Detroit Lions vs. Washington Redskins: The Good and The Bad

The Good

Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) throws the ball as Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) and Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) chase in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

First team defense shines

Remember that hot start I talked about? The Lions defense flexed their muscles early despite missing Haloti Ngata and Jason Jones. The Lions got in Robert Griffins face right out of the gate. Griffin dropped back eight times and was hit on six of them. All totaled the Lions first team defense held the Redskins to nine total yards.

DeAndre Levy had the hit of the night by far, Tyrunn Walker looked like most hoped he would when he bullied rookie Brandon Scherff on his way to a sack on Griffin. Ansah looked to be shaking off double teams quite nicely as well.

Zach Zenner started his own hype train

You have to feel bad for George Winn. Zach Zenner came out swinging Thursday night and made the Lions decision a lot harder. Or easier depending on how you look at it. Zenner ran for 22 yards on four carries and went five for five on receptions for 59 and a touchdown.

GM JR. Scout and friend of SideLion’s, Scott Bischoff and I agreed that the Lions are likely holding on to Zenner. Despite Winn being a stronger player on special teams, he’s likely practice squad bound.

Jeremy Ross puts his name in the hat

Jeremy Ross must have heard the fans calling for his dismissal. While Ross did nothing to inspire anyone on special teams for the second straight week, he did make the Lions receiving battle a little more interesting by snatching four receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. Ross is likely to make the team as a special teams contributor, but will the Lions utilize him in the receiving game? You have to think that’s in conversation after he performance Thursday night.

Matthew Stafford looked sharp again

Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) attempts a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Stafford continues to look sharp during the preseason. While the Lions first team did not see the end zone Thursday night, Stafford still made the Redskins pay through the air. Going six for eight for 78 yards and showing some great footwork, Stafford appears to be Growing into Joe Lombard’s scheme quite well. Stafford has also had the presence of a mature leader during training camp and the preseason.

Of course it’s all talk at this point. Stafford must translate this play into the regular season. But at least the talk is all good.

Next: The Bad