The Detroit Lions are set for a showdown with the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, and the offensive line will look a bit different than some may remember. There could be a rotation at left guard, and the starting right tackle will be rookie Blake Miller. The latter means star tackle Penei Sewell is moving to the left side permanently for the first time in his pro career.
Sewell has experience at left tackle from college, and he also made his NFL debut on the left side after a sudden injury to Taylor Decker. Who was his assignment in his debut at left tackle? None other than 49ers DE and future defensive player of the year (2023) Nick Bosa. After the game, Bosa said Sewell is a natural at LT.
"He's going to be good," Bosa said. "He's more comfortable on the left, and I could tell from the tape I saw of him on the right. I told him after the game he's better on the left."
All signs point towards a smooth transition to the left side, but the incoming Saints could have something to say about it.
Penei Sewell will be challenged by Saints at left tackle
The Saints finished 2025 with a record of 6-11, but in the final five games, they went 4-1. A large part of their success can be linked to their pass defense, as they ranked fourth in the league with 179.2 passing yards allowed per game. New Orleans also ranked in the top 10 in sacks with 45.
When healthy, the Saints have one of the best pass rushes in the league. The word 'healthy' is key, because DE Cam Jordan will reportedly miss Sunday's game with a hamstring injury. Not only is he a future Hall of Famer, but he has been the Saints' leader since the departure of Drew Brees. Jordan's absence will make everything easier for the Lions' offensive line.
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However, OLB Chase Young is quietly coming off his best season as a pro. He tallied ten sacks and 38 tackles in 2025, both of which were career highs. As a former No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Commanders (2020), Young is already on his third team, but he seems to have found his footing in the bayou.
OLB Carl Granderson accounted for six sacks last season as well, and he will likely come off the edge opposite of Young. It's unlikely for Granderson to be able to get by Sewell, but Young could be tough to handle.
Considering his experience and talent level, Sewell should be able to handle whatever the Saints throw at him.
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