Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions went into Arrowhead Stadium with the Kansas City Chiefs staring down a potential 2-4 start. And while the officiating certainly didn’t tilt in Detroit’s favor, the Lions had more than enough chances to overcome it—but failed to capitalize on several pivotal plays that swung the game’s momentum.
It wasn’t the finest outing for either side of the ball. The offense failed to eclipse 300 total yards and went just 5-for-13 on third and fourth downs, while the defense allowed yet another smooth sailing opening-drive touchdown and let Patrick Mahomes post a 132.2 passer rating—his highest in a regular-season game over the last three years. Detroit led 10-6 early in the second quarter and appeared to be winning in the trenches, but from that point on it was all Kansas City, who closed the game on a 24-7 run.
The Chiefs took care of business, and the Lions now have plenty to clean up before their “Monday Night Football” clash with the Buccaneers. Here’s a look at who’s trending up—and who’s trending down—after Week 6.
Stock up: Penei Sewell, RT
With Taylor Decker and Giovanni Manu sidelined, Dan Skipper drew the start at left tackle, leaving Sewell as the unquestioned stabilizing force up front. Despite inconsistent play from the interior, Sewell was an absolute rock on the right side—a reminder why he’s firmly in contention for the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year award.
Matched up frequently against George Karlaftis, rookie Ashton Gillotte, and Mike Danna, Sewell handled every challenge. He locked out the edge rushers, stonewalled stunts, absorbed blitzes, and allowed minimal pressure throughout. His work against Karlaftis stood out—helping to hold him to just one pressure, his lowest total since Week 10 of last season, after averaging over six per game this season.
Even as the rushing attack sputtered later on, Sewell continued to move defenders in the run game and set a steady tone for the offensive line. John Morton even got creative with his play designs to allow for Sewell to get three successful run blocking reps at left tackle.
Stock down: Brian Branch, S
Branch looked a step slow, clearly hampered by injury, and wasn’t as effective near the line of scrimmage as usual. His tackling form wavered—too often going for big hits instead of secure wrap-ups—including whiffing on Xavier Worthy’s long catch-and-run early in the fourth quarter.
Off the field, Branch drew even more unwanted attention. His postgame skirmish with JuJu Smith-Schuster earned him a one-game suspension and criticism from Dan Campbell, who called the actions “inexcusable” and “unacceptable.” Branch’s edge is part of what makes him special, but he needs to channel it productively.
He’ll now have two weeks to get healthy and refocused before returning—ideally with his trademark aggression intact but under control—for what could be a major second-half rebound.
Stock up: Jameson Williams, WR
Williams delivered the kind of reliable playmaking presence the Lions needed, leading the team in nearly every receiving category. He caught six of seven targets...
