Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had a monster game in Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints.
Sadly, it wasn't good enough to be NFC Offensive Player of the Week. That honor instead went to Chicago Bears RB, and former Lion, D'Andre Swift.
Swift had a fantastic game in his own right, rushing for 124 yards on 18 carries to go along with three rushing touchdowns. Swift also added one reception for ten yards. Altogether, Swift played a big role in the Bears' 59 point onslaught against the Carolina Panthers, which included a second 100-yard rusher in Kyle Monangai and six total rushing TDs.
By comparison, Gibbs had 156 yards on 29 carries, with two rushing TDs of his own. Gibbs also had five receptions for 30 yards in the Lions' intense 31-30 overtime win. Overall, Swift had more yards per touch (7.05 to 5.47), more TDs, and, unlike Gibbs, Swift didn't turn the ball over.
Gibbs' second quarter fumble didn't directly hurt the Lions, as Saints quarterback Tyler Shough returned the favor with a turnover of his own a few plays later. But it was the first play of a drive that began on the Saints' 44-yard line. It was a missed opportunity to add a couple more points on the board, even if the drive stalled from there and a long Jake Bates field goal was necessary.
As painful as it may be to see Gibbs lose out on the weekly honor to a division rival and former Lion, the argument for Swift winning it is definitely there.
Aidan Hutchinson loses out on Defensive Player of the Week
It wasn't just Gibbs that lost out on a weekly honor for Week 1. EDGE Aidan Hutchinson lost out on Defensive Player of the Week to Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun.
Baun did just about all you can ask for out of an off-ball LB. He may not have recorded a sack or turnover, but he was everywhere in the Eagles' 24-22 victory over the Washington Commanders that also came down to a two-point attempt. Zero turnovers wasn't for the lack of trying, either, as he almost hauled in an INT, but landed barely out of bounds. In total, Baun had 12 tackles, including one for a loss, and two pass deflections.
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Baun needed a performance like that to overcome Hutchinson's candidacy. Hutchinson had a league-leading two sacks and ten pressures in Week 1, looking every bit the Defensive Player of the Year candidate he is.
As far as individual regular season honors go, that's what's important. The year end awards. If Week 1 honors were indicative of an entire season, Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy would've won Offensive Player of the Year last season.
Still, it's always cool to see Lions recognized for their fantastic play and a bummer when they aren't. All the more reason for Gibbs and Hutchinson to leave no doubt Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills with another legendary primetime performance.
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