Detroit Lions vs Jacksonville Jaguars: The Good and The Bad

The Detroit Lions came into week three of the preseason missing six of their defensive starters from the front seven. It definitely showed early and often against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Nevertheless the Detroit Lions squeaked out a win. There was a lot to take in during the course of this game. As always there’s good and then there’s bad. Today I would like to go over what caught my eye in week three of the Lions preseason.

The Good

Aug 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) prepares to throw the ball during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Stafford looks good again

Matthew Stafford is quietly having himself one heck of a preseason in 2015. Friday night was no exception as the Lions quarterback went 11 of 15 for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Stafford looked sharp and on point for most of the game. What stood out the most to me is Stafford’s decision making. Lions fans have seen a calm and collect version of Matthew Stafford thus far, and it’s paying off on the scoreboard.

There were obviously a couple of questionable throws, but they are overshadowed by Stafford’s beautiful 62 yard touchdown to Golden Tate in second quarter.

Golden Tate is fun to watch

Golden Tate continues to impress NFL fans everywhere. Friday night he wowed everyone with his play going three of three for 91 yards and a touchdown. What still impresses me is Tate’s ability after the catch. The 62 yard touchdown was pretty, I enjoyed watching Tate turn on the jets when the ball was coming to him. But what really got my eye was the first down he grabbed earlier in the game. Tate caught a nice ball from Stafford and shook of to tacklers for an extra yard or two. His after the catch ability will really help the Lions in 2015.

Darius Slay

Many will say that the Lions secondary did not play so well Friday night and they would be right. But the glimmer of hope seen by SideLion was Darius Slay. The third year corner was everywhere and managed to break up a few big plays that would have put the Lions down even more early in the game.

Mathis should get some credit as well as he had two very nice stops back to back. But Mathis lost a step on the Jaguars first touchdown. Of course Glover Quin did him no favors.

Zach Zenner

Zach Zenner kept the hype train going in Jacksonville last night. Let me preface this by saying there is no way the Detroit Lions plan on letting Zenner walk. It’s quite obvious that the rookie will make the 53 man roster as the Lions would be crazy to cut him after showcasing him all preseason.

Zenner had a great game against the Jaguars running for 85 yards on eight carries. That’s an impressive 10.6 yards per carry. Zenner’s 41 yard scamper was the biggest highlight. But carrying three Jaguars into the end zone for the game winning touchdown was just as impressive.

Next: The Bad