Lions rookie class helps deliver huge statement win over Chiefs

For the first time in years, the Detroit Lions have serious expectations thanks in large part to a strong finish to the 2022 season. And they made a big statement on Thursday night in a stunning 21-20 win over the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs to kick off the 2023 season. 

Detroit's rookie class played a massive role in that win.

The Lions had four of the top 45 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, and they raised a few eyebrows with some of those selections; especially in the first round where they took running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick and linebacker Jack Campbell with the No. 18 pick. 

They followed that by taking tight end Sam LaPorta with their first pick in the second round (No. 34), then selected Alabama defensive back Brian Branch (No. 45).

All four of those rookies shined in Thursday's win and helped set the tone for what could be one of the best Lions teams in recent memory.

Gibbs was the most controversial of the early picks because of how devalued the running back position has become. But he showed on Thursday what the Lions saw in him by flashing big-play potential that resulted in him running the ball seven times for 42 yards and catching two passes for 18 yards. 

All of that included two runs of 17 yards or more. 

He ended up splitting playing time and touches with veteran David Montgomery, but the potential is certainly there.

Branch would ultimately make the biggest play of the night when he picked off a pass (that should have been caught by the Chiefs) at midfield and returned it 50 yards for a game-tying touchdown in the third quarter. It was the biggest game-changing play that happened and resulted in a potential 14-point swing that brought the Lions back into the game.