Quickly enough, two preseason games are in the books for the upcoming 2022 season and the Detroit Lions show flashes of continued improvement on both sides of the ball during Saturday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Yes, it’s only a preseason game but a 27-26 victory is, well, a victory nevertheless. Player performances from this past Saturday are taken into account to help determine who stays in Detroit and who gets cut from the active roster. With the preseason progressing, the different Lions units deserve a to-date report card.
The Lions run game looked effective against the Colts. Grade: B+
The Lions controlled the ground game on offense with 174 total yards and 5.3 yards per carry. Controlling the ground, the Lions utilized backup RB’s and did not play D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. With a long run of 21 yards, the Lions controlled the ground offensively while the Colts only mustered 30 rushing yards and didn’t play Jonathan Taylor.
WR Tom Kennedy had another great preseason performance. Grade: A-
WR Tom Kennedy continues to make a statement that he belongs in a Lions uniform with another productive game and have five receptions for 24 yards and also scored two TD’s in the Lions win. Showing additional versatility, Kennedy also fielded a late Colts onside kick to seal the Lions win. As head coach Dan Campbell said about Kennedy: “We’re giving him every opportunity to make this team. He won’t go away.” Kennedy’s report card score this week reflects his hard work.
Backup Offensive Line dominated the run schemes against the Colts. Grade: B+
Any NFL team is blessed to have a stout O line who can control the line of scrimmage and the Lions have a backup O line worthy of praise as well. Impressively, the number two O line including Matt Nelson, Evan Brown, Logan Stenburg, Dan Skipper and Tommy Kraemer made large holes in the Colts defense. This allowed the Lions to generate 96 yards on the ground with nearly six yards per carry. Kraemer and Stenburg never came off the field offensively in Saturday’s game and put in a solid body of work. The backup O line deserves praise for their work and with an additional preseason strong showing will continue to receive high report card marks.
Lions D Line earned kudos for their work against the Colts. Grade: B
The Lions were very effective on the D line against the Colts in joint practices last week and in Saturday’s game. Altogether, Austin Bryant and John Cominsky combined for ten tackles including three for losses, two QB hits and two sacks. Physicality and violence were the best words to describe the D line performance on Saturday.
LB Malcolm Rodriguez looks solid on the Lions roster moving forward. Grade: B
LB Malcolm Rodriguez continues to prove that he belongs on the Lions roster and played just 12 snaps defensively on Saturday – more than likely proof that he’s solidified at least a backup LB position at this point. In addition, LB Alex Anzalone didn’t play and this opened up action for other LB’s. Josh Woods, Shaun Dion Hamilton and James Houston received reps to showcase what they can do for the Lions.
Lions secondary needs a lot of work – right now. Grade: D
Safety Kerby Joseph did make two tackles in the first quarter and that’s a positive sign. As the game progressed, Joseph gave up large yardage before registering tackles and gave up a TD. Additionally, rookie CB Cedric Boswell also gave up a TD and a holding call late in the fourth quarter. The secondary unit may be a cause for concern for the Lions and calls for roster cuts may be inevitable.