Detroit Lions Preseason: 3 Takeaways vs Patriots

The Detroit Lions exhibited some familiar mishaps in Preseason Week 3, falling to the New England Patriots and giving cause for concern.

The Detroit Lions had a lot to prove as they stepped up against last year’s Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots, in Week 3 of the NFL Preseason. Unfortunately, the outcome was far worse than anyone imagined. They lost pitifully.

Yes, it’s only preseason, but let’s rewind to Week 1 and Week 2. The Lions looked good. It seemed as though their free agency steals, offseason deals and draft picks paid off. Stafford looked healthy and the Lions defense seemed stronger.

But in reality, they looked good against who? The Indianapolis Colts and the New York Jets. The Lions had just finished a joint two-day practice with the Colts before they played, and the Lions dominated the practice. As for the Jets, well, they’re the Jets.

It was finally time for the Lions show their improvements against the New England Patriots. If they can keep up with the Patriots, then they must have a chance this season right? Wrong! This game was pitiful even for preseason.

3. Running Game

Heading into the 2017 season, Jim Bob Cooter had a focus on improving the Lions run game. Last year, the Lions ranked 30th in the league, averaging a little over 80 yards. Cooter couldn’t have known then that Dwayne Washington would step it up this week.

Theo Riddick is still wearing a red jersey, so it was up to Washington to take control. The Lions were down by 24 and Washington broke through for Detroit’s first touchdown. It was one of two for the running back after not having much playing time and success in 2016 after being drafted by the Lions.

Hopefully Riddick can mix in well with the recent offense improvements. With emphasis on the run game and recent efforts from Washington, we could just see a battle for the start.

2. Matthew Stafford

I was a little underwhelmed by Matthew Stafford this week. His backups had more completions than he did. He had extended play time this week, and we still didn’t get the wow factor. Entering training camp, Stafford looked the best he’s ever looked. He did some offseason conditioning with a private coach and he was focused.

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Aside from his touchdown to Marvin Jones, Stafford didn’t go above and beyond. But he did manage to throw a pick, unfortunately. Instead of connecting with Kenny Golladay, the ball bounced off his hands and Eric Rowe intercepted.

Careless mistakes like this are going to be critical in determining how the Lions 2017 season plays out. Stafford will have to step up during practice, because it’s not likely he’ll have a ton of playing time the week before the season starts.

1. Defense

Like I said earlier, the defense has looked good this preseason. That was until the Patriots came to town. The Patriots opened the game with an 80-yard drive that finished with a Chris Hogan touchdown.

It seemed to get worse as the game progressed. The defense had many penalties, including one that allowed the Patriots to attempt a two-point conversion. This needs to be an area of focus over the next two weeks. Last week was the same thing. Careless mistakes are going to give up yards that the Lions can’t afford to lose.

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However, they did make it up when they stopped the Patriots and took down Tom Brady on the third drive. It’s always nice seeing Brady go down, but it would be nice seeing more of the Lions opponents go down.