More Questions, Less Answers: Preseason Game 1 Recap


        The first game of the NFL (pre)season is officially in the books! As a Lions fan however, it was not the start we were all hoping for. A 14-3 loss to the Giants is definitely not how our we envisioned our Super Bowl running beginning. Despite the loss, there were some highlights worth mentioning- Sione Vaki looks like he'll be a formidable backup and may even see some work deep in a game. He's shifty, explosive, and stands out alongside Montgomery and Gibbs in a crowded RB room. Hendon Hooker looks to be in great form as well, despite not having a touchdown to show for it. My personal favorite player from Thursday night was Brodric Martin, who finished with 4 total tackles and 2 pass deflections. He was all over the field and always seemed to be in the middle of any tackle. Kindle Vildor also had a quietly good game, he'll be seeing an increased role this season as teammate Emmanuel Moseley (who plays nickel) is now confirmed to be out for a significant amount of time with a pectoral injury. 

        Some of the negatives from Thursday's games are notably the backup QB situation. Hooker left the game with a concussion, and Nate Sudfield struggled significantly. At times, he was nervously bouncing around as the pocket collapsed in on him. He was constantly having to pick between throwing the ball into double coverage or stepping up in the pocket to collect another sack. Either way, he always seemed to choose the wrong option. It's not entirely his fault though, the offensive line outside of the starters are seriously lacking depth. The Giants seemed to have their way with them and were constantly drawing up some creative blitzes on 3rd down to force a punt. Outside of Isaiah Williams, no receiver seemed to have a great night. DPJ only had one catch and couldn't seem to create any separation against his DB, Maurice Alexander was constantly being overthrown, and Tom Kennedy wasn't doing anything either to make his case as WR3. If it weren't for the lack of WR's in that room, he'd probably be the first one on the way out. 

Notable Stats from Preseason Game #1:

  • Hendon Hooker: 5/9 for 36 yards, 0 TD's, and 0 INT's
  • Sione Vaki: 4 carries for 29 yards
  • Isaiah Williams: 4 receptions for 35 yards
  • Malik Jefferson: 6 Total tackles, 2 Solo tackles, 1 TFL
  • Isaac Ukwu: 2 Solo tackles, 1 Sack
  • Jake Bates: 1/1 FG (53 yards)

Up Next - Kansas City Chiefs (Road) @ 3:00pm

        It sounds like Hendon Hooker may not play after suffering his concussion. Also, as of this afternoon, Jahmyr Gibbs, Terrion Arnold, and Ennis Rakestraw all suffered injuries during practice. It doesn't sound too serious, but we should know more soon. With that being said, this Saturday's game will be another great opportunity for some Lions to potentially make their case to be on the 53-man roster. It will also be another great opportunity for this Lion(s fan) to see his favorite team play in person. I'll be going to the game in Kansas City, hoping to see JG16 and give Dan Campbell my thoughts on the RB3 situation. I'm not sure my advice is needed, but I can't wait nonetheless. 

        Also, fun fact for anyone still reading this article, the last time I saw a preseason football game was in 2021 (same year I met my wife). It was Rams vs Broncos, in Denver. In case you didn't know, the Rams would eventually go on to win the Super Bowl that same year. Basically what I'm saying is, I need to start looking for Super Bowl tickets for later this February. Brand new Lions! 

Location: Tulsa, OK, USA

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