Lions Tailgate kicks off preseason coverage tonight at 7

Before the Lions host the Browns tonight, Tom Leyden hosts the Lions Tailgate pregame show live on WXYZ at 7pm.

Tom will be joined by the Matt Shepard and Rob Rubick, who will call Friday's action from the booth, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Charlie Sanders. 

Shep and Rubes will explore the growth of Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and how the coaching staff plans to make him better in 2012.

Tom has one-on-one interviews with Lions head coach Jim Schwartz and running back Kevin Smith.

Schwartz discusses how the coaching staff approaches game-planning for preseason games and how replacement referees might influence tonight's game.

Smith reflects on where he was 12 months ago, how he re-invented himself and how badly he wanted to come back to the Lions.

Brad Galli will share the story of Lions rookie wide receiver Patrick Edwards, who has overcome numerous injuries, including a horrific broken leg while playing at the University of Houston , to impress the coaching staff during training camp.

David Solano talked to some of the Lions cornerbacks who are looking to make some noise this preseason and found a confident group wanting to turn some heads.  Hear from Bill Bentley, Alphonso Smith and Chris Houston.

Also tonight, how you could win a $5,000 shopping spree at Lucido Fine Jewelry and how to become a part of the Lions Fan Tunnel, brought to you by your Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers .