Detroit Lions

An exclusive interview about the Lions with Jeff Risdon of "Side Lion Report"

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

We at Inside The Iggles recently sat down with Jeff Risdon of “Side Lion Report” to discuss the upcoming matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions on Sunday.

It almost seems like it’s been a month since the Philadelphia Eagles took the field. That all changes Sunday as they head to Detroit, Michigan to face the Detroit Lions and try to improve to a 4-0 record on the season.

This one’s flooded with storylines. There’s the “revenge game” theory. Last year, the Eagles traveled to Detroit and suffered their worse loss of the 2015 campaign. Every coach and player says this game has nothing to do with last year’s contest, but many fans seem to disagree.

Then there’s Jim Schwartz‘s returning to the city where he last served as a head coach. Schwartz seems unphased, but most don’t believe that the Eagles’ new defensive coordinator doesn’t have any emotions involved in this one. He did serve as head coach of the Lions for five years before being removed from that position in 2013.

With so much to discuss, we sat down with Jeff Risdon of Side Lion Report as he was nice enough to grant us a few moments of his time.

The following is the result of that interview:

Nov 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Devin Taylor (98) and defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) pressure Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) during the third quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Lions win 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Inside The Iggles: The Eagles got spanked the last time these two met. What do you attribute that loss to, and what are the chances of a repeat performance by Matthew Stafford and company?

Risdon: The last meeting was last Thanksgiving, which is significant timing for both teams. The Lions were building momentum after switching offensive coordinators, a change to Jim Bob Cooter that continues to pay dividends. The Eagles were coming off a 45-17 home loss to Tampa and had to play a hot, very focused and relatively healthy Lions team in what is traditionally the most important game of the season in Detroit. The Chip Kelly fatigue was tangible along the Eagles sideline from before the kickoff, too. 

The biggest negative for the Eagles in that game was Eric Rowe trying to cover Calvin Johnson with no help. But there were other issues which strongly favored Detroit too. The Lions dared Mark Sanchez to try and beat them over the top. DeMarco Murray kept running into his blockers when trying to cut back every run instead of taking what was there. Ziggy Ansah destroyed Dennis Kelly for 3.5 sacks. Not one of those guys is involved in this game on either side, to Detroit’s detriment and Philadelphia’s massive benefit.

Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell stands on the sidelines during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Inside The Iggles: The word is Jim Caldwell was a second option because this team truly wanted Tony Dungy. Is there any truth to that and how’s Caldwell doing in the court of public opinion?

Risdon: While it’s never been confirmed, the Lions were definitely linked to Dungy in the last coaching search. Some believe Dungy was acting as a de facto agent for Caldwell the whole time. Others believe the Lions were using Dungy to make the job appear more attractive. I think there is truth in both.

Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Chris Moore (10) is tackled after his catch by Detroit Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) and cornerback Darius Slay (23) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Inside The Iggles: We keep hearing names like Kerry Hyder and Tahir Whitehead. How good are they truly and who are some other possible roadblocks for an Eagles victory?

Risdon: Hyder is a great story, a practice squad guy who got into outstanding physical shape and earned his roster spot. He’s got 5 sacks so far, including one in every game. He’s not a highly skilled guy but he’s relentless and smart.

Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) misses a pass with Chicago Bears cornerback Bryce Callahan (37) during the second half at Soldier Field. Chicago won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Inside The Iggles: On offense, what do you expect to see from the Lions against the Eagles’ defense?

Risdon: With tight end Eric Ebron and running back Ameer Abdullah both out, the Lions offense is at a major disadvantage. Ebron is the top red zone target and his replacement is Cole Wick, an undrafted rookie from Incarnate Word with the agility of a rhinoceros who can’t block.Matthew Stafford has been leaning on Marvin Jones, who has been better than expected and can get open both short and deep. Of course Jones is questionable this week, so that’s another monkey wrench.The Lions offense is at its best in 11 personnel with Theo Riddick operating as a receiver out of the backfield. He’s lethal in space and the Lions do a good job of scheming to get him isolated in favorable matchups. When the defense cheats to Riddick, Stafford has been very good at finding Anquan Boldin or another receiver on the next layer. With Ebron out, I expect to see more of fullback Michael Burton to help in pass protection and to clear holes for Riddick and Zach Zenner. The offensive line is as good as Stafford has had in his 8 seasons but it’s still got some issues, namely immobile left guard Laken Tomlinson.Next: Prediction

Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Inside The Iggles: What’s your prediction for the outcome of this one?

Risdon: The Eagles are coming off a bye, more time to get Wentz reps and to rest the early-season grind wounds. Jim Schwartz knows Stafford all too well, and the Lions are playing without so many key players on both sides of the ball. This one could be a blowout. It probably should be for the Eagles, even on the road.Risdon’s Prediction:Eagles 37, Lions 16About Jeff Risdon:Risdon is a Cleveland native living in Holland MI by way of Houston. He’s covered the NFL and NFL Draft since 2004 for a variety of outlets, notably RealGM, Draft Breakdown and Bleacher Report. He is a graduate of Ohio University, a former volleyball player and a proud dad to two beautiful children. Follow him on Twitter where his handle is @JeffRisdon.Next: Check out this recent video of Coach Doug Pederson with the media

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