How Detroit Can Make History: Push the Chiefs to 2–4
Patrick Mahomes has never had a losing record through the first six games of the season, but the Detroit Lions have a chance to make history. Dan Campbell and his team can hand the reigning MVP a 2-4 start for the first time in his career. In past years, Mahomes has started 5-1 or 4-2 through the first six, but this year has been different. With no true wide receiver one, it makes it hard for Mahomes to stay consistent in the passing game. The defense has to battle on its side of the ball to keep Mahomes and the offense in contention.
On the other hand, the Lions have looked dominant after the loss in Week One to the Packers. Jared Goff has been lighting the passing game up with over 230 yards per game through the air. With such a strong pass game going for the Lions, this opens up the backfield for Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Although they lost some pieces on the offensive line in the offseason, it has looked strong after Week Two.
One key that the Lions can focus on in this game is getting to Mahomes, forcing him to be uncomfortable and move around the pocket. Aidan Hutchinson will lead this charge for the defense, hoping to collapse the pocket. Limiting the explosive plays for the Chiefs will be a big piece of the puzzle for Detroit. When Mahomes connects on big plays, they ultimately turn out into points, so if the Lions can hold them to short gains, they should see success on the defensive end.
The Lions have to use the clock to their advantage; with Gibbs and Montgomery in the backfield, they will be able to drain the clock the whole game if their offensive line does what they’re supposed to. Keeping Mahomes off the field is what ultimately comes down to that. When Mahomes is off the field, they can’t score. If the Lions can hold onto the football, they will have a great chance at winning this game.
If the Lions come out on top at the end of this game, that makes their narrative of a “playoff contender” even stronger. They will have beaten two strong AFC opponents that were heavily favored to win their divisions coming into the season. The coordinators have not been an issue so far this season, which was a major storyline for Detroit. Without Ben Johnson or Aaron Glenn, they seem to be playing just fine.
A shocking 2-4 start for Mahomes would be unlike him. It makes their playoff hopes shorten tremendously and creates a narrative that the Chiefs are no longer a dynasty. The Chiefs cannot afford to lose this game, especially at home. Kansas City still has a shot at the playoffs if it moves to 3-3 after this game. With a record of .500, they will look to pick up some momentum with a win.
