The Lions opened their 2025 season with a thud. Week 1 at Lambeau wasn’t just a loss; it was a reality check. Green Bay jumped out early, scored ten in the first quarter, and never looked back in a 27–13 win. Jordan Love carved up Detroit’s secondary with two first-half touchdown passes, Josh Jacobs sealed it with a fourth-quarter score, and the Lions’ lone touchdown came in garbage time. The defeat snapped Detroit’s road winning streak and left Dan Campbell’s team 0–1 with the NFC North already feeling like a chase. Week 2 at Ford Field suddenly feels urgent.

And just as the Lions need a clean performance to steady the ship, the injuries are piling up. Particularly to Kerby Joseph and Taylor Decker. The injuries will force the coach to avoid the long-passing plays he originally designed. In fact, Jared Goff may lean towards shorter passes. It means there could be more screen and slant plays against the Bears. The aim is simple. Keep the QB free from any unnecessary pressure. It will be hard with these 2 players not playing.

Kerby Joseph was a late addition to Friday’s injury report with a knee issue, listed as limited and questionable. He isn’t just another starter; he’s the guy who erases mistakes, the one who turns potential touchdowns into interceptions. His 17 career picks and 31 passes defended have saved Detroit more than once. Without him, the Bears will smell blood and go after a back end that already struggled in Week 1.

Then there’s Taylor Decker, the blindside protector. He hasn’t practiced once this week with a shoulder injury, and while Dan Campbell insists Decker still has a shot to play, pointing out his experience and toughness, history says three straight DNPs rarely end with a player suiting up. If he’s out, Giovanni Manu steps in. The second-year tackle has been getting all the first-team reps, and Campbell says he’s “practiced better the last two days.” Better is nice. But Montez Sweat is waiting, and Goff can’t take the kind of punishment he did in Green Bay.

That’s the weight of these two names. Decker has started all 127 games he’s played since 2016, the definition of reliable. Joseph, with 248 tackles in just four seasons, is the heartbeat of Detroit’s back end. Expect quick passes, slants, screens, anything to keep Goff on schedule and away from pressure.

Sunday, September 14th isn’t just about bouncing back. It’s about proving the Lions can win ugly. If Decker and Joseph sit, Campbell’s culture faces its first real test of 2025.

Ben Johnson vs Dan Campbell – Clash of past vs present

The highly anticipated game is here. Last year, Ben Johnson was Campbell’s offensive coordinator. Together, they mounted an offense that gutted defenses. This year, things have changed. Bears are coming back to Ford Field. They also lost their season opener against the Vikings by 24-27.

However, Ben Johnson is not feeling the pressure of a rivalry. In fact, he had some lovely words for Dan Campbell on September 11. While talking about the week 2 matchup, the Bears HC said, “I view him like family, and I think he would tell you the same thing.” He even shared that both coaches still text each other.

But the Lions HC is ready for the battle. He isn’t taking it lightly and wants to win. That’s why he first rejected the threats of trick plays and then added, “Let’s just handle the meat and potatoes of an offense, a defense, what we think they’re gonna hang their hat on.” So we would see plenty of emotions, too, on the sidelines.

That’s the NFL cycle. Coaches go on to become rivals. And Ford Field will see that in action.