Detroit Lions Penei Sewell Not Satisfied With 2025 Performance Despite All-Pro Honors
Detroit Lions All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell isn’t satisfied with 2025. Despite earning First-Team All-Pro honors and receiving the highest grade of any offensive lineman from Pro Football Focus (PFF) for the 2025 season, Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell remains his own harshest critic. As the team heads into the offseason following a disappointing finish, the fifth-year veteran has made it clear that he believes both he and his unit have significant work to do to reclaim their status as the NFL’s elite offensive line.
Penei Sewell Has Another Strong Season For The Detroit Lions
Sewell’s individual performance in 2025 was statistically dominant. He finished the season with a remarkable 95.2 overall grade from PFF, leading all offensive linemen. His run-blocking grade of 95.1 was the highest recorded by a right tackle in the last five years, and he allowed pressure on just 3.3 percent of pass plays—a career-best figure. Yet, when reflecting on the season, Sewell dismissed the analytics in favor of his own high standards.
“This year alone, it wasn’t my best ball,” Sewell said. “It was far from that. I’m a firm believer it starts with me upfront. I believe I set the tone. And make plays typically offensive linemen don’t make. This year was definitely a down year for me, and we’ll start with that.”
This level of accountability highlights Sewell’s growing role as a leader within the Lions’ locker room. While he secured his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection, he focused heavily on the collective performance of the offensive line, which struggled to replicate the dominance of previous seasons. PFF ranked the Lions’ unit 12th overall, a respectable finish for many teams but a step back for a group that has set the standard in Detroit under offensive line coach Hank Fraley.
Factors For The Inconsistency
Several factors contributed to the unit’s inconsistency. The Lions were forced to integrate new starters at interior positions, relying on rookies like Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany. Injuries also plagued the group, with 13 different linemen logging at least 10 snaps throughout the year. Sewell noted that this rotation made it difficult to build the necessary chemistry that defined their success in prior years.
“Going into this offseason we just have to find who we are and get our swagger back and confidence back,” Sewell stated. “Right now, we have to get better. That’s the most important thing.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 campaign, Sewell plans to take a proactive approach to rebuilding that chemistry. He emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships during the offseason to ensure the group is connected before training camp begins.
“We have to each get better and want to get better,” Sewell explained. “Not only for ourselves but for each other. I think that starts with the offseason. Calling the boys and checking up on them more often. Creating those relationships.”
Looking To Bounce Back In 2026
For the Lions to bounce back, they will need their captain leading the way. Sewell’s refusal to settle for individual accolades suggests that he is ready to shoulder the burden of elevating the entire offensive line. By focusing on connection, confidence, and “swagger,” Sewell aims to ensure that the 2026 season looks very different from the one they just completed.
