Sam LaPorta Shines with Top PFF Grade Despite Lions’ Primetime Loss
The Detroit Lions faced a familiar challenge on Sunday night as they met the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. In a game that held significant implications for both teams, the Lions struggled to secure a victory, falling 30-17 to a Chiefs squad eager to bounce back from a close defeat the previous week.
A Tough Night for the Lions
Despite the loss, the Lions put forth a commendable effort against one of the league’s most formidable offenses. However, the elusive Patrick Mahomes proved to be a relentless adversary, showcasing his remarkable ability to extend plays and find open receivers downfield. The Lions’ defense, already hampered by injuries, faced an uphill battle. Both starting safeties were sidelined, with Kerby Joseph, dealing with a persistent knee issue, earning the dubious distinction of being the lowest-graded player on the field with a Pro Football Focus (PFF) score of just 32.6.
Linebacker Jack Campbell also struggled on this night, receiving a defensive grade of 49.0, a stark contrast to his typical performance. The duo’s off-nights were detrimental to Detroit’s defensive efforts, revealing the depth of the challenges the Lions faced in a high-stakes environment.
LaPorta’s Standout Performance
Amidst the adversity, tight end Sam LaPorta emerged as a beacon of hope for the Lions. LaPorta’s performance was particularly noteworthy as he caught five passes for 55 yards, including his second touchdown of the season. His impressive PFF grade of 90.4 not only marked him as the Lions’ highest-graded offensive player but also underscored his potential as a rising star in the league.
Joining LaPorta among the offensive standouts were left guard Christian Mahogany, who earned an 85.1 grade, and wide receiver Jameson Williams with an 84.0. Quarterback Jared Goff and right tackle Penei Sewell rounded out the top five, reflecting a solid offensive showing despite the overall team performance.
Defensive Highlights
Defensively, Thomas Harper stepped in for the injured Joseph and delivered a commendable performance, achieving a PFF grade of 87.5 thanks to a critical pass breakup on a fourth down. Alongside Harper, defensive tackle Roy Lopez, cornerback Amik Robertson, and edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad also delivered solid performances, contributing to a defensive effort that, while ultimately unsuccessful, showcased some bright spots.
PFF Grades Breakdown
The following is a breakdown of the Lions’ highest and lowest PFF grades from the game, with players noted for their contributions on the field:
Highest PFF-graded offensive players
TE Sam LaPorta — 90.4
LG Christian Mahogany — 85.1
WR Jameson Williams — 84.0
QB Jared Goff — 80.6
RT Penei Sewell — 78.3
Lowest PFF-graded offensive players
RB Jahmyr Gibbs — 61.0
LT Dan Skipper — 56.7
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown — 56.1
TE Brock Wright — 48.3
WR Isaac TeSlaa — 46.0
Highest PFF-graded defensive players
S Thomas Harper — 87.5
DT Roy Lopez — 77.1
CB Amik Robertson — 69.3
DE Al-Quadin Muhammad — 65.4
LB Alex Anzalone — 65.2
Lowest PFF-graded defensive players
CB Rock Ya-Sin — 57.9
DT Tyleik Williams — 54.1
LB Jack Campbell — 49.0
DT Pat O’Connor — 39.0
S Kerby Joseph — 32.6
Despite the disappointing outcome, the Lions can take solace in individual performances that hint at their potential moving forward. As they continue to navigate a demanding season, players like LaPorta will be crucial in their quest for success in the competitive NFC North.
