Lions vs Jaguars: What Just Happened?
One more week and one more Detroit Lions preseason game out of the way. It's almost regular season time. U-g-l-y, they don't have an alibi, it was ugly. Preseason football is usually pretty ugly, but this one took it to a whole new level and made me want to take a nap afterwards. At the […]
One more week and one more Detroit Lions preseason game out of the way. It's almost regular season time.
U-g-l-y, they don't have an alibi, it was ugly. Preseason football is usually pretty ugly, but this one took it to a whole new level and made me want to take a nap afterwards. At the end of the day, the Lions weren't able to wade through the ugliness and beat the Jaguars and they lost 25-7.
As always, I have thoughts on this game. These are those thoughts.
The Lions really need offensive line depth
Poor Teddy Bridgewater was running for his life on that first drive. He got sacked on the first play, had to check down on the second, the Lions got called for a false start and then Bridgewater got sacked again. To top it off, they allowed Bridgewater to get hit a third time on play action play. He never had a chance to turn around.
The Lions just can't afford it have this happening during the regular season. If someone on the line goes down, they have to have someone come in and provide time for Goff.
Teddy run!
The Teddy Bridgewater debut didn't go the way Lions fans were hoping it would. He spent most of the day under pressure or running from pressure. When was ab le to get the ball off, it was also under pressure. Teddy never really got to set his feet and throw a good ball. The one ball he did throw well went to Chase Cota on a great catch. Sadly Cota was not able to get both feet in and it was deemed incomplete after a challenge. Maybe we'll see more from Bridgewater in the third game, but life is going to be hard for him if he's not behind the the Lions starting offensive line.
Hit the runner Jack
Jack Campbell does not like running backs. He made six tackles in the first half and nearly all of them were on Jaguars ball carriers. That's a sign of life that the Lions really needed to show in the run stopping world. This is a team that gave up the third most rushing yards in the league in 2022. It's not like Campbell was chasing these guys down either. He was getting right to them and making the stop.
There's a Starling man waiting in the sky
He's like to try to be a return man and he will blow your mind. The Lions tried out a few guys in the return game on account that their lead return man surprisingly retired last week. Undrafted corner Starling Thomas, who already has a really good chance of making the roster and getting serious playing time, showed that he can do well in the return game too. He showed some real shiftiness out there.
The Commish
No, I'm not talking about the hit ABC TV show that aired from 1991 to 1996 and a stared Michael Chikilis. I think my parents maybe watched it. It's interesting that Chikilis went from this show to The Shield. Is that the same character? Did he get demoted from commissioner to detective? Again, I'm not talking about that show.
I'm talking about John Cominsky. he had a great game on Saturday. He not only notched a sack, he also was able to bat down a pass on fourth down and forced a turnover on downs. It's safe to say that bringing back the Commish was a good idea. I'm talking about the player and not the show. Don't get any ideas ABC.
Drummond needs more time
It's not a figment of anyone's imagination. Dylan Drummond has looked good during camp, but he just hasn't been able to translate that into the preseason when he's playing live football. The story is great and I think that he will finish it some day, but for now, the practice squad might be the best place for him. The Lions really need to make a move to bring in some receiver depth next week.
Ronald McDonald giveth and Ronald McDonald taketh
The Lions were able to win Lions fans buy one get one on Big Mac's after Steven Gilmore grabbed an interception off a Tracy Walker pass breakup. That's great. But then, per McDonalds rules, becasue Nate Sudfeld threw an interception, Ronald McDonald gets to kick you in the face like Shawn Michaels while you eat a filet of fish. Sorry everybody. Those are the rules.
Do not adjust your screens. The football you just watched is fake
I know that you know, and you know that I know that you know, but I have to let you know again. Don't be worried or upset about what you saw today. This is not the real Lions and it wasn't the real Jaguars. Next to no starters played in this game. The guys you wanted to see good performances from, actually gave you good performances. I strongly urge you to not go full S.O.L. on this. It happens every year despite the fact that fans are armed with this knowledge.
Featured image by David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
