Missing a couple of huge weapons, Detroit Lions' big fellas dominate Carolina Panthers

Today, let’s celebrate the Detroit Lions’ big fellas. The guys who never get enough credit.

Sure, you could focus on quarterback Jared Goff after the Lions’ 42-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Or even tight end Sam LaPorta, who caught two touchdowns.

Or David Montgomery, who rushed for more than 100 yards.

And yes, give credit to the Lions' defense for creating turnovers and shutting down the Panthers.

And even offensive coordinator Ben Johnson had some wonderful moments.

Certainly, this was an all-encompassing team win.

But make no mistake. This all started with the big fellas – the Lions’ offensive and defensive lines. They led this team to their fifth win of the season.

INSTANT REACTION: Detroit Lions maul Carolina Panthers on both sides of the ball for convincing 42-24 win

Big guys set the tone

About a half hour before the Lions played the Panthers, Penei Sewell, the Lions talented tackle, stood on the field with his teammates circled around him. Sewell was pumped up, screaming and encouraging, his face painted like a warrior.

It set a wonderful tone.

What was the risk in this game?

An emotional letdown. The kind we've seen this team do countless times over the years.

The Lions were expected to win this game, even without Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs. Because the Lions have a better roster. Because they have the better quarterback. But most of all, frankly, because they have better big fellas.

So, give credit to Sewell for getting everyone ready.

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But this was never a game because the Lions big fellas took over. They blocked and cleared massive holes, as the Lions set a franchise record by scoring more than 20 points for the 14th-straight game.

The Lions' defensive line harassed Carolina quarterback Bryce Young, making him look incredibly uncomfortable and forcing bad throws, as well as a couple of interceptions.

But my favorite big-fella moment happened in the second quarter. It was fourth-and-1 from the 29, and the Lions held a 14-7 lead.

Lions coach Dan Campbell went for it, because he’s Dan Freakin’ Gamblin’-Man Campbell.

But this wasn’t a typical, ram the ball up the middle moment.

Nope, the Lions ran a play wide to the left, giving the ball to Montgomery.

But the real key?

They ran the play behind offensive tackle Taylor Decker and tight end Brock Wright.

Decker and Wright had some great blocks, clearing the way, and Montgomery picked up the first down with ease.

It showed how much confidence the Lions have in Montgomery, but it also showed the confidence in Decker and Wright. I know, technically, that Wright is a tight end. But face it, he’s a big fella. He plays a big fella role.

Six plays later, the Lions had a touchdown when Goff hit Josh Reynolds on a 1-yard TD.

Because of those big fellas.

Great play from the D line

Now, let's give some love to the Lions' defensive line. Yes, that means Aidan Hutchinson, who made plays all over the field.

He had a tremendous interception – the fourth of his career, which was also historic.

Do you know how many other defensive linemen – in history – have four interceptions in their first two seasons? None.

Just Hutchinson.

As he was returning the interception, he got whacked in the thigh.

He went to the bench and trainers worked on him.

But he was fine.

Because the Lions’ big fellas are tough.

And then, Hutchinson did all kinds of game-wrecking the rest of the way.

He joined Shaun Rogers (2007) as the only Lions defensive lineman with two tackles for a loss, a sack and an interception in a game. But that's just a fancy way of saying what we all know: he's relentless and changes games in so many ways.

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Late in the second quarter, the Panthers got to the Lions' 15.

But Hutchinson and the rest of the Bad Company – and I mean that as a tremendous honor – forced a bad throw.

Second down: more pressure.

Third down: five big fellas surrounded Young, swamping him.

Yes, you needed great coverage to stop a passing game. But it starts with those big fells.

And the Panthers settled for a field goal.

Wait.

I gotta tell you about another big fella.

In the second quarter, Miles Sanders had the ball, running into a wave of Lions. And Alim McNeil knocked it free, and Will Harris scooped it up.

McNeil is listed at 6-foot-2 and 315 pounds. Yes, that's a big, big fella.

The big fells were even part of the trickeration.

Frank Ragnow had a direct snap to Montgomery, right between Goff's legs.

Then, Ragnow had a wonderful block.

Big fellas were blocking and big fellas were tackling and big fellas were, frankly, just dominating.

And yes, the Lions turned this into a rout.

Behind that offensive line.

So give the Lions credit. All of them.

But start with the biggest and baddest of them all.

The big fellas.

Contact Jeff Seidel at jseidel@freepress.com or follow him @seideljeff.