The Detroit Lions are going back to Ford Field for a Week 4 contest against a sudden NFC North slayer.
The Cleveland Browns are coming off a thrilling win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 3, which featured a blocked field goal and numerous great plays from their defensive line. That line, captained by All-Pro and future Hall of Famer Myles Garrett, is one to watch as we approach their bout against the Lions this coming weekend.
Cleveland is a bit of a laughingstock in the league still, but they obviously have the power to wreck games with their top defense, a common trait of theirs despite a constantly struggling offense. This is something Detroit has to be wary of heading into this game, and they have to know this is a genuine test of the improvement seen from their offensive line over these last few weeks.
Let's not even consider Garrett's impact here, as we know what he can do. He already has four sacks on the year, and he's always a threat to force a fumble if you aren't securing the football well enough. But, the Browns' unsung heroes on the D-line - Maliek Collins, rookie Mason Graham, Isaiah McGuire, and rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger - are ones to watch out for if you're Jared Goff.
First of many for @C_Schwesinger!!#GBvsCLE on FOX & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/V9dv0NSyGp
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 21, 2025
In Week 3, the Lions' offensive line showed up and showed out. Once again, Goff was left beyond impressed with how well their IOL provided pass blocking for him, which gave him enough time to operate with precision against the Baltimore Ravens' typically solid pass defense. Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany are clearly improving, while Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker continue to be elite at their jobs at tackle.
They're facing down a humongous test against this Cleveland defense, which has only allowed 204.3 yards per game through three contests - good for first overall in the league. Zeroing in a bit more on that, they've only allowed 57.3 rushing yards per game (1st) and 147 passing yards per game (4th). The Lions, for context, have allowed 100 more yards of offense on average per game than that.
Can Detroit once again face down a supposedly elite defensive unit and walk them down, just as they did in Week 3? Or, will they look as downtrodden as they did in Week 1 against a similarly formidable defensive line helmed by the Packers? It all depends on how well Ratledge and Mahogany do to protect Goff in the pocket.
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