Lions film breakdown: Penei Sewell’s dominant performance in Dallas

Breaking down the All-22 of Lions RT Penei Sewell’s performance against the Cowboys.

At times, the first series of a football game can tell you a lot. Typically, teams will come out on their first offensive drive with a plan. Whether they are trying to test a specific player or portion of the defense, or they are trying to set something up for later in the game, good play-callers use it as an opportunity to learn things that should aid them later on in the contest.

The same can be said for Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, but lately I have noticed a new trend when watching the tape: the Lions test the will of teams early and often. How badly do you really want to be out here as a defender, playing against this offense for 60 minutes?

Sure, the Lions offense tests defenses in a variety of different ways. That is what happens when you have the offensive arsenal that Detroit has. But specifically with the offensive line, led by All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell, the team presents a unique challenge to defenses with their degree of physicality and style of play.

Simply put, the Lions are blowing teams off the line of scrimmage, and it is happening really early in games. So much so that you would think some of these defenders are on public transit catching a ride down the field. And when you see Detroit displacing defenders on the first series of the day, it typically has turned into a pretty miserable experience for the defense.

In this film study, I am highlighting Sewell’s play in the first half against Dallas. It was another dominating performance for the 24-year-old, and to be honest, Dallas’ spirit appeared to be broken as early as halfway through the second quarter.

First-and-10 on the Detroit 30

On their first offensive series, the Lions were out to set a tone for the rest of the game. Lions tight end Sam LaPorta motions to the top of your screen pre-snap, and the result of the play is a 5-yard gain by running back David Montgomery, but watch the backside of the play.

I have both Sewell and right guard Kevin Zeitler circled because look at that push they generated once the ball is snapped. When coaches talk about moving a defender against their will, this is what they are talking about. Sewell gets on the inside shoulder of Osa Odighizuwa and the Cowboys defender goes for a ride up the field. Zeitler also does a nice job of climbing and picking up a block on DeMarvion Overshown.

It’s not a flashy play, but it was part of a series that let Dallas know early on that it was about to be a long afternoon.

Second-and-3 on the Dallas 16

While David Montgomery is going to be the player shown on most highlights (as usual), the offensive line deserves their love, too.

Now in the red zone, the Lions come out in 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends), with LaPorta in-line next to Taylor Decker and Parker Hesse lined up in front of Montgomery. Montgomery takes the handoff and begins pressing things to the left. Zeitler and All-Pro center Frank Ragnow take defensive tackle Mazi Smith for a ride, but watch Sewell on the backside.

He explodes out of his stance and gets inside of defensive end Chauncey Golston who is lined up as a five-technique on the outside shoulder of Sewell pre-snap. His positioning is perfect as he extends his right arm and works Golston up the field.

Montgomery sees the lane being created between Zeitler and Sewell, and the rest is on Montgomery breaking tackles, combined with some excellent downfield blocking by wide receiver Kalif Raymond.

Second-and-10 on the Dallas 37

Jumping forward to later in the first quarter and the Lions are once again on the move. After a drop on first down, Lions quarterback Jared Goff went right back to receiver Jameson Williams for a gain of 15 yards and a new set of downs.

Pre-snap, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is in motion across your screen, and with the defender traveling with him, Goff can assume Dallas is in man coverage. As the ball is snapped, Overshown blitzes from his linebacker position, adding another defender to Dallas’ four-man rush.

Because of the timing, Overshown was likely not accounted for pre-snap by the protection, but no worries—the Lions have an alien at right tackle. Sewell initially blocks Carl Lawson off the edge, but notices the blitz when he peeks to his left towards Zeitler. Because Ragnow slides to his left, Zeitler is responsible for blocking the nose tackle, leaving Sewell to deal with the chaos developing to his right.

Understanding the timing of the play and the situation, Sewell gets a quick chip on Lawson before somehow sliding to his left and getting a piece of Overshown. It isn’t a big block, but it doesn’t have to be. Jameson Williams runs a great route and Goff is right on time.

Second-and-7 on the Detroit 34

Jumping to the second quarter and the Lions are back in 12 personnel with both LaPorta and Hesse to the left of the formation and Goff under center. Montgomery takes the handoff and finds plenty of daylight to the right side thanks to a great kick-out block from Sewell on Lawson, and Zeitler climbing to the second level to get a hat on Overshown.

It isn’t fancy, but this is something that you see over and over again when you turn on the tape. Sewell, along with the rest of the offensive line, sets the tone for this team.

Second-and-1 on the Dallas 1

Now later in the first half and with the Lions already leading 20-3, they are on the cusp of making the score even more one-sided. As I am sure you are aware of by now, the Lions seemed set on making a point on offense after the debacle that took place in Dallas in 2023.

Both Decker and third offensive tackle Dan Skipper reported as eligible on this snap, likely making Dallas think twice about whether or not the Lions were going to try and throw it to an offensive lineman again.

However, this time the Lions weren’t putting the ball in the air. Instead, they kept things simple: hand the ball to Montgomery and run behind Sewell. Simple, but incredibly difficult to stop—just ask Dallas.

Sewell fires off the ball, and he and Zeitler completely blow Odighizuwa out of his gap, making this an easy score for Montgomery.