The Detroit Lions have their sights set on a Super Bowl. After a collapse in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, the team is ready to make another run this season. One of the team’s strengths is its offensive line, led by right tackle Penei Sewell. A scary practice moment today was when the former Oregon Duck went down and had his foot checked out. He did not return. However, the initial indications are that he is okay.
Detroit Lions Penei Sewell ‘Good’
Detroit Lions beat reporter Justin Rogers posted on X a short but positive update on Penei Sewell. “He’s good,” a team source told the reporter. This is a sigh of relief for team fans. Sewell has been one of the best tackles in the league since his rookie season in 2021. The former seventh-overall pick is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons. He also earned first-team All-Pro honors last year for his play.
Critically, Penei Sewell has played every offensive snap over the past two seasons. Offensive line play is about continuity. If teams have too many shuffling pieces on the line, communication can break down, leading to sacks or other negative plays. More than likely, the team took him out of practice for precautionary reasons and will be careful for the rest of training camp.
Can They Make A Super Bowl?
The Detroit Lions have the roster to make a Super Bowl. Their biggest weakness last season was their secondary. While they lost CJ Gardner-Johnson, they picked up some quality young secondary players in the draft. Aidan Hutchinson is one of the rising stars in the league and looks to take another leap in his third year. There are fewer questions about the offense.
The Lions are all about the high-octane offense. Jared Goff has plenty of weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are looking to become one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL. Sam LaPorta looks to build on a strong rookie campaign, and the two-headed backfield monster of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs can give defenses fits.
The biggest issue for this season is expectations. The Detroit Lions aren’t a dark horse candidate anymore; they are one of the favorites, which comes with added pressure. Can they handle the pressure and make the franchises’ first Super Bowl?