The Detroit Lions accomplished just enough to send the audience home happy in prime time.
The Lions used a late-game drive to force overtime on Sunday night. After winning the coin toss, Detroit dominated with a hard, run-oriented drive that culminated in David Montgomery’s game-winning touchdown.
As a result, the Lions improved to 1-0 in the 2024 season despite a lackluster performance. Throughout the process, they depended on a variety of players to help them win.
Here are five conclusions from an examination of the Lions’ snap counts in Sunday’s game.
Barnes has more repetitions than Campbell.
The Lions have kept the linebacker position intact, with several players having spent multiple seasons with the franchise. As a result, Kelvin Sheppard, the position coach, has a number of players that can play in a variety of circumstances.
Though 2023 first-round selection Jack Campbell is anticipated to play a significant role in his second NFL season, Derrick Barnes saw more snaps on Sunday. Barnes played 64 snaps on Sunday, while Campbell played 44.
This could be due to the Lions playing less nickel defense and utilizing Barnes in the SAM linebacker spot, which allows him to contribute in a variety of ways. Both players had an impact, combining for 11 tackles. However, Barnes’ triumph over Campbell is a saga worth following.
Davenport controls the edge role.
The Lions’ lack of a recognized second pass-rush option opposite Aidan Hutchinson was a hot subject all offseason. Marcus Davenport’s signing was viewed with some skepticism due to a history of injuries that have limited his production.
Davenport, on the other hand, started opposite Hutchinson on Sunday and took full advantage of his opportunity. He finished with a half-sack, split with Levi Onwuzurike, and four quarterback hits in 44 snaps.
The Lions worked Davenport on the end, along with Josh Paschal, and decided to keep James Houston inactive. Many saw Houston as a major prospect to help with the pass rush, but he appears to be further down the depth chart at this point.
Williams’ workload.
Williams had a fantastic game on Sunday in practically every manner. He set single-game records for receptions (five), yards (121) and targets (nine) while scoring his fourth career touchdown throw.
What’s more telling is that the Lions have officially designated him as their second wide receiver option. The Alabama product received a lot of attention during training camp, and he delivered in the season opener.
Williams’ 52 snaps were the second most he’d played in a game in his three NFL seasons, trailing only his career high against Green Bay last Thanksgiving. However, the 52 snaps accounted for 85 percent of the Lions’ plays, a career-high.
Rodriguez plays a part on defense.
With the Lions’ linebacker depth, Sheppard may use different guys in scenarios that fit their play styles. Malcolm Rodriguez benefited from this on Sunday, playing a small but significant role.
Rodriguez played 14 snaps, accounting for 18% of the team’s defensive action. He made three tackles during that time and had an assisted tackle on special teams.
Rodriguez’s workload decreased last season after starting 15 games as a rookie in 2022. However, it is evident that he has carved out a position for himself on defense, and he was particularly noticeable on the field as part of Detroit’s third-down defensive scheme.
Branch does not leave field.
The Lions’ two defensive players, safety Brian Branch and linebacker Alex Anzalone, played the entire game Sunday. Terrion Arnold and Carlton Davis, their two cornerbacks, were also very tight. Arnold missed two plays, and Davis missed one after losing his wind.
Branch was active throughout the game, nearly missing two interceptions on Stafford. He’ll need to work on his angles going down from the safety position, but there’s a lot to like about him in that role.
On Sunday, the Lions played lots of base defense. With the Rams’ offensive line depleted, the Lions frequently used four down linemen and three linebackers, leaving the conventional four in the secondary instead of a nickel corner.
Amik Robertson saw snaps as the team’s nickel, but he only played slightly less than half of the defensive snaps. He made 36 defensive plays, accounting for 46% of the team’s snaps.
Instead of playing the fifth defensive back, the Lions used defensive tackles Alim McNeill (68 snaps), Levi Onwuzurike (50 snaps), and practice squad call-up Kyle Peko (37 snaps). Chris Smith, who was recently joined to the active roster, played eight snaps, while rookie Mekhi Wingo played six in his NFL debut.
