When the Detroit Lions played the Kansas City Chiefs in their first game of the 2023 season, they beat the defending Super Bowl champs by a score of 21-20. On Saturday afternoon when these two teams meet again, the Chiefs will look to avenge last year’s disappointing performance.
The Detroit Lions Take On The Defending Super Bowl Champs
The Detroit Lions vs. Super Bowl Champs In 2023
It was a rare defeat for the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes as the offense collapsed on a sputtering final drive filled with miscues and failed opportunities. For the Lions, starting their season with a victory over the Chiefs was merely the beginning of their winningest season in decades and set the stage for what followed. The team went on to dominate the NFC North in 2023 with one of the best records in the league and came within one game of the Super Bowl.
Now, as the Lions look ahead to the 2024 season, they are a force to be reckoned with as they continue their quest for a Super Bowl championship. But as these two teams prepare for Saturday’s game, the biggest story coming out of practice this week isn’t kicker Harrison Butker’s new contract, it’s the devastating avalanche of player injuries from both teams.
An Avalanche of Injuries
Training camp injuries are often an unavoidable consequence of the preseason, particularly with rookie players unaccustomed to the physically punishing demands of the NFL. But the rate at which these injuries continue to pile up this season is staggering.
Earlier this week, three key players exited the Lions’ practice with injuries, one right after the other in a single afternoon. Like falling dominos, Jahmyr Gibbs suffered a hamstring injury, and then both Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw went down.
Gibbs is likely to miss Saturday’s game. Rookie cornerback Arnold succumbed to a pec injury and Rakestraw has a reported ankle injury. Fortunately, the news of Arnold’s injury is encouraging and he is expected to return in time for the start of the regular season. Rakestraw is doing well after suffering only a mild ankle sprain.
But the loss of Gibbs in particular is a concern. He is essential to the Lions’ offense. He and fellow running back David Montgomery make up one of the best tandem running back combinations in the NFL. Losing Gibbs for any amount of time would be a setback for Detroit. In his breakout rookie season, Gibbs rushed for 945 yards on 182 carries with 10 touchdowns. In addition, Gibbs adds another element to the Lions’ offense as a pass catcher with 52 receptions last season for another 316 yards.
Unfortunately, these injuries are in addition to the losses of Michael Badgely and John Cominsky for the 2024 season and the concussion suffered by quarterback Hendon Hooker. Based on the fact that the Lions recently signed former Washington Commanders quarterback Jake Fromm, it appears likely that Hooker will be unavailable to play.
What To Watch For This Weekend
What should we expect to see as the two teams take the field this weekend? One thing is certain, Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid does not hold back his starters in the pre-season. As would be expected from the reigning champs, the Chiefs are eager to lay claim to the league’s first-ever three-peat. This preseason game is just another step forward to attaining that holy grail.
The Chiefs Strategy
If he plays his starters, Reid will be without recently signed veteran receiver, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown who is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. But Mahomes will have plenty of other talented receivers including Rashee Rice, Mecole Hardman, and first-round pick Xavier Worthy. Armed with explosive speed and great hands, Worthy promises to be an exciting player to watch this season.
What To Watch For From The Lions
But the question remains whether the Lions will follow a similar strategy. While it’s not guaranteed that Coach Dan Campbell will choose to play his starters, there is the possibility we will see key personnel in the lineup for all or part of this game. One player we’re unlikely to see is second-year tight end, Sam LaPorta. Coming off an outstanding rookie season LaPorta is dealing with a reported hamstring issue. However, we could see quarterback Jared Goff , star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and talented running back David Montgomery take the field.
Although third-year wide receiver Jameson Williams should see some playing time this weekend, the focus will be on the other wide receivers who are battling to make the roster. Watch for Daurice Fountain, Donovan People-Jones, and Isaiah Williams to play hard and make some big plays.
After losing both rookie cornerbacks to injury this week, it’s unknown if the Lions will risk playing key defensive personnel but if Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, or Alim McNeil don’t take the field, watch for Brandon Joseph, Kindle Vildor, and Derrick Barnes to step up. All three looked very solid in the preseason and Joseph had a nice interception off Drew Lock in last week’s game against the Giants. To fill the gap created by the injuries to Arnold and Rakestraw, the Lions signed veteran cornerback Essang Bassey.
Another exciting player to keep an eye on this weekend is rookie Sione Vaki. Although listed far down on the depth chart as a running back, Vaki’s speed and athleticism provide a useful Swiss-army knife ability.
Finally, look for kicker Jake Bates to continue to improve the accuracy of his kickoff placement. If this game comes down to the wire, Bates could nail a long-distance field goal with his stellar leg strength. As two of the best teams in the league battle it out, this game could potentially be a preview of a game in February.
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: USA TODAY
