Lions Roundtable: Bengals Recap, Previewing Commanders Preseason Game

3. How positive of a sign is it that the team is getting healthier?

Booher: Anytime a team gets healthier, that's a huge positive. I also think that this is a bigger lift to the Lions than most because they have been so riddled with injuries in the past. This is a step in the right direction for them health wise, and staying healthy throughout the rest of preseason and training camp would be a huge boost.

Chirco: It’s a big-time positive. However, I’m still concerned about the health of safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, as well as corner Ennis Rakestraw (who was injured in Thursday’s preseason opener). Until Branch and Joseph are cleared to play, I will be worried about the strength of the Lions’ secondary. 

Matasovsky: The team getting healthier is a positive sign, but it also comes at the cost of the team already receiving injuries. If the team can have all its starters ready for Week 1 besides the safety duo of Branch and Joseph and C Cade Mays, that will be a success.

4. What are you hoping to learn about at training camp this week?

Booher: I think the biggest thing for this week is for the roster to begin to separate itself. With a preseason game in the books, the Lions now have plenty of concrete evidence and tools to evaluate the players at their disposal. This is a pivotal week for players on the roster bubble, with only two preseason dates remaining before final cuts.

Chirco: For starters, I want to find out how serious Rakestraw’s injury is. Plus, I would like to see whether Hassanein and Saylors can continue their impressive play. It would go a long way toward the two of them earning spots on Detroit’s season-opening roster. Lastly, I would like to see TeSlaa look more like the highlight-making receiver he was as a rookie.

Matasovsky: I’m hoping to learn more on the overall prognosis of Jacob Saylors’ health, along with team injury recovery. Additionally, I’d love to see how much Luke Altmyer has learned from his time facing another professional defense and how he can apply it to his practice routine.

5. Which starters have to play against the Commanders?

Booher: I wouldn't be opposed to the entire starting lineup getting some run against the Commanders. Though the easiest decision would be to essentially put that group in bubble wrap to ensure they get to the regular season healthy, there could be some rust that comes along with that decision.

I'd especially like to see the offense get some run with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. It doesn't even have to be an entire quarter, but I would like to see Jared Goff handle the operation for a series or two to get in the flow of a game with Petzing. In my eyes, this would give Goff a more clear idea of what play-calls to expect in certain situations. 

I can't think of a better time for the offense to get a dress rehearsal of sorts before the regular season than in the only preseason game they'll have in front of their home fans.

Chirco: As much as he’s undoubtedly a proven commodity, I would like to see Penei Sewell get some reps at left tackle along with the rest of the first-string offensive line. I believe that it’s paramount the entire first-team O-line suits up before the end of the preseason. I believe that it would only aid the line in being prepared for the Lions’ regular season opener against the Saints.

Matasovsky:  The top name for me is Tate Ratledge. Get the second-year pro game situation snaps with his right tackles, whether it is Borom or Blake Miller. Having Juice Scruggs in would be ideal as well to get a full offensive line assessment for a few drives, but not rushing back the Penn State product is the best route.

I would also be intrigued by seeing Hassanein suit up alongside starting defensive linemen in situations, particularly a package with Aidan Hutchinson and/or D.J. Wonnum. Jack Campbell is another name here, as he is now the full leader of the team and defensive play-caller with Alex Anzalone in Tampa.

6. What is one thing you want to see in the second preseason game?

Booher: I want to see the offense be more efficient. Josh Dobbs should get a longer run with a long week to better his understanding of the offense, and he could be the difference. I just felt that the offense sputtered and stalled out too often, sometimes because of their own doing.

In Saturday's game, I'd like for the operation to be a bit smoother across the board. It's really important to me to see this group move the ball efficiently and convert in key situations, even if it's just preseason. If the offense plays well, it would be a huge boost of confidence for both players and coaches, especially Petzing.

Chirco: I would love to see Isaac TeSlaa bounce back with a much stronger performance. No ifs, ands, or buts about it, he struggled mightily against the Bengals, and failed to look the part of a No. 3 receiver. With that said, I believe the entire organization would like to see him get back on track against the Commanders.

Matasovsky: The only thing that matters, for me, in a preseason game is getting the starters their reps and then leaving the field healthy. That is the only, and I repeat, only thing that I want to see.

Granted, outside of health, I will also say that seeing the pass-rush continue its momentum and a bounce-back game from Isaac TeSlaa would be good to see.