The Detroit Lions (1-0) needed overtime to beat the New Orleans Saints, 31-30, in Week 1. But, a win is a win in the NFL. You’ll take it however you can get it and that’s regardless of how good or bad teams are in the league.
For the Detroit Lions, they showed signs of domination and then there were times that they got in their own way. Cleaning those things up can happen but the question is will it happen? Since last season, we’ve talked about the Lions executing at a higher and more consistent level.
We saw the Lions convert about 39% of their third downs last season. In Week 1 of 2026, Detroit's offense went 5 of 13 (38.5%) on third down against New Orleans. Sure, plenty of fans will attack offensive coordinator Drew Petzing for how he called the game, but to be honest, I thought he had the right game plan. It comes down to execution from the players.
You can blame coaching on execution, but, when the lights come on, the players still have to do their part. There were moments in the Lions' first game of the season that it didn’t happen. For example, on the Lions' first drive of the season, they were faced with a 3rd-and-1 and running back Jahmyr Gibbs was tackled for a 3-yard loss.
On the Lions first drive of the game, they were faced with 3rd and 1. Everything is blocked well but watch the double team between LG Christian Mahogany and LT Penei Sewell.
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) September 17, 2026
I’m not sure who’s in the wrong but Mahogany doesn’t stay square on the combo and it allows the ILB to… pic.twitter.com/6ztnoFrDWH
Despite having things blocked really well across the board up front, there was one issue and it stemmed from left guard Christian Mahogany not staying square on his double team with left tackle Penei Sewell. This gave an opening for the inside linebacker to shoot the A-gap and make a tackle behind the line-of-scrimmage to force a Lions punt.
On the Lions' third drive of the game, the Lions took a deep shot through the air to wide receiver Jameson Williams and despite having a pass placed perfectly into his hands, it was dropped and the Lions were faced with 2nd-and-10. It’s unclear if Williams would have scored on the play due to where the defenders were at, but it would have been a big play and it would have put the Lions in the red zone.
Fortunately, the Lions were able to pick up a first down with their next two plays and they were at their own 47-yard line. Unfortunately, the drive stalled after a 5-yard run from Gibbs was called back for holding from right guard Tate Ratledge. From there, Saints cornerback Quincy Riley made a great pass breakup on a dig route from Jameson Williams and the Lions were forced to punt.
Good defensive play from Saints CB Quincy Riley to prevent Lions WR Jameson Williams from catching the ball on this dig route. Late hands at the catch point ends up working out. #OnePridepic.twitter.com/ENsoMQNwiR
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) September 17, 2026
On the very next drive, the Lions attempted an end around to Williams, but he ended up fumbling the ball. From the initial look on film, there was certainly space and room for Williams to run. But, due to the fumble, the Lions lost six yards. On third down, there was a controversial sack from Chase Young on Jared Goff. Initially ruled a fumble and defensive touchdown, a replay review reversed it to an incomplete pass. Regardless, the Lions were forced to punt again due to their own mishaps on offense.
Staying with the Lions' mishaps, the ensuing Detroit drive was just one play. It was a pass play to Gibbs, who ran an in-breaking route, but as he went to put a move on the defenders after the catch, he was tackled by Saints defensive tackle Vernon Broughton and the ball was ripped from his hands.
Fortunately, the Lions' defense held their ground and gave up no points to the Saints after all of these miscues in the first half. The downside was that it felt like the Lions were leaving points on the board and Detroit should have easily been up by two or three scores. Later in the game, Detroit certainly left points on the board.
This holding call from Lions LG Ben Bartch was a real bummer. Especially with the game being 21-17 and less than 5 minutes to go in the game. The Lions are at the one-yard line and can’t punch this one in for a touchdown. Need to have it. #OnePridepic.twitter.com/qFVyJBn5Yf
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) September 17, 2026
The Lions were up 21-17 with just under five minutes left to play in regulation. The Lions got the ball to the Saints' 1-yard line and were about to punch it in with Gibbs. But, left guard Ben Bartch got beat to the inside, pulled a defender down and got called for holding. The very next play was going to be a pass play but the rest of the offensive line didn’t look prepared for the ball to be snapped and Goff was sacked.
This drive went from being 1st-and-goal from the 1-yard line to 2nd-and-goal from the Saints' 13-yard line in the snap of a finger. From there, the Lions threw a designed screen to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown on the left hash to get Jake Bates in a better position to kick the field goal to make it a seven-point game.
Some of these issues were a thing just a season ago. That said, it’s a new season with a new offensive coordinator and I believe these issues can get fixed. Especially now that the Lions' starters have begun to shake some of the rust off.
Time will tell but tonight against Buffalo, the Lions will need better execution to get their second win of the season.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions film room: No need to panic in Detroit after Week 1