Detroit Lions rematch in Kansas City
The Detroit Lions are in the news today with an impressive game two preseason victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. This preseason game was electric until the last seconds and the Lions came out on top with a victory. Beyond the scoreboard, for these teams it’s about growth and getting ready to compete in the regular season, and for the postseason.
To kick the game off, the Lions win the toss and deferred, giving the ball to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense first. While the Lions got an opportunity to get off the field quickly, but Kansas City was in range for a 33-yard field goal and it was good for an early 3-0, Chiefs lead.
Detroit missed an opportunity to get into the end zone due to a penalty but held the Chiefs to just another field goal. Then Jalon Calhoun fumbled the ensuing kick return to give the ball back to the Chiefs. Carson Wentz took over to find Xavier Worthy for a 22-yard touchdown and a 13-0, Chiefs lead.
Kicking off the second quarter, Detroit quickly got on the score board with a nailed 55-yard field goal attempt from Jake Bates.
Sudfeld had brilliant protection and found Kaden Davis on a crosser route for a 61-yard touchdown, Bates went on tp miss the extra point. 13-9, Chiefs.
Just before the half, Sudfeld converted a third down with a shovel pass to Jake Funk, setting the Lions up in the red zone with just under 40 seconds left in the half. They went right back to Vaki for another 12 yards, but couldn’t punch it in, and settled for a field goal. 16-12, Chiefs.
Bates trotted out for a 32-yard field goal to make it 16-15 Chiefs at the end the third quarter.
In the fourth, the Chiefs would strike anyway. Cornell Powell made a nice catch over Steven Gilmore, then broke a tackle for a 64-yard touchdown and a 23-15, Chiefs.
A big 37-yard strike to Isaiah Williams set Detroit up in scoring position. Then on third-and-goal, Hooker ran for a 7-yard touchdown, but he was sacked on the two-point conversion). 23-21, Chiefs.
That wasn’t enough to keep the Lions out. Jake Bates, for it all, kicks an impressive game-winning field goal from 43 yards. 24-23, Lions.
Detroit Lions: An Impressive Preseason Game 2
The draft deal, Sione Vaki was unproven and is quickly proving to become a weapon this preseason for the Lions. The former safety converted running back is proving himself as a weapon in the passing game having a great preseason debut. Against the Chiefs, Vaki finished with 60 receiving yards with 4 catches. Gibbs and Montgomery are ahead of him, but he’s showing he deserves to be on an NFL field.
Isaiah Williams is showing that he can win and separate against second-team coverage and some little against first-team. Isaiah Williams had a promising day, catching six passes for 71 yards. Williams did fumble a punt return but redeemed himself with a nice return late in the fourth quarter, setting up the Lions game-winning field goal.
Who Will Be Lions QB2 in Detroit?
Sudfeld’s understanding of the offense, being in this offensive system, and the help that he is to Jared Goff in the quarterback room but as far as playing quarterback goes he’s not a better option than the fan-favorite – Hendon Hooker.
Hooker should play the entire game. If Hooker doesn’t play the entire game it’s because the Lions want to get a look at Jake Fromm in the second half but he needs reps. He got a large amount of snaps and all he did in that second half was prove he deserves to play more. He was able to read the defense and make the throws. He looked the part he ran for a touchdown, his arm was lively, and he was 12-14 for 150 yards.
Nate Sudfeld had miscommunications with the Lions’ wide receivers all over the field. Receivers were running through zone coverages, and wide receivers were stopping in man coverages but Vaki was better able to discern zone and man coverage.
A Role for Vaki
Hardly playing on the offensive side of the ball in college, it’s been since high school Vaki played running back and wide receiver on the regular. He’s experienced in a different way and when you’re consistently playing safety or a hybrid linebacker-type role like Sione Vaki played it’s natural to become familiar with what defenses look like.
The Lions may not be able to afford to keep a third slot receiver when already thin on the outside. Kaden Davis had a quiet game but did have the play of the game with a 61-yard catch and run. The hometown kid, Donovan Peoples-Jones made strides where he could but may likely not make the final roster. Donovan Peoples-Jones had a solid block that sprung a big run but he struggled to get separation most of the game.
Jake Bates is the Lion’s only kicker and he had a solid day kicking 4-4 on field goals – including a game-winning 43-yard kick. Bates missed an extra point, making consistency key for Bates moving forward.
He hit his next three field goals from 23, from 32, and from a 43-yard kick as time expired for the game-winner. While having the leg strength, routine conversion kicks are what keep you around in the NFL.
CFL Defensive Player of the Year, Matthew Betts is averaging a sack a game, recording 18 sacks in the CFL. The Lion signed Matthew Betts to compete during camp, and head coach Dan Campbell is excited about Betts trying him as the SAM linebacker. Betts and James Houston are having serious looks at the SAM linebacker role. This is great for both of them, increasing their chances of making the final 53-man roster.
🎆 BOOM 🎆
Mathieu Betts with the sack!#DETvsKC | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/rRde7yFjNc
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 17, 2024
On TSN, the Canadian Sports Network, Betts spoke on how camp has gone well for him. He emphasized keeping the right mindset, taking things one day at a time, and focusing on getting better. Betts highlighted his versatility. Mentioning being able to rush the quarterback isn’t enough and playing special teams, providing an edge on defense, and doing whatever Detroit asks of him increases his chances of sticking around.
Throughout the week, as stories come in, be on the look for another wide receiver being brought in to play that X position, and let’s just enjoy this preseason. The regular season starts in just over three weeks.
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