Winners and losers for the Lions in their preseason finale
The Detroit Lions completed their preseason schedule in Charlotte Friday night with a 26-17 win over the Panthers. The Lions finished the preseason with a 2-1 record. They head to Kansas City to play the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL opening game on Thursday, Sept. 7, on NBC.
The game on Friday presented an opportunity for some players to demonstrate their abilities and secure a position on the roster. Let's see how well they performed.
Winner: Teddy Bridgewater
Bridgewater signed with the Lions two weeks ago and had a less-than-stellar performance against the Jaguars in his debut. He solidified his spot as the backup to starting quarterback Jared Goff. Bridgewater found his rhythm with the second unit, leading the team on four scoring drives in six attempts in the first half.
Loser: Nate Sudfeld
Nate Sudfeld, the previous backup to Goff, injured his knee on the first drive in the second half. His spot on the roster is now in jeopardy with the injury. Sudfeld finished the preseason going 26-of-51 passing for 291 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.
Winner: Craig Reynolds
A fifth-year player out of Kutztown University, Reynolds is fighting for the third running back role behind veteran David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. Reynolds led the team versus Carolina with 41 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
Loser: Chase Cota
The undrafted rookie receiver from Oregon may have squandered his opportunity to make the roster Friday night. The Lions already have a crowded receiver room but have a spot up for grabs while WR Jameson Williams serves a six-game suspension. The normally sure-handed Cota dropped several passes, including a potential touchdown deep in the red zone.
Winner: Chase Lucas and Steven Gilmore
Cornerbacks Lucas and Gilmore both had outstanding games. The Lions revamped their secondary, and these two are trying to earn a spot on the depth chart. Second-year CB Lucas intercepted Panthers veteran QB Andy Dalton in the end zone at the end of the second quarter. He also had four tackles and three passes defended.
Not to be outdone, undrafted rookie Gilmore (younger brother of Stephon) had a pick-six, along with five tackles with four pass breakups.
Loser: Riley Patterson
Kicker Patterson did not help himself in his position battle with XFL star Parker Romo. Patterson missed a 53-yard field goal and an extra point on Friday. The Lions traded for Patterson with Jacksonville this offseason. He may soon be on the trade market again or the street after Friday's lackluster performance.
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