The Detroit Lions are set to face off against the Indianapolis Colts in the second week of pre-season action. The Lions media crew and Hard Knocks has the Motor City hyped for a new game. Whilst practicing with the Colts this week, the Lions have shown some flashes of success. The advanced preparedness should give the Lions more of an edge than last week’s matchup, but only time will tell. With kickoff at 1:00pm Saturday, August 20, the Lions can wash the bitter taste of defeat out of their mouths and continue to improve on their path towards the regular season. Here are 5 things to note before tomorrow’s game:
1. Backup QB Duel:
The backup QB situation is less than ideal in Detroit. Tim Boyle, the backup last season, played inconsistently against the Falcons. Going through his reads slowly and throwing an interception has reaffirmed the idea that he is not the best option as the backup to Jared Goff. David Blough was somewhat impressive when he entered the game, looking more dynamic and confident than Boyle. Unfortunately, his fumbled snap at the end of the game proved costly, greatly contributing to the team’s loss.
Blough is a must watch player in this matchup, with most reports saying he looked like the sure QB2 during practice. With rumors swirling over a potential backup QB trade, this game is pivotal to determining whether a move is necessary to find the right backup. The struggle has been noticeable so far for each QB, making their snaps are crucial to their futures with the team.
-David Blough sure looks like QB2 right now. Got most of the backup work today behind Goff. Looked pretty sharp to me.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) August 18, 2022
2. How Does Malcolm Rodriguez Perform as a Lions’ Starter:
Malcolm Rodriguez, lovingly referred to as Rodrigo by his peers, saw snaps all over the field against Atlanta. Making an impact at special teams and defense, he impressed the coaching staff quite a bit. The rookie has been highly touted by the coaching staff since arriving in Detroit, and with a weak linebacking core, he has risen as a potential starter. Passed upon in the draft due to his size, Rodriguez has shown some need for concern especially against the pass. His size allowed passes to be easily dropped over his head, but his coverage can adjust for that with time. Rodriguez thrives against the run, with his aggression helping him plow through blocks and seal gaps. Kelvin Sheppard, the Lions linebackers coach, thinks Rodriguez is ready, but will the lights be too bright for the rookie?
3. Bubble Players Prove Their Worth:
Last week, a few players on the roster bubble made their case for a spot more than others. Consistency, for those guys, will help their chances of making the team. Continuing to have their name appear on the stat sheets will put them farther and farther up the depth chart, and less at risk of losing out.
Tom Kennedy, who had 108-reception-yards against Atlanta, will look to continue his success on field. Showing that he can consistently beat zone coverage and get open downfield will surely give him a spot on the roster. Another receiving threat, Devin Funchess, will also look to ride the wave of last weeks performance. His touchdown catch and consistent playmaking has fans excited to see his great NFL return. Staying healthy remains his biggest issue, as he had and injury scare during practice this week. If he continues his receiving success and stays healthy, he should be a lock for the roster. On the defensive side, Jarrad Davis has a solid opening week. With the Lions lacking talent at linebacker, he needs to stand above the rest to make the roster. With a pass breakup and a QB hit, Davis showed flashes of ability. Keeping that going will be key for him this week.

4. Who Starts and Who sits:
Head Coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media Thursday, August 18, admitting that he would likely sit some of his starters against Indianapolis. “I would say the plan right now is there’ll be a number of these guys that will not play in this game,” Coach Campbell said. “A number of our starters, because they’re getting kind of the bulk of the reps. There will be a number of guys that have gotten a load here that will still play in this game certainly, we’ve got a lot of battles still going on, but that would be the plan with this. That’s why you kind of like the structure of (joint practice). You get two really good days of work and now you don’t really feel like you need to go to the game with them.”
His positive outlook on the team’s practice performance, gives him enough confidence to sit players he feels have little risk of injury or little to prove. Campbell is very honest, so it will be telling which starters are in more of a roster battle than expected based on who plays. That makes the starters who play a fascinating watch this week.
5. Kerby Joseph Continues to Improve:
Kerby Joseph was a player who stood out in the last matchup. The rookie safety was consistent, athletic, and most importantly smart on the field. Coach Campbell called him out after the game, saying he was really impressed by Joseph’s play. The adjustment to safety in college and now at the NFL level had scouts worried about his success, but Joseph has showed consistent improvement. For a young player, that is what’s key. He is doing everything right, learning and improving with each game. He will be an important player to watch against the Colts, as his progress and future impact will be determined by these games.