Quick Thoughts on the Detroit Lions Win Over Bills

Aug 29, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive back Jordan Dangerfield (46) dives to try and make a tackle as Detroit Lions wide receiver Pat Edwards (83) runs the ball in for a first half touchdown at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions 35, Buffalo Bills 13 (box score)

Some quick thoughts on tonight’s Lions win:

• It was nice to see a little something from Patrick Edwards after not coming up with much through the first three preseason games. The numbers don’t looks spectacular – 3 catches for 33 yards – but he had his man beat deep twice only to be overthrown by Matthew Stafford. Shaun Hill found him in the flat and Edwards put a move one his man to take it in for an eight-yard touchdown.
• Speaking of receivers, Matt Willis has to be a roster lock as the team’s fifth wide receiver, right? He can play special teams and with Calvin Johnson seeing very little action, Willis was probably the team’s most productive receiver this preseason. The guy earned a job.
• On a night when a lot of players on the roster bubble stepped up their game, Mikel Leshoure was unspectacular. Forget talk about who is the team’s number two running back – it’s Joique Bell by a long shot. Leshoure was given seven carries and managed 34 yards but lost a fumble. Is Leshoure in danger of getting cut? I don’t think so but I’ll say this, I feel better about saying Kellen Moore is one of the team’s 53-best players than I am about Leshoure.
• With Sam Martin out, David Akers handled kickoff duties and looked just fine to me. One of the reasons some felt that the Lions could pass on the strong leg of Havard Rugland was the emergence of Martin as a kickoff specialist. While that may have been a reason it was likely pretty far down the list. Martin has the stronger kickoff leg but if Akers needs to do it, it isn’t like he can’t reach the end zone.
• As much as I had hoped the Lions would find gold with Chris Greenwood, I don’t think he makes the final roster. He’s just missed too much time due to injury and got burned for a 79-yard touchdown tonight. Not a great final impression.
• Fans don’t get excited for the fourth preseason game so it stands to reason that players can have a hard time getting up for it as well. Fortunately, the Lions mostly looked prepared to play and intent on playing well despite the game being utterly meaningless. That speaks well for the coaching staff, especially on the heels of last week’s blowout of the Patriots. How much does it really mean, probably not a ton but I’ll take it over the alternative – that being what we saw when the Lions traveled to Cleveland for preseason game number two.