Keys to Victory:
Control the line of scrimmage –
Quick reads, don’t hold onto the ball –
Control time of possession, keep Patrick Mahomes off the field –
The Detroit Lions offered me some insight into their gameplan heading into week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs and I believe they hit home on two out of three of their keys to victory, which ultimately helped them pull of the upset against the Chiefs 33-28. Did they control the line of scrimmage? Debatable. Both teams only gave up 1 sack, but Jared Goff was pressured two times the rate that Patrick Mahomes was pressured. Detroit struggled to get pressure with their three- or four-man rushes, but when they blitz 5 or more defenders, Mahomes struggled to find the time needed to push the ball down the field. Rumour is that the Lions are seeking a push rusher opposite of Aidan Hutchinson in free agency. They have hosted visits from defensive end Robert Quinn, Carlos Dunlap II, defensive tackle Al Woods, and Linval Joseph. They are pursuing Robert Quinn the most, they believe his size and speed will shore up their front four but expect the Lions to host more free agents through the first four weeks of the season.
Quick reads… How efficient were the Lions passing the ball? Jared Goff completed 24 of his 29 passes, for 369 yards and 3 touchdowns. Goff completed 82% of his passes, which is one of the highest completion percentages in his career. However, Goff struggled reading the field at times often checking the ball down instead of remaining patient and delivering a strike to a receiver that was coming open while he threw the ball short of the line to gain.
The Detroit Lions held the ball for 23 minutes and 18 seconds compared to Kansas City’s 16 minutes and 42 seconds. They successfully ate into the clock after acquiring a healthy lead, but Kansas City came dangerously close to completing the comeback. This questioned Coach Fallen’s decision to play safe the entire second half of the ball game, but the Detroit Lions pulled off the upset and they will have to stay committed to that approach when the play Seattle in week 2.
Kalif Raymond averaged a league-high of 50 receiving yards per reception and finished the day off with three catches for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Jahmyr Gibbs had 22 touches and led the Lions in receptions, he also scored his first touchdown as a pro. He was allegedly the most targeted receiver in week 1 in the PML.
