The first preseason game of the 2023 season provided supporters with their first glimpse of a Detroit Lions team that has been the talk of the NFL world.
Fans flocked to Ford Field to take in a preseason contest against the New York Giants, who were also in town for two joint practices this week.
Here are several takeaways from the Lions' 21-16 preseason victory against the Giants.
Nate Sudfeld has rocky performance, throws multiple interceptions
The signing of Teddy Bridgewater could have not come at a better time, as Nate Sudfeld struggled mightily in his first start of the preseason, tossing two first-half interceptions.
Detroit's backup quarterback did not have the best start, as his first pass was intercepted. He forced a pass into double coverage attempting to find Jameson Williams.
In Detroit's second series, Dan Campbell decided to go for it on 4th-and-1, maintaining their history of being aggressive. Unfortunately, a toss to rookie tight end Sam LaPorta fell incomplete.
Sudfeld again tossed an interception attempting to target Williams, this time being intercepted by safety Dane Belton.
The Giants took advantage quickly, extending their lead to 13-3 on the next play, when quarterback Tommy DeVito count Tommy Sweeney for a 14-yard touchdown.
In a highly competitive environment at Lions' camp, it is hard to see the 29-year old remaining with the team all that much longer. He has not performed at a high level the past several training camp practices, including a practice with three interceptions.
Late in the half, Sudfeld led the offense into the red zone, but could not generate any points. If Sudfeld had a better toss on fourth-and-goal to Dylan Drummond, the talented rookie would have had an easy score.
Jameson Williams has early drop, has no chemistry with Sudfeld
It was clear Ben Johnson and the coaching staff made Williams a focal point early in the offense.
In the third series, Williams and Sudfeld were not on the same page, as a deep pass sailed incomplete with no receiver in sight, signaling miscommunication.
Later, Williams was able to gain plenty of separation against rookie Deonte Banks. Yet, he could not secure the Sudfeld toss, despite it hitting him directly in his hands.
The drive did net points, though, as Detroit scored their first points of the game when Riley Patterson made a 39-yard field goal, cutting the Giants lead to 6-3 late in the first-quarter.
The former No. 12 overall pick was able to haul in a Sudfeld pass on a solid route to successfully convert a two-point try.
2023 rookies impress
As expected, based on their play throughout camp, Detroit's 2023 rookie draft class did not appear overwhelmed by their first NFL action.
Jahmry Gibbs finished with six carries for 19 yards and one reception for 18 yards, showcasing his speed and elusiveness.
Brian Branch, who surprisingly fell in the draft, showcased his quick awareness and tackling prowess quickly. The ex-Crimson Tide defensive back recognized the Giants quick swing pass from quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Branch quickly closed on wideout Cole Beasley, recording a tackle for loss.
Jack Campbell also found himself in position to record multiple tackles in the first half, showcasing why the Lions decided to invest a first-round draft selection in a linebacker.
Maurice Alexander has highlight-reel return
With Justin Jackson abruptly retiring, an opportunity opened up for a kick returner to make a statement.
Alexander, who has had a solid camp, recorded a punt 95-yards for a touchdown, showcasing elusiveness and speed, using multiple spin moves to elude defenders on his way into the end zone.
A successful two-point conversion toss from Sudfeld to Williams cut the Giants lead to 13-11, early in the second-half.
Julian Okwara makes case to be taken off roster bubble
Among the players that were firmly on the bubble, Okwara showcased the potential the coaching staff has been clamoring for all throughout training camp.
The coaching staff has been clamoring for the 25-year-old to become a consistent force in Aaron Glenn's defense.
Despite a rough start to training camp, Okwara was able to record multiple sacks against the Giants.
With his Week 1 preseason performance, the fourth-year pro made a case to be removed from the bubble watch list, at least for the time-being.
Weather impacts television broadcast
Unfortunately, supporters of the Lions were not able to hear the television broadcast for the entire third-quarter.
As troublesome weather moved in to Metro Detroit, Fox-2 and other local television stations were forced to carry important weather updates.
The originally scheduled broadcast returned with just under 12 minutes remaining, as the entire third-quarter was pre-empted with repetitive inclement weather reports.
Lions alternative broadcasts should be featured regularly
The alternative broadcast, which featured general manager Brad Holmes, Jalen Rose, Golden Tate and others joining host Peter Schrager, provided a refreshing look at a preseason game.
It was quite interesting to have Detroit's third-year general manager react live to Williams dropping an easy touchdown.
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