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Football

Four Detroit Lions rookies who impressed in victory over Kansas City Chiefs

Philip Marsh
Four Detroit Lions rookies who impressed in victory over Kansas City ChiefsJamie Squire/Getty Images
The Lions stunned the crowd at Arrowhead on Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions proved on Thursday night that they are genuine contenders in the NFC North this season, as they beat the Kansas City Chiefs 21-20 at Arrowhead.

Jared Goff, who has beaten Patrick Mahomes in both of their head-to-head games, steered the Lions to a narrow win thanks in part to impressive displays from the rookies around him.

The first year players on both sides of the ball stepped up when it mattered for Detroit, and DAZN looks at four who particularly caught the eye.

Jahmyr Gibbs

Having been a shock selection with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, running back Jahmyr Gibbs has a lot to live up to.

While it was clear against the Chiefs that Gibbs was second on the depth chart behind veteran David Montgomery, the 21-year-old was the most impressive running back on display on Thursday.

Gibbs averaged six yards per carry across his seven attempts and also made two receptions as he demonstrated his pass-catching ability.

The bigger-bodied Montgomery will remain a key player for the Lions in 2023, but similar performances from Gibbs will earn him a larger role going forward.

Jack Campbell

Six picks after Detroit selected Gibbs they were back on the clock and choosing Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell.

The 23-year-old had a solid NFL debut, picking up a couple tackles as he was worked into the game by head coach Dan Campbell.

The linebackers big moment came in the third quarter, as the Chiefs were driving down the field looking to extend their lead to two scores.

But as Kadarius Toney looked to make a grab on the Detroit 40-yard line, Campbell showed his athleticism to adjust his body and dive in front of the wide receiver to defend the pass and stall the Chiefs' drive.

Sam LaPorta

The Lions' third pick in this year's draft came early in the second round and was used to select tight end Sam LaPorta.

In his NFL debut, LaPorta had the second most receptions of anyone on the field with five, which he caught for 39 yards.

Rookie tight ends notoriously have a difficult time imposing themselves in the NFL but that does not look like it will be an issue for the 22-year-old.

LaPorta's five receptions was more than all rookie tight ends combined for in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season.

Brian Branch

Finally the rookie who made what was probably the biggest play of the game, cornerback Brian Branch.

Trailing by seven in the third quarter, a bobbled pass by Chiefs wide receiver Toney saw the ball bounce in the direction of Branch.

The rookie kept his eye on the ball to make the interception before putting on the burners to sprint away for a pick-six which tied the game.

Branch gave Lions fans a scare after hobbling from the field in the fourth quarter, but reports from the Detroit camp suggest the injury was no more than cramp in his calf.

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