Lions Finally Played a Real Team, and a Dominant QB Exposed Their Weaknesses
For much of the 2024 NFL season, the Detroit Lions have been one of the most surprising success stories. The team, long considered to be stuck in the lower rungs of the NFC, has fought their way into playoff contention, with standout performances from both their offense and defense. But in Week 14, the Lions finally faced a true test—an elite team, with a dominant quarterback leading the charge—and the result was a stark reminder that they still have significant flaws to address.
The opponent? The Kansas City Chiefs, a perennial Super Bowl contender, led by one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play the game—Patrick Mahomes. With Mahomes orchestrating the offense, the Chiefs’ offensive juggernaut exposed the Lions’ vulnerabilities in a way that no previous opponent had been able to this season. While the Lions have been a solid team, they learned the hard way that winning in the NFL means going up against the best, and that’s exactly what happened on Sunday.
The Lions’ Hot Start
Going into this matchup, the Lions were riding high on a wave of confidence. After a strong start to the season, they were seen by many as one of the NFC’s top contenders, thanks to a potent offense led by quarterback Jared Goff and a defense that had shown flashes of brilliance. Detroit had made a name for itself with its exciting, high-scoring games, and fans were starting to believe that this team could actually go far in the playoffs.
Goff, who had been remarkably consistent all season, had done an excellent job of running offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s scheme, which had put up points with ease. A healthy offensive line, coupled with the dynamic playmaking ability of running back David Montgomery and rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams, had given Detroit one of the most balanced offenses in the league. On the defensive side, the Lions had a solid group led by linebacker Jack Campbell, defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson, and cornerback Jerry Jacobs, who had helped elevate the team’s playmaking ability.
But as they prepared for the Chiefs, reality began to set in. A dominant quarterback like Mahomes can take apart any defense, no matter how well it’s played all season, and that’s exactly what happened in Detroit’s first real test of the year.
The Chiefs’ Offensive Onslaught
The Chiefs’ offense under Mahomes is a well-oiled machine. Over the years, Mahomes has proven that he can win in any situation, whether it’s with his arm, his legs, or his ability to read defenses. The matchup with the Lions was no different, as the Chiefs’ offense put on a clinic from the start.
Mahomes, whose playmaking ability is often compared to the greats in NFL history, had no problem dissecting Detroit’s defense. His mobility in the pocket, paired with his elite vision and arm strength, allowed him to avoid pressure and deliver pinpoint passes to his playmakers, including wide receivers Travis Kelce, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and rookie Rashee Rice. Detroit’s secondary, which had shown promise all year, was consistently exposed. Cornerbacks like Jacobs were simply unable to keep up with Mahomes’ quick release and his ability to throw the ball accurately even under pressure.
One of the key plays of the game came in the second quarter when Mahomes avoided a sack by stepping up in the pocket, only to launch a 50-yard bomb to Kelce down the sideline. The throw was perfectly placed, and Kelce, as he so often does, made the catch look effortless. That touchdown helped push the Chiefs’ lead to a commanding 24-7 by halftime, and it was clear that Detroit had no answer for Mahomes’ magic.
The Chiefs capitalized on nearly every opportunity. Whether it was Mahomes finding his tight ends or the running back committee gashing the Lions’ defensive line, Kansas City was consistently able to gain yards and put points on the board. While the Lions had moments of solid play, the Chiefs never let up, continuing to pile on the pressure and take advantage of every Detroit mistake.
Detroit’s Struggles
For Detroit, the game was a wake-up call. The Lions had been accustomed to controlling the pace of play in their previous matchups, but facing a team like the Chiefs made it painfully obvious that the Lions still have work to do in key areas. While Goff was far from the problem—he threw for over 300 yards—he was under constant duress from the Chiefs’ defense, which put pressure on him throughout the game. The Lions’ offensive line, which had been one of the team’s strengths, struggled to keep Goff clean, and as a result, the Lions offense couldn’t keep up with the high-powered Chiefs.
Despite a few flashes of brilliance, the Detroit offense was stifled when it mattered most. Running back Montgomery was ineffective against the Chiefs’ defense, and Goff, although he completed several passes, could not find any rhythm as the game wore on. With the Chiefs’ lead growing, Detroit was forced into a one-dimensional passing attack, which allowed Kansas City’s defense to play with more freedom and aggression.
But it wasn’t just the offense that struggled. The Lions’ defense, which had been effective all season, looked overwhelmed by Mahomes’ ability to make plays on the fly. Hutchinson and company couldn’t consistently apply pressure, and the secondary, which had played well up until this point, was simply no match for Mahomes’ elite arm and quick decision-making. Even with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn trying to adjust, it became clear that the Lions lacked the personnel to contain a quarterback of Mahomes’ caliber.
The Quarterback Dilemma
In this game, it wasn’t just a question of talent but of experience. Mahomes has been through the NFL’s crucible, making multiple Super Bowl appearances and winning one. The Lions, on the other hand, were dealing with a relatively untested defense, and their quarterback, Goff, while solid, has yet to show he can truly go toe-to-toe with the very best on the big stage.
The contrast between Mahomes’ ability to read defenses and Goff’s occasional struggles in high-pressure moments was stark. Mahomes made it look easy—navigating the pocket, improvising when necessary, and hitting his targets even when it seemed like nothing was open. Goff, for his part, did what he could under pressure but was forced into a number of quick decisions, often not having enough time to scan the field properly. Against a defense led by the Chiefs’ star pass rushers, Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, Goff was frequently under duress and couldn’t connect on key throws.
The Aftermath and What’s Next
The Lions’ 38-14 loss to the Chiefs was a humbling experience. Detroit fans, who had been riding high with hopes of making a deep playoff run, were reminded of the glaring weaknesses that still exist on their roster. While the team is certainly much improved from years past, it’s clear that they need more talent on defense, and Goff will need to prove he can lead the team in high-stakes situations against elite competition.
The Lions must now regroup and refocus. Their playoff hopes are still very much alive, but this loss serves as a reminder that they are not yet among the NFL’s elite teams. The loss to the Chiefs exposed their flaws, but it also provides an opportunity for growth. The team’s leadership, starting with head coach Dan Campbell, will need to reassess the team’s defensive approach, work on adjustments, and ensure that Goff is prepared to face tougher opponents down the stretch.
Ultimately, this game showed that while the Lions have made significant strides, they still have a long way to go to truly compete with the NFL’s heavyweights. But the good news for Detroit fans is that this team is young, hungry, and still very much on the rise. If they can learn from this exposure and build on it, the future remains bright for the Motor City.
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