A fake punt that was early establishes the mood to the Lions. You just knew that the Lions were all set to throw their pot of the kitchen at champions and it didn’t take much time for them to get there. Do you think it was a good idea to fake a punt on the 20-yard mark of your own in the opening quarter?
It was not even attempted by any team during the entire 2022 NFL season as per NFL Research. The head Coach Dan Campbell wasn’t scared to shoot out of his personal 17 but his courage was acknowledged. The Lions played an eight-minute, 14-play 91-yard drive to gain 7-0 lead and then stun Arrowhead Stadium into early silence.
The Lions now have a distinct identity: They’re not afraid to take risks early and a some of that confidence could be due to an improved Lions defense. The decision to go for it late on the fourth down was a logical decision however, it may not go as planned. And yet again, Campbell’s defense stood firm and stopped Patrick Mahomes at the end of the fourth quarter.
The Detroit team is now able to carry a chip on its shoulders after its biggest win in recent times — and it’s only Week 1. This team has become a must-watch on television until the next time.
Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore are unable to make an impact in the absence of Travis Kelce out. The Chiefs were aware that they would be shorthanded with the absence of Travis Kelce (knee) early, and their strategy was clear it was going to be a committee event. Patrick Mahomes’ first seven passes were made through seven receivers however the plan was to hope to see if Kadarius Toney or Skyy Moore could fill the gap with big plays.
But, they both had night to forget. Moore did not make a catch from three goals, with some balls that fell out of his hands during the last few minutes. Toney only had one catch of one yard from five goals. He appeared increasingly frightened with every error he made. First, he made a highly easy to catch drop that led to an important Brian Branch pick-six (and not turning to confront him). Then, a third-down drop and an injury on the run play.
Then the drop came in just under two minutes left even the throw wasn’t perfect. If Toney been able to catch it there was plenty of time. Instead the Chiefs were able to turn it over, but didn’t get it back. It’s not how either receiver would like to start this season.
Chiefs defense stands out even without Chris Jones .
Yes they did, but the Chiefs defense was stung by two lengthy, hard-fought drives — one early and one late, which hampered its chances to be successful. All things considered the way the team played without defensive lineman Chris Jones, who is still waiting in the hope of signing getting a new contract it was quite admirable. George Karlaftis, Michael Danna and Felix Anudike-Uzomah provided some pressure in the front, while the back seven performed an excellent job in closing the running lanes, even late in the game when defenders looked gassed.
This was also true for the defense at the back, in which Trent McDuffie had an outstanding night before Jared Goff connected with a couple of important passes late. Since this game over and with the Chiefs losing, maybe Jones can make a more convincing case for him to be compensated immediately. But the defenders in the stands kept the Lions offense at bay throughout the night and only the team allowing 14 points.
Lions rookies appeared to be ready for the professional game from the start. If you’re general manager Brad Holmes, you have to be very happy with the draft team that the team compiled this year. Some criticized the team’s approach by taking Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, two lower-priority-position players, in Round 1, but both played prominent roles in the Lions’ 21-20 victory — as did second-rounders Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch.
Branch played the biggest play in the game thanks to his INT of 50 yards however, the knowledgeable Lions fans know everything about him from the beginning of the preseason. Branch’s INT likely won’t happen even if Campbell does not make a hell of a deflection on a pass two minutes earlier, preventing an alleged first down. LaPorta was averaging five catches, and also threw a crucial blocking block for David Montgomery’s game-winning TD drive at the end of fourth quarter. Also, Gibbs displayed several flashes of his own early and had a 17-yard rout as well as a 10-yard catch and run.
His 18-yard run in the fourth quarter, which broke two Chiefs tackles and causing a major injury, was an absolute killer. Four picks, four instant contributors. This is draft impact.
Aidan Hutchinson dominated, the young Lions defense showed grit. The Lions spent throughout the offseason trying to find strategies to boost their defense. Early results are optimistic. Although there were a few bumps during the game as is normal with Mahomes’ team The Lions defense played the Chiefs defense with determination as well as a lot of energy and determination led by Aidan Hutchinson leading the way.
Hutchinson was at war against Chiefs right guard Jawaan Taylor who was lined up about the deepest you’re permitted to do in the NFL. Taylor also gave the business for right guard Trey Smith on several pass plays as Hutchinson ran inside, soaring over him numerous times, displaying speed and strength. Smith was a pain in Mahomes’ back throughout the game. With a couple of errors in coverage however, the Lions were able to tip 5 Mahomes passing passes, and did enough to force 18 interceptions.
The defensive coach Aaron Glenn turned in a excellent performance, opting to ditch his stoic style in favor of the zone-heavy approach in this game. With the exception of the Chiefs briefly flurry just before the half with a two-yard drive The Lions were able to do a fantastic job. That’s why this team is very dangerous right now.
Next Gen statistics for the match: It was reported that the Lions’ Brian Branch reached a top speed of 20.74 mph when he made his game-winning 50-yard interception at the end of third quarter. Three NFL players reached speeds faster on defensive scoring plays during the entire 2022 season.
NFL Research: Patrick Mahomes’ interception was the first time he’s ever interacted in a game of Week 1.
