The Detroit Lions dodged a huge bullet in the first game of the season. Despite being at home and one of the heaviest favorites in Week 1, it took a goal-line stop on a failed two-point conversion in overtime to get past the New Orleans Saints.
The offense got off to a slow start before finally getting into a rhythm in the second half. The only problem is that the secondary also crumbled under pressure down the stretch, making Tyler Shough look like prime Tom Brady.
While getting the win is always nice, and all that matters is that the record shows 1-0, Dan Campbell and company have some big adjustments to make. That might start by watching tape and giving these three guys an earful.
3 Detroit Lions players who weren't up to the standard in Week 1
Sione Vaki
While there was never a doubt that Jahmyr Gibbs would be the focal point of Drew Petzing's offense, his usage is just unsustainable. He logged a ridiculous 29 carries, and while he was vastly efficient with 5.4 yards per carry, this won't cut it in the long run.
Notably, Sione Vaki didn't do much to help his case as Gibbs' primary backup. He was there for two carries for seven yards, and he also hauled in his lone target for 11 yards. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't impressive.
The Lions are clearly unsettled at the position. Isiah Pacheco will miss time, and they don't seem to trust Jacob Saylors, either. However, the pecking order might change in Week 1 after Vaki's big nothingburger.
D.J. Reed
The Lions' secondary has been a talking point for all the wrong reasons, and Week 1 just showed why. They allowed Tyler Shough to put up 410 passing yards and three scores on them, and while they picked him off twice, it clearly wasn't enough.
Things were particularly tough for D.J. Reed. According to Pro Football Focus, he gave up five catches on nine targets for 134 yards, a whopping 26.8 yards per reception. He also allowed 10 yards after the catch.
He was also on the losing end of his matchup with Chris Olave, with the former Ohio State star burning him for a big 47-yard gain that ultimately set up the game-tying touchdown. It was a tough watch.
Jameson Williams
For months, Detroit Lions beat writers, players, and coaches gushed about Jameson Williams and how he had worked in his hands. By every account, everyone seemed to think he was poised for a breakout season.
While that can still be the case, he didn't look the part in his first challenge of the season. Once again, catching the ball was an issue, dropping three passes in this game alone. He's a quarter of the way to the 12 he had last season, a league-worst.
Williams finished the game with four receptions on nine targets for 45 yards. It was a sloppy performance overall, but most of his struggles were on him. He's worked hard and should be better, but this was a major disappointment.
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