The Detroit Lions Just Served Notice To The NFC North

The 104th season of the NFL kicked off last night. The Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Detroit Lions in Thursday night's annual kickoff game. Kansas City gifted a 21-20 win to the Lions.

Detroit took an early lead. On their second possession of the game, the Chiefs defense had stopped the Lions on what appeared to be a 3-and-out. Facing 4th and 2, at their own 17 yardline, the Lions ran for a first down out of punt formation. The fake punt worked to spark the Lions offense. What should have been a failed possession ended up with Amon-Ra St. Brown scoring the first TD of the NFL season, giving the Lions confidence, and a 7-0 lead.

Kansas City scored 14 unanswered points to take a 14-7 lead at the end of the first half and appeared to be heading for another score in the third quarter. Disaster struck when WR Kadarius Toney let a ball slip through his hands. Instead of an easy first down, the ball bounced into the hands of Brian Branch. The Lions DB raced 50 yards for a pick-6, to tie the game 14-14.

Kansas City could only score on two field goals in the second half. Trailing 20-14, former Bears RB David Montgomery weaved his way through the middle of the Chiefs defense from eight yards out and the Lions led 21-20. After Kansas City fail to convert an attempt on 4th and 25, Detroit ran out the clock, giving the Lions a huge win to begin the season.

Why Kansas City Lost

This was a sloppy game. While it didn't help the defending champs to have two of their star players out of the lineup, they had several opportunities to win this game. TE Travis Kelce suffered a bruised knee two days prior to kickoff and was held out of last night's game. Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones watched the game from the stands as his hold out continues. The Chiefs WR group killed the Chiefs last night. No fewer than five drops killed drives throughout the game. In addition to the drop that led to the Lions defensive score, Kadarius Toney ended the night with three drops on only 5 targets.

What's next for Detroit

The Lions now have ten days until they host the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field.

News and Notes

The Bears will have a walk-through practice at Halas Hall today. The final injury report will be released this afternoon. All three defenders on Wednesday's report were full participants in Thursday's practice. Eddie Jackson (ankle), Jaquan Brisker (groin) and DeMarcus Walker (calf) were all full participants on Thursday.

Marcedes Lewis did not practice (veteran's day off).

Starting guard Nate Davis also did not participate in practice on Thursday. His designation on the injury report was "Personal." He was present at practice but was not in uniform.