Recap of Lions’ 30-17 win over Steelers in Preseason Game 1

The Detroit Lions opened their Preseason schedule earlier tonight with a 30-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Offense:

• First Team offense

Stafford looked sharp early, going 4-6 for 58 yards and a 97.9 QB rating.. He had three consecutive 3rd-down conversions before getting sacked and fumbling in Steelers territory. They didn’t have much rhythm but Stafford looked efficient and spread the ball around without Calvin Johnson. They only played one offensive series. The offensive line got absolutely demolished by the Steelers’ defense on the fumble play.

• Wide Receivers

Anquan Boldin caught a poorly thrown ball over the middle from Stafford and ran for 30 yards on 3rd and long. Marvin Jones had a pretty sideline catch for another 3rd-down conversion. Andre Roberts was really impressive, with a a few grabs including a catch and run for a 28-yard touchdown. Golden Tate didn’t do much and was out of the game quickly. Boldin was probably the most impressive on just that one big catch and run. Jeremy Kerley responded from a bad drop to make a few nice catches in the 2nd quarter. I would say Roberts and Boldin look like really good 3rd and 4th WR options. They made Orlovski look much better than he was. Undrafted free agent, Jace Billingsley, showed great burst when he caught a touchdown pass from Rudock in the 4th quarter.

• Tight End Cole Wick

Eyes were on undrafted rookie tight end, Cole wick, with Eric Ebron out with a severe ankle sprain. Wick had a really nice grab off a rocket from Stafford for 10 yards to convert an early 3rd down. He held his own and definitely looks like he has some athleticism. Long-term he may have some upside if Matthew Stafford can develop some trust in the young tight end.

• Running game

Theo Riddick got the start and was okay, but didn’t stand out. Zach Zenner looked to be picking up where he left off last Preseason. He had some productive runs and showed some elusiveness on a few nice screen passes. Stevan Ridley got a few carries in the second half with mixed results. Seventh-rounder, running back Dwayne Washington, had a spectacular 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. His size and speed make him an exciting player to watch. It’s definitely a talented group of backs.

• Offensive Line
  

The offensive line didn’t look much different than last year. They were up and down in pass-protection and didn’t open up many holes in the run game. The staring unit struggled and Taylor Decker had a rough start at left tackle. Zenner looked more effective behind it than any of the other backs but the line surely still needs some work. The backups looked better and did a nice job of protecting Rudock and Orlovski.

• Backup QBs

Dan Orlovski had a terrible interception that was taken for a touchdown. He responded with a few nice throws to Roberts and Kerley, but made some really bad decisions. Rookie quarterback, Jake Rudock, started the second half. He got off to a good start with a few short completions, then a 17-yard scramble for a 1st-down. After that, he threw a dart on a little quick slant on a 2-pt conversion. Rudock then made a great read on a touchdown pass to Jace Billinsley that iced the game. The rookie passer finished 8-11, for 72 yards and 1 TD. His QB rating was a game-high120.3.

Defense:

• Linebackers

Kyle Van Noy made a few plays early and flashed his talent with three solo tackles. He looked to be playing significantly faster than in previous seasons, flying around the ball with confidence. Whitehead looks solid in the middle, especially in pass-coverage. Josh Bynes was pretty quiet, but the entire starting front-7 was very good against the Steelers. Zaviar Gooden left the game with an apparent head injury. They were already thin at linebacker without Jon Bostic. Commentator Chris Spielman even suggested bringing back Stephen Tulloch.

• Defensive line

Devin Taylor popped off the screen with a couple of nice plays, including a sack. He looks like he may be ready to make offenses pay for doubling Ziggy Ansah. The pressure was good up the middle from starting defensive tackles, Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker. Rookie DT A’Shawn Robinson clearly has NFL size and power, but needs more polish. He got some penetration, however, and has a nice first step. Anthony Zettel and Quanterus Smith each got a sack as well.

• Secondary

Nevin Lawson got the start and looks to be a decent number-two corner. He has good make-up speed and instincts. Lawson shut down Darrius Heyward-Bey a few times. Credzon Butler gave up a deep touchdown pass to him later, but he was decent in coverage when he was out there. The first team defense looked good as a whole. The depth in the secondary looked better. Including a guy like Miles Killebrew, who flashed some good instincts. Obviously, things are going to be much different without Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger.

• Special teams
  

Washington’s kickoff TD was one of a few good Lions kick returns. Prater was 2-2 on field goals, with a nice 35-yarder before halftime. Devon Bell, the undrafted free agent kicker hit a 42-yard field goal on his first professional attempt. He missed an extra point though. Kickoff coverage was average. It’s about what you expect at this point. John Bademosi looks like a good pickup as a backup safety and special teams ace.