A look at two of the biggest surprises from the Detroit Lions’ preseason loss to the Chargers.
Thursday night was a big reminder that there’s a pretty significant difference between practice and a game.
For much of training camp, the Detroit Lions seemed like they were humming along nicely. We didn’t see a ton of mental errors, turnovers, or anything that looked particularly alarming. But on Thursday night, when the Lions opened their preseason schedule with a bout against the Los Angeles Chargers , there wasn’t much that went right.
Now, no one here is sounding the alarms. It was just the first of four preseason games, and the goal is not to look perfect out of the gate. The goal is to get better every day and be ready for the season when it begins. That being said, it’s clear some of the players who will end up making the roster still have a long ways to go before they are, indeed, ready.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
What was the biggest surprise from the Lions’ Hall of Fame Game loss to the Chargers?
My answer: Well, the obvious choice at the top is the quarterback play. During the eight practices I witnessed in training camp, I was particularly impressed with both Hendon Hooker’s and Kyle Allen’s command of the offense. They looked composed, decisive, and both were very accurate.
And while I do think some of the “poor” play is being overblown by fans and media, it was certainly a disappointing performance for both. Allen had the better day, but it was spoiled by two very poor throws that resulted in turnovers. Hooker’s night was far more of a letdown, but some of the film reveals he was not being helped by his teammates (more on that in another piece coming later this weekend).
I want to end this on a positive note, though. I was pleasantly surprised by Ahmed Hassanein. What was particularly impressive about his performance was what he was good at. A player like him often wins through effort and motor, but I thought he was fantastic at some high-level things—particularly his discipline in the run game.
Prior to the game, coach Dan Campbell warned defenders that he is not looking for pass rushers to just blindly run upfield and get the sack. He needs defenders who will not play outside their assignment.
“I’d say that if you’re going to go make your plays and I’m going to go get all these sacks and you’re rushing high and behind the quarterback, I don’t even see it. It’s not even worth talking about anymore. It’s not worth it,” Campbell said. “But if you do what you’re asked to do and what (DL coach) Kacy (Rodgers)’s teaching you to do and (DC Kelvin Sheppard) Shep, and you set it up and you push the quarterback and you’re even with him and you crush it or you make a move there, great. But if we’re just going to run behind the quarterback, no that does nothing. But yes these guys, they’ve got a great opportunity to showcase what they can do and play within the defense and show their worth.”
That’s exactly how Hassanein played, and, in my opinion, that shows just how coachable he is. That could mean great things for the young defender.
What surprised you in Thursday night’s game? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know!