Detroit Lions Pull Off Major Upset Against the Kansas City Chiefs: 21-20
It’s the moment NFL fans have been waiting for since the Super Bowl’s final play. Thursday (Sept. 7) marked the first NFL game of the season, as well as the Detroit Lions season opener. Carrying on with tradition, the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, played the opening game. Of course, they were up against the Detroit Lions, who traveled to Arrowhead Stadium for the honor.
Going into this game, we knew it would be tough. Even though the Detroit Lions are one of the most buzzed-about teams in the NFL right now, the Kansas City Chiefs just won a Super Bowl. Moreover, the Chiefs are favorites to go back to the Super Bowl this year, because they still have an incredibly strong team.
But, boy, what a game! Our Detroit Lions delivered and delivered. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that huge play in the third quarter, where #32 Brian Branch picked the ball for a surprise touchdown. It’s the first highlight below. Actually, every play in this game was exciting. Final score: 21-20, with the Lions winning!
One of Detroit’s many shining stars is Aiden Hutchinson, who hails from the University of Michigan. He’s one of the most promising EDGE defenders in the NFL. This season, he promises to have even more confidence than last. “My confidence right now is really through the roof,” Hutchinson said during OTAs last spring (via SI). “Me personally, I feel like I’m on a completely different level. And, I mean, instinctually, my explosiveness. Everywhere on the board, I feel like I’ve taken myself to the next level.” Hutchinson was there tonight, as were Jared Goff, Dan Campbell and all the usual suspects. Check out some highlights of the game below. My podcast all about the Detroit Lions, “The Squad with Anne Erickson,” kicks off again this Monday. Please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
.@NFL, meet @brianbb_1 #DETvsKC | 🎥 NBC pic.twitter.com/6L7m6SZSrF
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 8, 2023
💙💙💙#OnePride pic.twitter.com/TJMjvMeH7a
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 8, 2023
First score of the @NFL season belongs to @amonra_stbrown #DETvsKC | 🎥 NBC pic.twitter.com/0lrAjEj7sx
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 8, 2023
Detroit Lions: Get to Know the Initial 53-Man Roster for 2023
Quarterbacks
This year’s quarterbacks are Jared Goff, who is the starting quarterback, of course, along with Teddy Bridgewater and Hendon Hooker. We have a solid crew here. I’m a Goff believer.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 09: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions look on during pregame warm-ups prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on January 09, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Wide receivers
This year’s wide receivers include Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, Marvin Jones, Jameson Williams and Antoine Green. Sadly, Williams will miss the first several games due to gambling violations.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball after making a catch against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Running backs
We’re strong here. This year’s running backs include David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jason Cabinda (FB). This is a solid roster. It’s great to get Montgomery from the Bears.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 11: Jahmyr Gibbs #26 of the Detroit Lions runs up the field in the second quarter of a preseason game against the New York Giants at Ford Field on August 11, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Tight ends
We need some help in this area, but this year’s lineup seems strong. This year’s tight ends include Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and James Mitchell.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball after making a catch against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Offensive line
Let’s go get it! This year’s offensive line includes Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson, Graham Glasgow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Colby Sorsdal and Matt Nelson. That’s a good showing.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Defensive line
Let’s look at the positions of EDGE and tackles. We have Alim McNeill, Isaiah Buggs, Brodric Martin, Levi Onwuzurike, Benito Jones, Aidan Hutchinson, Charles Harris, Josh Paschal, John Cominsky, James Houston, Romeo Okwara and Julian Okwara. It’s a solid list.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 11: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on September 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Linebackers and Defensive backs
Let’s check out our linebackers and defensive backs. We have Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Anthony Pittman, Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Emmanuel Moseley, Kerby Joseph, Tracy Walker, Brian Branch, Will Harris, Khalil Dorsey, Steven Gilmore and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Many of these are familiar names.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Specialists
Don’t forget these guys. We also have Jack Fox, Scott Daly and Riley Patterson. In the fold. So, there you have it. Our initial lineup. Let’s keep everyone healthy and winning.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 09: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on January 09, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
