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The Detroit Lions finally had their bookend offensive tackles in place in Week 10. Taylor Decker’s return at left tackle allowed the Lions to go forward with the plan of installing first-round rookie Penei Sewell at right tackle. Both played well in the 16-16 tie under terrible field conditions and bad weather in Pittsburgh.
Sewell has thrived all season in run blocking. That translated pretty easily from the left side to the right on Sunday. Detroit ran the ball for 229 yards and two touchdowns, the first time the Lions have topped 200 yards on the ground in three years.
The run-heavy game plan certainly suited No. 58.
“As an O-lineman I love a game plan that’s going forward more than backward,” Sewell told reporters after the game.
As impressive as the run blocking was, and not just from Sewell but the entire line, the rookie’s work in pass protection was even better. Sewell did not allow a single QB hurry or hit the entire game per Pro Football Focus.
That’s quite a feat against any NFL team for a rookie. Doing it against Pittsburgh and T.J. Watt, who went heads-up vs. Sewell most of the time before the All-Pro left with an injury late, is even more impressive.
The low-key Sewell explained how he did it, with a nod to the temporary switch to the left side.
“It felt real comfortable,” Sewell said after the game. “It was really a testament to all that work that happened in training camp, when I was getting comfortable with that position, and also, playing left tackle kind of helped with the transition, weirdly.
Sewell is getting more consistent with his technique by the week. Changing sides didn’t cause the problems that many fretted might pop up. Sewell chalked that up to growing up on the job.
“Having those first eight games (under) my belt helped tremendously. I know the speed of the game and everything that comes along with an NFL game.”