Inside the Den Returns and Yes, We’re All Going to Watch Every Second
The Detroit Lions dropped the first episode of this season’s “Inside the Den” and frankly, we don’t have a choice but to consume every frame of this Emmy-award winning documentary series. It’s like crack for Lions fans who have spent decades wondering what the hell goes on in Allen Park when nobody’s watching.
This episode gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the key offseason movements within the franchise. We get to sit in on film sessions with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing as he breaks down plays and explains what he expects from his players this season. Because after years of watching coordinators who looked like they were making it up as they went along, it’s refreshing to see someone who actually knows what they’re looking at on tape.
The same treatment gets handed to defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. Then the episode dives into the free agency process, which is either fascinating or terrifying depending on how the signings work out.
Brad Holmes Pulls Back the Curtain
General manager Brad Holmes offers insight into how he identifies the types of players the Lions need and the process of going after them. This is the stuff we’ve been dying to know since the Matt Millen era left us wondering if anyone in the building had ever actually watched football before.
The episode runs just over a half hour, which means you can watch it during lunch and still have time to argue about it with your coworkers afterward.
Draft Prospect Talk and Social Media Shenanigans
Draft prospect Monroe Freeling appeared on the “Up & Adams Show” and mentioned he’s talked with former Georgia teammate and current Lions lineman Tate Ratledge about playing in Detroit. Because apparently word is getting around that this might actually be a place you want to play now.
Meanwhile, the Lions’ social media account had some unusual posts because their admin apparently needed medical attention. The team posted an update confirming the admin is okay, which is more transparency than we got about injuries for most of the 2000s.
Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers published a detailed profile on Brian Hudspeth, the head of the Lions’ college scouting department. It’s the kind of deep dive that makes you realize there are actual professionals working behind the scenes now.
Are we finally at the point where Lions content is must-watch television instead of a cautionary tale? Tell us if you’re buying into the hype or still waiting for the other shoe to drop in the comments below.
Dude this is exactly what we needed to see. Finally getting a real look at how the front office actually operates instead of just wondering what the hell they’re doing. I’m pumped to watch every episode of this.
Look I want to believe this is different but I’ve had my heart ripped out too many times. Show me it works on the field first before I start treating this like must-watch TV.
Back in the day we’d have killed for this kind of access and transparency. The fact that we’re finally getting people who look like they know what they’re doing in those meetings… that’s progress I can get behind.