Episode 2

52 Points of Proof: Why the Lions Don't Need Ben Johnson After All - EP 002

If you're wondering whether that 52-21 demolition of Chicago actually proves the Lions can thrive without Ben Johnson - or if it just masked deeper coordinator concerns that'll surface against tougher opponents - this episode cuts through the celebration noise to deliver the analytical breakdown you need.

We dissect John Morton's tactical pivot from Week 1's struggles to Sunday's play-action masterclass, examine Kelvin Shepard's defensive adjustments that generated four sacks, and reveal the specific metrics that separate genuine coordinator progress from fool's gold against a struggling Bears offense.

You'll discover the realistic timeline for when these coordinator changes should "click," the precise improvement markers to track over the next month, and why the Ravens matchup will provide the first real test of whether Detroit's new identity can handle elite competition.

This isn't post-win euphoria - it's data-driven analysis that prepares you for the coordinator development curve ahead while celebrating what actually worked against Chicago.

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Lions Grey Manes is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net

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About the Podcast

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Lions Grey Manes

Seasoned Detroit Lions Analysis Beyond the Hype

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About your hosts

Dan Keener

I have been a Detroit Lions fan starting back in the early 1980’s when I discovered football. Although I grew up in Northwest Ohio and was surrounded by friends and family that were all Cleveland Browns fans, I ended up gravitating to the Lions as they were found on CBS affiliate WTOL Channel 11, which was within the Lions blackout and broadcast area. So, while my family and friends were watching Brian Sipe and Clay Matthews of the Browns, I grew up watching the likes of Eric Hipple, Billy Sims, Keith Dorney, Doug English, Jimmy Williams, Bruce McNorton and Eddie Murray grace the rock-hard rug at the Silverdome. Since then, my loyalty to the NFL and The Detroit Lions have never waned, regardless of how well (not very often) or how bad (too often) the Lions end their season.

Fast forward to approximately 1993, when I stumbled onto a group of Detroit Lions fans through a Listserv and found several individuals that I have had the privilege of calling friends now for well over 25 years. The members of The Grey Manes all have come from that original group of anonymous internet Lions fans, and yet here we are, in our latter years, finally putting to print out thoughts about the team that we all love (and sometimes hate.)

Chris Stone

I am driven to help inspiring brands and motivated entrepreneurs share their stories and maximize their missions via the power of podcasting, live streaming and digital marketing.

I founded Cast Ahead after the success of my own co-hosted podcasts changed my life. I receive great joy seeing others achieve their own financial, physical and spiritual success. Whether your business or passion is Commercial Real Estate or Pest Control – Motivational Speaking or Dungeons & Dragons: I’m driven by seeing you acquire the success in your business and/or passion project.

I truly believe that everyone deserves to be heard by using their own voice in their own way.

My goal is to be a team member with passionate entrepreneurs & ambitious businesses by integrating podcasting and/or live streaming into their business goals, educate their customers in a creative way – which will in turn attract more listeners, viewers & customers.

I’ve worked with numerous companies, corporate brands & regional startups to not only drive their podcasts into Apple Podcasts charts – but garnered multiple viable leads for these partners via podcasting & livestreaming that resulted in incremental revenue for their companies.

I have a long-standing history with audio & music in particular, having started my career at Sony Music in the 90’s before deciding to Cast Ahead into the future. I can’t wait for the world to hear your story!