The Lions visited the reigning Super Bowl-champion Chiefs for the NFL's season opener — and beat Patrick Mahomes and Co. behind an aggressive defense.
Even when Detroit turned it over after the ball was punched out of wide receiver Marvin Jones’ hands in the second quarter, the Lions didn’t lose their cool. The defense turned around and forced a Kansas City punt.
At the end of the game, after the offense pulled ahead by one solitary point, the defense saved their best for last. Chiefs left tackle Donovan Smith got called for holding on first down, which negated a first-down completion thrown by Mahomes. Instead of moving the chains, it became first and 20. Then it was fourth and 20. Where most teams would get into some sort of prevent defense formation, Glenn crowded the line. He brought six rushers and right tackle Jawaan Taylor committed a false start.
So the Lions took advantage. Kansas City was just 5-of-14 on third down, a measly 35.7% conversion rate. They were 0-for-1 on fourth down. And while sacks proved elusive still, the Lions made their presence felt. They had seven quarterback hits on the night. Second-year player Aidan Hutchinson was responsible for three himself. Hutchinson was moving all over the line, rushing from all different alignments.
But perhaps the best indication that the Lions’ secondary has turned over a new leaf was what they were able to get out of rookie Brian Branch. Mahomes fired a near-perfect pass to Kadarius Toney. Instead, it bounced off Toney’s hands and… right into the arms of Branch, who then took the ball to the house. That play ignited the defense, who then forced a punt on the ensuing Chiefs’ possession. They surrendered just two field goals for the remainder of the game.
One thing is for certain: these aren't the Lions of old. They aren't even the Lions from last season. And while it seems that Detroit’s offense is getting off to a slower start this time around, they finally have a defense that can sustain them.
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