Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell shine in NFL debuts as Detroit Lions upset Kansas City Chiefs

Two Iowa favorites, Sam LaPorta and Jack Campbell, shined in their first NFL game. Each played a role in the Lions’ upset of the Chiefs.

The Iowa Hawkeyes pipeline to the NFL has never been in question and if there was ever a case to strengthen it, the performances by Sam LaPorta and Jack Campbell for the Detroit Lions in their first NFL games may have done so.

Campbell, a first-round draft pick, and LaPorta, a second-round draft pick, played important roles as the Lions went into Arrowhead Stadium and upset the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, 21-20. The environment was raucous with the Super Bowl banner being unveiled, but it was nothing new for the former Hawkeyes. As expected, they handled their business.

Sam LaPorta was targeted five times and reeled in all five catches for 39 yards. The numbers aren’t gaudy, but they show he is ready for the NFL and can handle their defenses. The fact of the night may be that this performance puts him in company with former Hawkeye, T.J. Hockenson.

What was equally, if not more impressive, was his ability to step up and block NFL defenders. On what proved the game-winning touchdown, LaPorta had the key block to spring Lions’ running back David Montgomery.

Jack Campbell was on a rotation with the rest of the Lions’ linebackers throughout the game. He got his feet wet with two tackles, but his biggest moment of the night may have come when he flashed his athleticism in the open field. The questions prior to the draft around Campbell always came down to his athleticism and ability to run.

He displayed plenty of that when he dropped back into pass coverage, ran, flipped his hips, and was able to disrupt a pass from Patrick Mahomes. What makes this play even more crucial is that this drive ended with the Lions returning an interception for a touchdown two plays later. As he did at Iowa, Jack Campbell has an everlasting impact.

The two Hawkeyes were thrown right into the fire last night in one of the toughest places to play against the NFL’s best quarterback and defending champs. The two rookies answered the bell and showed they are here to carry the Iowa Hawkeye pedigree.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Riley on Twitter: @rileydonald7

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Hawkeyes Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.