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Anne Erickson

What People Are Saying About the Lions’ NFL Season Opener

Author Anne Erickson
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions beat the Los Angeles Rams in a close season opener on Sunday, Sept. 8. The game saw the teams going into overtime, but in the end, the Lions squeaked out a victory, 26-20. The Lions are one of the most buzzed-about teams in the NFL going into the 2024 season. So, of course, people are talking about the team’s NFL opener.

Lions’ NFL Season Opener Takeaways

My biggest takeaway from the season opener was that the Detroit Lions’ offense, as was the case last year, is dangerous. Now, with wide receiver Jameson Williams performing like he did on Sunday, I can’t think of a team who could take the Lions down. Not even the Chiefs. Sorry, Taylor. There’s some cleaning up to do, but with Jared Goff and his offense performing the way they did, I believe we’re in for another great season for the Detroit Lions.

On defense, plenty of NFL experts and analysts are giving props to Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, and for good reason. Anzalone was exceptional during the season opener and provided some much-needed help to other stars on defense.

“Aidan Hutchinson had a big day and Marcus Davenport was impressive in his Lions debut, but Anzalone set the early tone for the Lions on defense, much like Montgomery did on the offensive side of the ball,” Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press said. “He had tackles for loss on two of the Rams’ first three plays and finished with a game-high 13 tackles (three for loss).” He added that Anzalone “has some of the best instincts on the team,” which I believe is a solid statement.

Another star during the game, as mentioned before, was Williams.

“On a night when Amon-Ra St. Brown was uncharacteristically quiet (three catches for 13 yards), it was Williams making the most noise in the passing attack,” noted John Whiticar of Pride of Detroit. Whiticar added that Williams’ speed is his best weapon, and you need look no further than his touchdown grab of 52 yards.”

Williams’ stats for the night included five receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. It was impressive, to say the least.

Jeff Risdon of USA Today noted, “It was fun to see a lot of the plays and concepts the Lions worked on all summer in practices get implemented into game conditions. They didn’t all work as expected, but it reinforces that the Lions are practicing the right way.”

Listen to my NFL podcast with guest Ben Raven of MLive below. Contact me with your thoughts, too.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

Ranking Every NFL Coach Hired for 2024

  • 8. Dan Quinn, Commanders

    The Commanders looked like favorites to get Ben Johnson from the Detroit Lions as their new head coach, but Johnson decided to stay in the Motor City. So, they snagged Dan Quinn. Of course, Quinn got the Falcons all the way to Super Bowl 51, so he has experience. But, it’s not really an exciting hire. Sill, Quinn could deliver the goods.

  • 7. Brian Callahan, Titans

    Brian Callahan is the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans, and he comes with football in his blood. His father, Bill, once took the Raiders to the Super Bowl. Brian stands on his own, though, and helped take Cincinnati on the Super Bowl run with Joe Burrow. Let’s see if he can bring that magic to Nashville.

  • 6. Jerod Mayo, Patriots

    Jerod Mayo has big shoes to fill as the new head coach for the New England Patriots. He’s replacing the great Bill Belichick. They’re keeping it in the family, though, as Mayo has been with the Patriots for years. Robert Kraft promoted the former Patriots star from within, much like former player Dan Campbell was given the head coaching role with the Detroit Lions.

  • 5. Raheem Morris, Falcons

    Like many of the coaches on this list, Raheem Morris has his work cut out for him with the challenging Atlanta Falcons. He’s no stranger to the NFC South and was with the Buccaneers years ago. Of course, Morris’ name got big as the defensive coordinator for Sean McVay when the L.A. Rams won the Super Bowl. Let’s see if he can make it happen in Atlanta.

  • 4. Antonio Pierce, Raiders

    Antonio Pierce helped Las Vegas come back at the end of last season, after Josh McDaniels was let go after his short time there. The players and fans seemed to really love Pierce and what he was doing in just a few games. So, this pick definitely makes sense.

  • 3. Jim Harbaugh, Chargers

    Well, Jim Harbaugh finally got back to the NFL. Every year, it seemed like Harbaugh was flirting with the NFL, trying to snag a gig and leave the Michigan Wolverines. Well, hot off a national championship win with the Wolverines, he’s back, now with the Chargers. He’s super motivated to get a Super Bowl. He also already has a good roster. So, this could go up quickly.

  • 2. Mike Macdonald, Seahawks

    The Seattle Seahawks let go of a great coach in Pete Carroll, but they got a great one, too. What’s more, the Seahawks knabbed a defensive-minded coach, which is a rare gem in the NFL. I mean, the NFL is usually so offensive-minded, so it’s nice to see someone on the defensive side of things leading the pack. MacDonald has a lot on his side, including some strong players and a great GM in John Schneider. He’s also known to be well-liked by players, which can go a long way.

  • 1. Dave Canales, Panthers

    It’s ironic that one of the most challenged teams has the No. 1 new coach on this list. But, it’s true. Dave Canales is a great fit for the Panthers, and boy, do they need the help. Canales has lots of history with the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He should be a great QB-coaching fit with Bryce Young, too.

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Author Anne Erickson
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