Week 3 of preseason is the final chance for Dan Campbell’s coaching staff to evaluate players during in-game scenarios. September 8th marks the day the roster must be cut to its final 53-man form heading into the season. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, many players will be given their final opportunity to prove to the coaching staff they deserve to be on the final roster. Here are the three biggest takeaways from the game.
Backup Quarterback Situation
Tim Boyle started the game for Detroit behind the starting offensive line. The 90-plus-degree heat certainly didn’t help Boyle slight the rock. Ben Johnson, Lions’ offensive coordinator, still shows a hesitance to allow Boyle to throw the ball past the sticks.
The first drive consisted of multiple short passes, including a nice catch and run by tight end TJ Hockenson. A heavy amount of runs by Jermar Jefferson were seen on the drive.
In the second offensive series, Boyles struggled to control the defense. The Lions went three-and-out after a batted pass due to Boyle staring down his receiver, and an overthrown ball up the seem to Hockenson.
Early in the second quarter, Boyle attempted a pass down the middle of the field, which was intercepted by Steelers Cameron Sutton. A poor play and throw all around.
Boyle finished the game 5/15 for 64 yards, with one sack and one interception. Boyle was replaced by Blough, but came back into the game later.
Blough Ups and Downs
If Davis Blough has paid attention to the rumors, he’s well aware his future with the Lions is in question, especially with a poor performance against Pittsburgh. This game was the final chance for Blough to convince the front office and the coaching staff he deserves to be on the team.
Blough came into the game playing with some extra confidence, navigating the pocket well and pushing the ball down the field. The former Purdue Boilermaker started the game 4/5 for 50 yards before taking a sack.
Blough in the middle of the fourth quarter led the team into the redzone, but couldn’t come up with any points. Kaliil Pimpleton, one of Hard Knocks featured players this week, dropped a pass on fourth down in the endzone. Tough look for someone trying to make the roster.
Blough did have a nice play late in the game to move the chains on fourth down. Escaping the pocket and running forward, Blough was being brought down from behind. He improvised with an underhand toss to RB Godwin Igwebuike for a checkdown that ended up being a first down.
Later in the game, Blough would step up and toss another underhand ball to Quinten Cephus for a touchdown. Blough used his legs well in this game and showed some versatility. Still, nothing spectacular. He finished the game 17/32, for 160 yards and a touchdown.
If Jared Goff goes down at any point this season, the hype built around the Lions this offseason is in jeopardy. The poor play by the Lions’ backups has the front office exploring trades for another quarterback. One reappearing name connected to the Lions organization is Steelers Mason Rudolph.
Aidan Hutchinson Continues to Dominate Preseason
Aidan Hutchinson continues proving how capable he was of being drafted first overall. It’s hard to take too much away from preseason. But Hutchinson’s limited preseason reps have been everything you want from a future star. The former Michigan Wolverine came up with a big sack on the first defensive possession for the Lions. The play happened on third down to force a punt. The handwork, speed, and power he shows at the line have been nothing short of special up to this point in his career.
On the second drive, Hutch would force a hold, moving back the Steelers ten yards.
Running Back Room
The Lions would be without running backs Deandre Swift and Jamaal Williams in the final week of preseason. With a handful of running backs in the locker room competing to make the team (Greg Bell, Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike), it would be Jermar Jefferson to get all the first-team reps in the first quarter. Jefferson broke for one long distance run, but was stopped at the line of scrimmage more often.
Jefferson finished the game with 6 carries for 28 yards, including a 27-yard run. An overall up and down performance. Jefferson did get all the first-team reps today, indicating he’ll make the team and be in the rotation.
Justin Jackson also had a great day in the Honolulu blue. Jackson, who spend last season with the Chargers, ran 8 times for 44 yards.
Craig Reynolds, who got the end-of-game reps, used his 6 carries to pickup 31 yards, including a 17-yard pickup.
His longest run was 10 yards. The running back room is in good shape, but there won’t be enough room for everyone. A good problem to have for Detroit.
Conclusion
Detroit ultimately struggled to move the ball down the field on offense. The Lions only were able to put up nine points, and six of them came with 30 seconds left. The defense played mediocre. The team held Pittsburgh to just one touchdown, but the Steelers got close enough to convert four field goals.
The Lions made things interesting at the end, recovering an onside kick with 30 seconds left. However, Detroit would lose to Pittsburgh 19-9. Now, the Lions have just 14 days to prepare for Philadelphia.
Additional Information
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