After the 16–9 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, Penei Sewell didn’t hold back, saying the offensive line’s showing was “about as bad as it gets.” From the opening series, Detroit’s pass protection faltered, contributing to one of Jared Goff’s roughest performances of the year. The ground game offered little relief, as the Eagles’ defensive front consistently won at the point of attack and limited the Lions to 3.5 yards per rush.

Sewell said the frustration was immediate.

“Our defense kept giving us opportunities,” he told MLive. “But offensively, we couldn’t find a rhythm or execute. That’s tough.”

According to Sewell, the line didn’t need to rewatch the tape to understand the breakdowns — they were obvious in real time. Their focus now is on cleaning up those mistakes ahead of Sunday’s home matchup with the New York Giants.

And if there were ever a favorable opponent on paper, this is it. The Giants enter the week dead last in run defense, surrendering 150 yards per game on the ground, and rank near the bottom in rushing touchdowns allowed (15). Opponents have also thrown effectively against them, posting 225.2 passing yards per game (27th) and 17 passing scores (25th).

Detroit was one of the league’s best offenses last year — sixth in rushing (146.4 yards per game), second in rushing touchdowns, second in passing yardage (263.2), and fourth in passing touchdowns (39). This season, they’ve dipped in every major category.

Sewell insists the offensive line’s issues are correctable, but only if the unit calms down and leans into what it does best.

“Sometimes we’re trying to do too much or thinking too hard,” he said. “We just need to regroup. When we play our brand of football, it doesn’t matter who we’re up against — we know what we’re capable of.”

He added that the offense must remember not to overcomplicate things.

“At the end of the day, when the ball is snapped, it’s still the same game it’s always been.”