Lions' Studs and Duds: Quarterbacks Fail First Test

DUD: CB Dicaprio Bootle

Bootle, who signed with the Lions prior to the start of training camp, has struggled in the early stages. He was targeted often throughout his reps, and while he did have some good coverage reps, there was more bad than good on Thursday night.

The veteran was beat for a touchdown by rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith late in the first half, as Lambert-Smith beat him to the inside for the score. In the fourth quarter, he was whistled for pass interference.

Lambert-Smith gave the Lions' secondary fits, as he also beat 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw on a 28-yard gain in the first half. Rakestraw was also hit with a penalty, as he gave up a free first-down with an illegal use of hands penalty.

STUD: S Ian Kennelly

Entering the game in the second half, Kennelly announced his presence with authority. On the first play of Los Angeles' second series, he lifted running back Nyheim Miller-Hines off the turf and suplexed him to the turf.

The undrafted rookie out of Grand Valley State finished with six combined tackles Thursday, showcasing an ability to quickly come down from the secondary and fill run lanes. Of the stack of players vying for the final safety spots on the roster, it was Kennelly who made the loudest statement Thursday.

DUD: QB Hendon Hooker

Hooker entered the game in the third quarter and struggled to move the offense throughout his half of play. Granted, the Lions' defense was on the wrong end of long drives which limited his total action, and he wound up throwing just six passes.

The 2023 third-round pick wound up completing 3-of-6 throws for 18 yards, and had a late interception when a deep pass was ripped out of Dominic Lovett's hands by Myles Purchase. Hooker notched just three first-downs in four series, and was sacked twice.

While Hooker's mobility is an intriguing element of his game, he seemed to be impatient at times in the pocket and attempted to tuck the ball rather than keep his eyes downfield. He was able to scramble three times for nine yards, but had one come up a yard short that resulted in a turnover on downs.

STUD: LB Anthony Pittman

The Lions' linebacker group may be one of the deepest on the roster, and as such there were plenty of players who generated intrigue on Thursday. Pittman had one of the best showings of any defensive players, with four solo tackles and two tackles for loss.

First, Pittman blew up a screen pass intended for Kimani Vidal that resulted in a 7-yard loss. Then, he stifled Hassan Haskins for a negative gain.

Grant Stuard started at linebacker and had an up-and-down day. He had the defense's first sack, but also fumbled the team's first kick return that led to Los Angeles taking the early 7-0 lead.

DUD: WR Jakobie Keeney-James

Turnovers were an unfortunate theme for the Lions throughout Thursday's game. Stuard fumbled a kickoff, Allen threw two interceptions, Hooker threw one and Keeney-James muffed a punt at Detroit's 5-yard line.

The undrafted wideout out of UMass has clear potential and great speed, but made an unfortunate error when he was unable to corral J.K. Scott's boot. The mistake led to a touchdown, and was a bad first impression for the talented player looking to make a claim for a roster spot.