Which Lions impressed in preseason premiere?
While the majority of first- and second-string NFL players have secured a roster spot by mid-August, the preseason often serves as a showcase for special teams players, rookies and reserves. The Detroit Lions kicked off the preseason Friday night with a 21-16 win over the New York Giants and although fans didn’t see any action from Pro Bowlers like wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and tackle Penei Sewell, they did see some intriguing flashes from some unfamiliar faces. Here are some Lions who made an impact in the preseason opener.
Brian Branch
Since the Lions selected the Alabama safety in the third round of the NFL Draft in April, Branch has taken some first-team reps in training camp. His versatility is a welcome asset to defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s scheme. Branch made his presence felt early against the Giants with a thunderous tackle-for-loss just four minutes into the game.
Despite the Lions giving their secondary quite the facelift via free agency and the draft, Branch will join returnees Tracy Walker III and Kerby Joseph in what has potential to be a ball-hawking safety trio in 2023.
Maurice Alexander
The Lions gave their second-team All-Pro return specialist, Kalif Raymond, a two-year contract extension Friday before the game, but Alexander didn’t get the memo. In the third quarter, the 26-year-old FIU product took a punt return 95 yards to the house, breaking tackles and spinning away from contact all the way home.
Alexander most recently spent the spring as a return specialist for the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL, earning All-USFL honors along the way. Don’t be shocked if the Lions hold onto Alexander for some speedy special-teams depth.
Julian Okwara
On a Lions defensive line that’s bursting with youth and potential, Okwara, a third-round pick from the previous general manager’s regime, could be fighting for snaps in 2023. But if Friday was any indication of a potential leap in his fourth year, he could secure his spot in a hurry. He came away with three sacks against the Giants. His older brother Romeo recorded one as well.
Okwara has shown flashes before, including a two-sack performance against the Chicago Bears’ ever-elusive Justin Fields last season. There’s still plenty of time before the regular season begins, but with Okwara currently third on the Lions’ official depth chart at the defensive end position, he’ll have to keep up the production in preseason to prove his worth.
Adrian Martinez
The Lions shored up their quarterback room Monday by adding veteran Teddy Bridgewater as the presumed backup to Jared Goff. But if the Lions decide to keep three quarterbacks on the roster – especially with rookie Hendon Hooker on the non-football injury list – Martinez made his case late in Friday’s win. Despite Nate Sudfeld seeing most of the action under center, it was Martinez who scored the game-winning touchdown on a quarterback sneak inside of two minutes to play.
Martinez joined the Lions in May as an undrafted free agent. Time will tell if coach Dan Campbell’s staff gives Martinez more looks throughout the rest of the preseason, if they simply decide on Sudfeld or if they decide to ride it out with only two quarterbacks and await Hooker’s return.
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