/22/detroit-lions-score-vs-raven-monday-night-football-game-nfl-week-3/86294977007/
4 days ago
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From the broadcast: The last time the Ravens allowed a 95+-yard touchdown drive was 2001. The Lions have done it twice tonight.
4 days ago
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Heck of a play call for the TD. Handoff to St. Brown, pitch to Gibbs, easy score. Lions up 27-21, PAT pending.
4 days ago
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Hope y'all are enjoying this game. It's a good one.
4 days ago
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David Montgomery, huge run, huge night.
4 days ago
5
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Lions special teams have not been good tonight.
4 days ago
5
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Who needs Marcus Davenport? Al-Quadin Muhammad with his second sack of the night.
4 days ago
1
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I asked a couple guys in the locker room this week if they thought of this as a potential Super Bowl preview. Most said it was too early, they were focused on this game. But they kind of felt the same way.
4 days ago
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Nice double move by Amon-Ra St. Brown, perfect TD pass from Jared Goff. Game is tied at 21. This was my preseason Super Bowl prediction. Got to say, a rematch in February would be pretty nice. Good game so far.
4 days ago
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Bates' 67-yard FG went wide left. Game tied at 14 at halftime.
4 days ago
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Make it a 67-yarder ... would break Justin Tucker's record ... against the Lions a few years ago.
4 days ago
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Jake Bates out to try what I think will be a 66-yarder
4 days ago
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Sione Vaki is questionable to return with a groin injury.
4 days ago
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Lions had a chance to up two scores after that big goal-line stand, pass protection struggles a little, they can't move the ball. Another special teams gaffe gives Baltimore good field position and after a Terrion Arnold penalty, Lamar Jackson throws a TD pass to tie it at 14.
4 days ago
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Sione Vaki to the locker room after that punt, came up limping.
4 days ago
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What a huge goal line stand for the Lions. Zach Cunningham with a couple tackles, Jack Campbell forces the fumble on Lamar Jackson. Minus 19 yards. Lions have a chance to add to their lead before halftime.
4 days ago
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Huge drive by the Lions. 98 yards for the TD. Lions ran the ball down the Ravens' throat there. David Montgomery with the TD.
4 days ago
5
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It was close. I thought it was forward by a half yard or so. Worth it when a minus-9 puts ends the drive, essentially, imo.
add a skeleton here at some point
4 days ago
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Lions should have challenged that lateral call. I think that was a forward pass. Set that whole drive behind
4 days ago
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First one to 60 wins?
4 days ago
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Lions go 67 yards on 11 plays for an opening drive TD. Jahmyr Gibbs had 2 big blitz pickups, on second-and-8 and fourth-and-3 conversions, to extend the drive. Penei Sewell big block on Gibbs' TD run. 7-0.
4 days ago
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Isaac TeSlaa gets the start for the Lions
4 days ago
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Detroit Lions first-round pick Tyleik Williams has changed his mindset to better the team
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Detroit Lions first-round pick Tyleik Williams has changed his mindset to better the team
First-round pick Tyleik Williams has 2 tackles in the Detroit Lions' first 2 games, but the defensive end is still making an impact with his play.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/22/detroit-lions-dt-tyleik-williams-becoming-really-really-good-player/86291477007/
4 days ago
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Taylor Decker, Jack Campbell, Kerby Joseph all playing for the Lions. Thomas Harper, Craig Reynolds, Kinglsey Eguakun, Chris Smith, Mekhi Wingo all inactive.
4 days ago
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The Lions placed DE Marcus Davenport on injured reserve. He's out a minimum of 4 games, which likely means till early November including the bye
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Marcus Davenport, Detroit Lions DE, on injured reserve
Al-Quadin Muhammad is expected to take Marcus Davenport's place, and Pat O'Connor and Tyrus Wheat also could see expanded roles for the Detroit Lions.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/22/marcus-davenport-injury-update-lions-nfl/86267925007/
4 days ago
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Jimmy Kimmel is back. Good news for our constitution.
4 days ago
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Got back to my hotel after lunch and they were giving away little slices of pizza and chocolate chip cookies and blueberry lemonade… And you know all the Lions fans in the lobby took that as a sign
4 days ago
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Detroit Lions memories of 2023 Ravens butt-kicking still linger: 'You don't forget'
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Detroit Lions memories of 2023 Ravens butt-kicking still linger: 'You don't forget'
The Baltimore Ravens handed the Detroit Lions their second-most lopsided loss of the Dan Campbell era the last time they met in 2023.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/22/detroit-lions-super-bowl-60-preview-vs-ravens-bad-memories-from-2023/86272387007/
4 days ago
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3 blocked kicks in like a 5-minute span to change games. Nuts.
5 days ago
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Jacob Saylors nearly quit football before making the Lions roster. Now, he's playing a key role on special teams. More on the former UFL star who's found a home in Detroit: 'He has grit written all over him'
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Jacob Saylors nearly quit before making Lions roster: 'He has grit written all over him'
Jacob Saylors signed with the Lions this summer after 2 years in the UFL and has been one of the team's best special teams player through 2 games
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/21/jacob-saylors-detroit-lions-nfl-east-tennessee-state/86262968007/
5 days ago
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Try this again lol Dan Campbell said Marcus Davenport probably won’t play Monday at Baltimore but he doesn’t view Davenport’s injury as season ending
6 days ago
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Dan Campbell said Marcus Davenport probably won’t play Mod at but he doesn’t view Davenporr’s injury as season ending
6 days ago
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This week's 5 Questions is a good one with Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa as the rookie dishes on nicknames, one-handed catches and his most prized possession
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Isaac TeSlaa: Detroit Lions WR dishes on nicknames, one-handed catches, Hudsonville ice cream
While social media has debated a nickname for Isaac TeSlaa, his father used to call the Detroit Lions wide receiver "Tiger."
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/20/detroit-lions-wr-isaac-teslaa-best-catch-in-nfl-history/86248808007/
6 days ago
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Lions coordinator notes: -Kelvin Sheppard has major respect for Lamar Jackson -Why John Morton had to watch the Bears tape twice -Dave Fipp sees more big plays coming on kick returns
www.freep.com/story/sports...
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Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is a player without a weakness. So what can Lions do?
Facing Lamar Jackson and the Ravens has led to some sleepless nights for Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard this week.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/09/19/lions-vs-lamar-jackson-ravens-monday-night-football/86237907007/
7 days ago
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Marcus Davenport had his right arm in a sling in the locker room after practice today. He declined to say anything of note about his injury when I asked about the diagnosis/timetable for return - "I ain't got nothing to say" - but he couldn't use his right arm to get up from the recliner he was in.
7 days ago
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