The Detroit Lions delivered a bounce-back performance on Sunday, earning a win against the Cardinals in dominant fashion. The headlines may have gone to Jared Goff and the offense who managed to generated six touchdowns, but improved trench play caught the attention of Pro Football focus after the Lions' 45-21 victory.
All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell delivered one of the NFL's highest-rated performances in Week 5 with an overall grade of 94.3. According to Week 5 evaluations, Sewell posted a 93.4 run-blocking grade and an 86.4 pass-blocking grade. Across 34 snaps on passing downs, Sewell did not surrender a single quarterback pressure.
Fueled by Sewell's star outing, the Lions earned the PFF Offensive Line of the Week Award award.
The Lions earn offensive line of the week honors for the second consecutive week after another strong performance in their win over the Cardinals. Detroit’s offensive line surrendered just three pressures while paving the way for a rushing attack that averaged 5.1 yards per carry. - Pro Football Focus
Christian Mahogany joined Sewell as one of the Lion's highest rated players with an 81.3 grade on 66 snaps. Other notable grades include D.J. Reed at 79.8 on 72 snaps and Jack Campbell on 78.5 snaps.
After an inconsistent start to the season, Detroit's offense line has emerged as a strength for one of the league's best scoring attacks. The line helped pave the way for Gibbs to chart 151 yards and two touchdowns, in total he finished with 207 scrimmage yards. Gibbs is primed to make a case for the NFL's rushing crown behind a formidable group of run blockers.
Goff's historic start can also be credited to the line keeping him on platform as the five-time Pro Bowler has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the NFL. Goff set a record for most touchdowns recorded without an interception through five games, accounting for 12 passing touchdowns thus far.
Lions' top-5 graded offensive players vs. Cardinals
- LT Penei Sewell: 94.3
- TE Sam LaPorta: 79.0
- LG Christian Mahogany: 75.6
- QB Jared Goff: 74.6
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs: 73.5
Lions' top-5 graded defensive players vs. Cardinals
- DT Alim McNeill: 81.1
- CB D.J. Reed: 80.0
- LB Jack Campbell: 79.2
- CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.: 71.0
- EDGE DJ Wonnum: 69.6
The Lions should be encouraged going into the bye week with the offensive line's progress and feel optimistic about how far this offense can push the envelope when they take the field again, playing host to Green Bay Oct. 25 at Ford Field.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions' PFF grades vs. Cardinals: Penei Sewell gets top marks