The Detroit Lions improvements are enough to wow fans during preseason, but do they have what it takes to take One Pride to the playoffs?
The Detroit Lions came face-to-face with the New York Jets for another victory in Week 2 of 2017 NFL Preseason. As the Lions continue to make strides, the team continues to develop and increase production both on offense and defense.
Matthew Stafford looked like his promising self. He had a little more playing time than last week, but continued to be limited. Stafford completed 8-of-10 passes for a little over 80 yards. He connected with Marvin Jones for a touchdown, where we got a preview of this season’s touchdown celebration craze.
Although the Lions second- and third-string quarterbacks weren’t as impressive as Week 1, they both still managed to keep afloat. Jake Rudock had almost 85 yards on 13 completions and an interception, while Brad Kaaya went 4-of-7 for 38 yards.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Even the Lions defense continued to excel. They aren’t last season’s defense, that’s for sure! But even after a victory, there is a lot to learn from. After all, it was the Jets. Heading into Week 3, there are three key takeaways the Lions should focus on.
3. Kenny Golladay
It’s still too early to tell how Kenny Golladay’s role on the Lions will increase, but expect to see more of him in Week 3 after T.J. Jones’ hamstring injury in this week’s game. This week, Golladay’s production was minimal compared to his two touchdowns last week.
This week, he played three snaps with the Lions starting offense, and didn’t see one pass come his way. When he did finally touch the ball, it was one reception for only six yards.
Week 3 could be an indication of Golladay’s future role on the depth chart. Unfortunately, one man’s injury is another man’s victory. If Jones’ injury keeps him out, expect to see more of Golladay during practice and next week against the New England Patriots.
2. Defense
I still can’t believe how the defense has made such a turn around. If they keep this up, there’s no way won’t stand up to elite playoff competitors. The Lions held the Jets to less than five yards in the first quarter, and only two first downs before halftime. The Lions didn’t seem to miss Kerry Hyder or Ziggy Ansah all too much. Akeem Spence and Cornelius Washington stepped up to the plate.
More from Detroit Lions
- 5 rookies to target for your Fantasy Football drafts In 2023
- 2023 NFL Predictions: Every Divisional Winner for the 2023 Season
- 5 NFL teams who missed playoffs in 2022 but will make it in 2023
- 2023 NFL Season: Way too early picks for division winners
- Are the Detroit Lions a legitimate contender in 2023?
Washington took out Christian Hackenberg in the Jets opening driving, forcing a fumble that the Jets luckily recovered. Spence also got his hands on Hackenberg for two sacks in the first half as well, leaving the Jets with negative net passing yards.
Washington looked to be the Lions biggest threat this week going forward. It will be interesting to see how he continues to progress into the season, and how the Lions utilize him.
1. Penalties
The Lions had entirely too many penalties in this week’s game. They gave up over 80 yards on almost 10 penalties. If they keep giving their opponents yards with penalties, they will be on track to surrender more yards than in 2016.
Last season they gave up over 850 yards on about 100 penalties. Although this is better than their opponents who offered over 900 yards on 122 penalties, 80 yards a game is insane. If they continue on this pattern, they will amass over 1,000 yards in penalties for the season.
Next: NFL 2017: Predictions for MVP, every award
It was an instance careless mistakes that force the Lions to gift yardage to the Jets. They need to minimize penalty infractions if they want to move forward in 2017. There is no way they will defeat the Super Bowl champs next week if they don’t continue to focus on these preseason takeaways, specifically in terms of getting penalized.