I don’t think anyone had “SKY” leading all rookie defensive tackles in quarterback pressures on their bingo card—much less ranking third among all NFL rookies, regardless of defensive position. Add eight tackles and one combined sack across 171 defensive snaps, and he’s quickly become a problem for opposing offensive linemen—and one of Detroit’s most unexpected early-season contributors.

For a rookie who entered camp struggling to impress defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, the turnaround has been remarkable. Gill-Howard isn’t just another rookie trying to survive—he’s earned the trust of his teammates and the same coaching staff that barely noticed him when training camp began.

Read more

The Lions’ pass rush came out hot against New Orleans, created early disruption and looked ready to control the game up front. Then the pressure faded, the Saints adjusted and Detroit stopped affecting the quarterback with the same speed.

This video breaks down what changed after the strong start, where the pressure disappeared, how New Orleans handled the edge rush and why the Lions struggled to finish plays once the protection settled in.

The focus is on what actually happened against the Saints — not the offseason plan. We look at the timing of the pressure, whether the interior gave the quarterback room to climb, how often the edge won cleanly and why the rush could not sustain its early success.

Detroit showed it can create pressure. The bigger concern is whether it can keep doing it after an offense adjusts.

Detroit Lions - Jared Goff enters Week 1 with a new offensive coordinator, multiple changes across the offensive line and a Lions team trying to rebound from a 9-8 season that ended outside the playoffs. With another season of championship expectations surrounding the team, the off-season work must be enough to carry them all the way this time.

Goff discussed Drew Petzing’s offense, Penei Sewell’s move to left tackle, protection communication, Brandon Staley’s Saints defense and why the 2026 Lions have to establish their own identity.

About Will Rock

Will Rock Is The Founder Of Detroit Football Journal And DFJ Sports, Providing Independent NFL Coverage With Credentialed Access Since 2024. His Work Focuses On Detroit Lions News, NFL Draft Scouting, Roster Analysis And Film Study.

Get Detroit Lions News, Film Study And Independent NFL Coverage From Detroit Football Journal Delivered To Your Inbox.

30% OFF FOR LIFE SINGLE | ANNUAL

BUY 1 GIFT 1 50% OFF FOR LIFE | ANNUAL

Let me know your thoughts and what you see.

Read more

He is entering the final year of his contract, and the Raiders have younger players pushing for larger roles.

For the Lions, the attraction is simple: size, range and starting experience at a position where Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have dealt with injuries.

There is no report that the Raiders are shopping Pola-Mao, but his contract situation makes him a reasonable name to monitor.

Will Rock breaks down the Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch extension possibilities, why this much cap space could point toward another roster move, and several realistic trade targets including Paulson Adebo, T.J. Slaton, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Isaiah Pola-Mao.

It should also be noted that the team also released Levi Onwuzurike from the active roster and Tyre West from the practice squad, leaving 52 players on the active roster and one open spot on the 53.

There is no confirmed trade right now. The question is whether Holmes is creating room for extensions, protecting himself against injuries, or preparing to strike when another veteran becomes available.