The Lions upset the champions at the start of the NFL season. And considering that when the regular season schedule was released, countless fans questioned the very presence of this supposed cheating team at the opener…
Although we no longer talked about the good old Lions, many still doubted their relevance. After their 21:20 win in the opening event, their seriousness cannot be questioned.
It’s simply a victory, you might say. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. A team that wants to beat a force like the Chiefs in their kingdom has simply done a lot more than just win a game. Here are 10 observations on this first surprise of the season.
1. The defense doesn’t want to laugh anymore
All of the Lions’ defensive problems may not be solved, but a unit that limited the Chiefs to 316 yards and five third-down conversions on 14 attempts deserves respect. Not long ago, I never would have imagined being able to contain Patrick Mahomes, who completed just 21 of his 39 passes, in this manner. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson ends his night without a quarterback pocket, but those who actually watched the game know how dominant he was. He hit Mahomes three times and was constantly in his line of sight with five pressure bursts.
2. Newcomers contribute
They weren’t supposed to be canonized after a game, but the Lions rookies had a big part in the win. Carrier Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 42 yards (6 yards per carry) and added two receptions for 18 yards. At the end of the game he won a big first game. Tight end Sam LaPorta caught all five passes thrown at him for 39 yards. Safety Brian Branch used a deflection to intercept a Patrick Mahomes pass and then put it back into the end zone. Linebacker Jack Campbell made a big play by repelling a pass. It’s very promising!
3. Dan Campbell has the front
Early in the game, the Lions were cornered in their zone at their 17 line and head coach Dan Campbell went for a dangerous fake clearance that paid off. The Lions continued their winning streak, rushing for 91 yards by scoring the first touchdown of the game. Under normal circumstances, it would be infinitely risky. However, when you face the Chiefs in their stadium, you have to dare to shake the giants.
4. Lions have character
The Chiefs led 29-1 when they led at halftime since the 2020 season. Under these circumstances, it is only a question of a second defeat. It’s a sign that the Lions never gave up and were never intimidated. In the hostile environment of Arrowhead Stadium, it’s particularly difficult to stand up to the Chiefs. The Lions celebrated their first victory at this stadium since October 23, 1988.
5. Goff’s firing streak continues
Lions quarterback Jared Goff extended his passing streak to 359 without an interception. It is the third-longest streak of its kind in history, behind Tom Brady (399) and Aaron Rodgers (402). Without being a master, he made the crucial plays, completing 22 of his 35 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown.
6. receiver problem
Since Patrick Mahomes was without top tight end Travis Kelce, he was let down several times by his receivers. Four of his passes were dropped, including three in critical situations on third down. Mahomes targeted his wideouts 22 times and completed just 10 passes (46%). Kadarius Toney acted like he was trying to catch a bar of soap in the shower, and Skyy Moore often appeared ghostly.
7. A contract for Chris Jones, it’s urgent!
Without taking anything away from the Lions, the Chiefs played this meeting without two of their three best players, all positions together. Tight end Travis Kelce was missing and tackle Chris Jones is still waiting for a new contract. Tackler Mike Danna had a sack, but otherwise the inside pressure, Chris Jones’ specialty, was fairly rare.
8th. Lack of aggressiveness
It’s hard to question Chiefs reliever Andy Reid’s offensive decisions with a resume like that, but his usual aggressiveness was non-existent. Twice the Chiefs settled for placements on fourth-down situations with two yards left. Conversely, they found themselves in a situation late in the game where they had to try to convert a fourth down and 25 yards. Funny management…
9. A rare catch
Patrick Mahomes suffered a first interception at his expense in an opening game. In his sixth start, he also suffered his first loss and for the first time failed to throw at least three touchdown passes.
10. Among the projectors
The Lions had inherited the spotlight for an evening game in front of a large crowd in this first meeting of the season and it won’t be the last time. They will be in action on three other occasions in the evening, not counting another matchup on Thanksgiving. No, no one laughs anymore! Dan Campbell put it well: “I learned nothing from my team in this game. I had confirmation of what I already knew,” he said.