The 2023 NFL season kicked off in Kansas City where the reigning Super Bowl champs raised their banner and hosted the Detroit Lions. Patrick Mahomes’ offense took a hit Tuesday when 8x Pro Bowler Travis Kelce suffered a bone bruise that ultimately ruled him out hours before kick-off. Star defensive tackle Chris Jones watched from the stands amid stalled contract negotiations with the Chiefs, a hot button topic to watch heading into Week 2.
First Half
After trading punts on each team’s first drive, coach Dan Campbell set the tone of the game with a fake punt called on fourth- and-2 inside his own 20-yard line. This gamble culminated in a touchdown drive spanning 14 plays.
The Chiefs tied the game on the next drive when Mahomes picked apart the Lions, resulting in a 1-yard touchdown pass to Rashee Rice. On the final drive of the first half, Mahomes pushed the envelope with another touchdown covering 82 yards in just six plays.
Doubly impressive was this play from Mahomes to Marquez Valdez-Scantling on third-and-17. Tight end Blake Bell caught the Chiefs’ second touchdown.
Second Half
After trading punts, Lion’s rookie Brian Branch intercepted Mahomes after the ball ricocheted off wide receiver Kadarius Toney’s hands, taking the pick 50 yards and to the house for a touchdown. Brian Branch was drafted in the second round out of Alabama University.
The Chiefs next three drives resulted in a punt and two field goals. Harrison Butker successfully converted from 39 and 35 yards respectively.
The winning score came from the Lions in the form of a 75-yard drive featuring Jared Goff rifle an 18-yard completion on third-and-12. David Montgomery drove the game winning score in from eight yards out with 7:04 remaining in the fourth quarter.
No Punt?
The Chiefs decided not to punt with two minutes left in the fourth and all three timeouts remaining. What’s more shocking was seeing Mahomes line up for a fourth-and-20 and a fourth-and-25 from his own 30-yard line after a penalty without considering punting. Both fourth down pass attempts by Mahomes had their chances to be completed, but failing to do so gave the Lions the ball in Chiefs’ territory with a winding clock and a celebration to plan.
Major Takeaways
The Chief’s backup tight ends did their job, making catches to move the sticks on third down. Regardless, there is only one Kelce, and Chief’s nation can look forward to seeing him in Week 2. Wide receiver flaws seen in Week 1 go away when Kelce takes the field and the majority of the pass catching.
Kadarius Toney struggled to take on the larger receiving role in Kelce’s absence, recording only one yard on five targets. Furthermore, the ball popped off his hands and turned into a momentum shifting pick-six. While his awful night will be talked about most, many Chiefs receivers showed little ability to get open outside of scripted play.
The Chief’s defense had time to prepare for an opener without 2022 All-Pro Chris Jones, and it was evident. The Lions had many receiving threats and debuted their explosive rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs and only managed to score 14 points offensively. However, Chief’s GM Brett Veach must face the reality that the gap between the Chiefs and the league isn’t so far.
What Now?
The Lion’s hype train picks up steam. Quickly becoming a cult favorite team to cheer for, the Detroit Lions get a shiny signature win to start the season. The ability to close out a top tier team is something we had yet to see from the Lions, but their rest may be short-lived when they host the Seahawks in Week 2.
The Chiefs can learn a lot walking away from a rare Week 1defeat. It should be imperative for the Chiefs to get all hands on deck, bringing back Jones and getting Kelce ready to debut in Week 2.While the defense had a good showing with Jones in the bleachers, his impact is second to one at his position, and the Chiefs are better with him on the field. Chief fans know when you have Patrick Mahomes, you always have a chance.
Lions: Host Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 17.
Chiefs: Visit Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 17.
Stay classy Columbia.