Penei Sewell excels with near-perfect PFF grade as Lions’ offensive line dominates Ravens
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line made a resounding statement on Monday Night Football, showcasing their prowess against the Baltimore Ravens, a team widely regarded as a Super Bowl contender. In a thrilling matchup that culminated in a hard-fought 38-30 victory for the Lions, the offensive line played a pivotal role, paving the way for over 200 rushing yards.
Penei Sewell’s Stellar Performance
At the forefront of this impressive display was right tackle Penei Sewell. The two-time First Team All-Pro delivered an extraordinary performance that earned him an almost flawless Pro Football Focus (PFF) offensive grade of 98.7, the highest on the team. Sewell’s dominance was instrumental in creating opportunities for his teammates, particularly running back David Montgomery, who enjoyed a standout game with two touchdowns and 151 rushing yards on just 12 carries.
Rookie offensive guard Tate Ratledge also shone brightly, achieving an impressive PFF grade of 91.5 in only his third career game. His contribution, alongside Sewell, was crucial in establishing the Lions’ ground game and controlling the tempo of the match.
Montgomery and the Offensive Line Collaboration
Montgomery spoke highly of the offensive line’s performance, emphasizing their critical role in his success. He noted a pivotal moment when he broke free for a 72-yard run that set up a crucial touchdown for Jahmyr Gibbs in the fourth quarter. “It starts up front. Those guys don’t get enough credit,” Montgomery remarked, reflecting on the early-season scrutiny directed at the line. “It’s really important to keep the horse behind the zone in the midst of the mud. But we’ve got the best group up front. They did exactly what I knew they would do, and we had fun tonight.”
Defensive Standouts
The Lions’ defensive unit also featured impressive performances, particularly from defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who earned a PFF defensive grade of 91.8. Although Hutchinson had a quiet start, he made his presence felt in the fourth quarter with a forced fumble and a crucial sack, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
PFF Grades Overview
Here’s a closer look at the highest and lowest PFF grades for both offensive and defensive players during the game, with a minimum of 10 snaps played:
Highest PFF-graded offensive players
RT Penei Sewell — 98.7
RG Tate Ratledge — 91.5
RB David Montgomery — 89.5
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown — 86.9
LT Taylor Decker — 82.9
Lowest PFF-graded offensive players
C Graham Glasgow — 63.8
WR Jameson Williams — 63.2
TE Brock Wright — 61.0
WR Kalif Raymond — 56.0
WR Isaac TeSlaa — 46.7
Highest PFF-graded defensive players
EDGE Aidan Hutchinson — 91.8
CB D.J. Reed — 83.0
LB Jack Campbell — 80.1
DE Al-Quadin Muhammad — 74.5
FS Kerby Joseph — 63.2
Lowest PFF-graded defensive players
DT Roy Lopez — 49.0
SS Brian Branch — 45.7
CB Terrion Arnold — 45.1
CB Amik Robertson — 38.7
DT Pat O’Connor — 34.9
This performance not only underscores the Lions’ offensive capabilities but also illustrates the importance of a cohesive line in their quest for supremacy in the competitive landscape of the NFL. As they continue to build momentum, the Lions’ offensive line, led by Sewell, will be a significant factor in their pursuit of success this season.
