Image Source – AFP /
The absences of Chris Jones and Travis Kelce were decisive. Dan Campbell’s game plan was an excellent example of how he has changed the team’s face.
Arrowhead Stadium was the chosen venue to kick off a new American football season. The Chiefs wanted to start the campaign by celebrating the Super Bowl they won in February and giving their fans a victory in the team’s presentation. However, the Lions came out on top in a game where they maximized all the strengths of a franchise that Dan Campbell has given a profound makeover. Two seasons ago, they were the team with the fewest victories in the entire NFL. Yesterday, they won on the champion’s home turf.
Beginnings are always challenging but generate high expectations among fans. Many new pieces that need to fit together and limited preseason action. The Detroit Lions came better prepared, with a well-defined game plan from the coaching staff and executed by the players. Aidan Hutchinson was a nightmare for the Chiefs’ offensive line and for Patrick Mahomes, who had to escape from the defensive end on numerous occasions. Amon-Ra Saint Brown showed off his fantastic hands and experience to step up when Jared Goff was looking for a partner. David Montgomery had a fantastic debut and pounded the opposing defense without opposition. His touchdown was what secured them the victory.
Mahomes was the best for his team in the match, but he couldn’t find anyone in the most crucial moments. During the second quarter, the Chiefs’ offense clicked, scoring 14 unanswered points and putting the Lions in a tough spot. However, outside of that, the reigning MVP of the past season and Super Bowl was very isolated in an offense without key players stepping up when his team needed it.
Andy Reid has work to do.
On paper, the Kansas City Chiefs have a team with less talent than the previous year. During the offseason, they lost two key pieces of the roster that helped them secure their second Super Bowl. Firstly, they lost JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was the second-leading receiver in terms of receiving yards in the previous season, and he joined the New England Patriots. Secondly, Orlando Brown departed to the Bengals, conference rivals, leaving the offensive line significantly depleted.
Furthermore, in this first game, neither Travis Kelce nor Chris Jones were in the lineup. The tight end had a knee issue during the preseason practices and missed his first game due to injury since 2013. The organization decided not to risk his physical integrity, and he will be available for upcoming games. On the other hand, Jones is currently in a standoff with the organization. The defensive tackle did not report to preseason training sessions, seeking an improved contract or a trade to another organization that can offer better terms.
