The Lions pulled off a stunning road upset of the Chiefs in their season opener on Thursday night, taking down Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium, 21–20.
The performance from Dan Campbell’s side wasn’t what fans had anticipated. While many expected a high-scoring shootout between two offensive juggernauts, that’s not how things played out on Thursday.
Detroit’s defense, which was among the worst in the league last year, managed to shut down Patrick Mahomes throughout the game, limiting the superstar quarterback to 226 passing yards and two touchdowns, and even forcing a rare pick-six.
The Lions made a statement in their first game of the new campaign by handing Mahomes his first-ever season-opening loss.
The NFL world was impressed with the Lions’ performance in Week 1, and there were a slew of strong reactions on social media in the aftermath.
The Lions went from no primetime games and constantly being disrespected, to a win over the REIGNING SUPER BOWL CHAMPS IN A PRIMETIME SEASON OPENER. Celebrate this Detroit Fans, YOU DESERVE IT. Dan Campbell and the Lions answered the bell and SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 8, 2023
I don't care that the Chiefs were without Travis Kelce and Chris Jones.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 8, 2023
To go on the road and beat a team with Patrick Mahomes at QB is incredibly impressive.
Helluva performance by the @Lions, who lived up to their hype.
They earned that W 🫡
The @Lions just dropped the curtain on Aaron Rodgers career in Green Bay and ruined the Chiefs banner raising night by handing Patrick Mahomes the first-season opening loss of his life in back-to-back games. pic.twitter.com/JaGrDzaqCD
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) September 8, 2023
The Detroit Lions just beat the defending Super Bowl champions at THEIR stadium on PRIME TIME. HYPE WAS REAL. BRAND. NEW. LIONS!!!!
— Kellie Rowe (@kellierowe) September 8, 2023
Good for the @Lions
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 8, 2023
Good for Dan Campbell
The Detroit Lions just went into Kansas City on Banner Night and got the Win
— Football (@BostonConnr) September 8, 2023
What a start to the season for MCDC and the boys
The @NFL is back, baby. Congrats @Lions !!! https://t.co/Y2fkO2jZU1
— Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) September 8, 2023
Give Dan Campbell that lion he requested.
— 🦦✨America Is Musty✨🦦 (@DragonflyJonez) September 8, 2023
These Lions fans might never leave Arrowhead pic.twitter.com/J4wbkbS69a
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) September 8, 2023
