Takeaways From The Detroit Lions Preseason Loss to Miami

Even though the Detroit Lions lost 24-17 on Saturday, the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins served its purpose. One of the most important aspects of any preseason game is the opportunity to evaluate players who are on the bubble of making the 53-man roster. 

Takeaways From The Detroit Lions’ Preseason Loss to Miami 

When analyzing players, coaches want to see who is accurately translating training camp instruction to the field. The coaches are looking for players who are showing improvement from week to week. Which individuals are stepping up their game and making the designated plays? Who can be counted on to perform as a reliable playmaker?

The Lions have plenty of talented individuals hoping to make the roster, but of the 90 men currently in training camp, 37 won’t make the final cut. Tuesday, August 26th, is the cut-down date when NFL teams must make the hard choices in determining the final 53 players.

For individuals who don’t make the roster, there is an opportunity to be signed to the Lions’ practice squad. In addition to helping the rostered team prepare for upcoming games, these 16 players are the reserves in case of injury. If a rostered player is injured or otherwise unavailable to play, his practice squad counterpart can be activated for that particular game. If a player has been active for three games in one season, he is added to the team’s roster.  

What the Lions Coaching Staff Saw On Saturday 

The game against the Dolphins gave a strong indication of what the Lions’ final roster could look like. However, players have one more opportunity to make their case next week in the preseason game against the Houston Texans.  

The Battle for the Number Two Quarterback

The battle for the number two quarterback between Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker is becoming clearer, with Allen having the advantage. Allen, the starting quarterback, put together his best game yet, completing 14/17 for 124 yards with two touchdowns on Saturday.  

Hooker struggled initially but as the game progressed, he was showing improvement. His best series was managing the final possession. With under two minutes to go, Hooker looked strong and confident as he led the offense deep into Miami territory. The Lions were within scoring range when Hooker was picked off by UDFA rookie cornerback Ethan Robinson, whose improbably high athletic leap secured the win for the Dolphins.

Hooker finished 6 of 13 for 61 yards with one interception. He was sacked twice. As an NFL veteran, Allen has more experience.  However, hopefully, Hooker will have another opportunity to prove himself.        

Players Who Improved Their Chances to Make the Roster

One of the best free agent acquisitions Brad Holmes made this year is LB Grant Stuard.  Recording four tackles, including one for a loss, a pass defense, and a forced fumble on Saturday, Stuard was an absolute menace. Seemingly everywhere at once, Stuard excels at wreaking havoc for the defense. He’s also being deployed on kick returns and had two returns on Saturday for 50 yards.

An early admirer, Lions’ special teams Coach Dave Fipp, became aware of Stuard when he played for the Indianapolis Colts.  Fipp described him as, “a hair-on-fire player, this guy’s relentless. He’s got a great story…But just a great player, and I have a lot of respect for him.” 

Linebacker Zeke Turner had a great game on Saturday, leading the team with nine tackles. Former UFL Cornerback Nick Whiteside continues to impress with four tackles, while fellow UFL talent and Eastern Michigan product D.J. Miller also contributed four tackles. Returning UDFA EDGE Isaac Ukwu had a sack on Dolphins’ starting quarterback Zach Wilson.  Ukwu almost had a second sack moments earlier, but the play was negated by a facemask penalty.  

Seventh-round rookie draft pick Dominic Lovett increased his chances of making the roster on special teams with his heads-up play on Saturday. Lovett’s recovery of a muffed punt return led to a 33-yard field goal by Jake Bates.

All-UFL team running back Jacob Saylors continues to demonstrate his versatility and aggressive rushing style.  Saylors led the Lions’ ground game with 13 rushes for 39 yards and one reception for five yards.  

Isaac TeSlaa is Proving Brad Holmes Was Right Once Again