The Detroit Lions ended their preseason with a blowout win over the Buffalo Bills 31-0 this past Thursday night. The Lions jumped out to an early lead and never let their opponents sniff a comeback. Although Rex Ryan and the Bills looked as interested in playing this game as I would be watching an opera, it was still good to see this team end the preseason on somewhat of a high. Let’s do the same breaking down this game.
The Good
Kerry Hyder
These games mean something for some players. Kerry Hyder is one of them. The 25-year-old had three sacks, and what should have been a 4th if not for a penalty on Alex Carter, and countless pressures on Buffalo’s quarterbacks throughout the game. Hyder can play inside and outside, and may have just snuck his way onto this roster as a result of this game. It will still be tough for him, however, as just about every other defensive lineman had himself his best game of the preseason as well. General Manager Bob Quinn is going to face some tough cuts very soon, or possibly have to make a trade.
Dwayne Washington
Washington’s chances of making this roster took a substantial increase when the Lions released Stevan Ridley last week. On Thursday night, he probably locked up those chances. On his first carry of the game, Washington took the handoff 58 yards for a touchdown, embarrassing a Bills defender on the way to the outside.
.@Lions RB Dwayne Washington goes 58 yards to the HOUSE.
— NFL (@NFL) September 1, 2016
WOW. 🏃💨💨💨💨💨 https://t.co/YnwwvXHKix
At that point in the game, Dwayne Washington had scored all three of the Lions’ touchdowns in the preseason. He may not be a consistent running threat this year (his next six carries went for 10 yards) but his top end speed makes him a threat on outside runs and in the screen game.
No Injuries
See last week. See Teddy Bridgewater.
Jace Billingsley and Jay Lee
The receiving duo of Billingsley and Lee was the story line, if preseason week four can have a story-line. Billingsley ended the game with seven catches for 80 yards and a one-handed touchdown grab. Lee finished with six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. The two undrafted free agents are fighting for the 5th spot on the Lions’ depth chart behind Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, Anquan Boldin, and T.J. Jones. Andre Roberts was not featured in this game as much as he was in previous preseason action, which signals that the Lions front office has made their mind up about him one way or another. Both Billingsley and Lee have far greater potential than Roberts, and Billingsley has done well in the return game too. I would imagine the Lions would want them both on the practice squad if they are indeed cut.
End of the Preseason
Really, this is the big story of every last preseason game. The next time we see the Lions play it will actually mean something. I doubt the Indianapolis Colts will be lining up in the wishbone next Sunday.
Bills run out of Wishbone 3 straight plays, go for it on fourth and 2 in their own territory and fail. OK, Rex. We get it.
— Mike O'Hara (@MikeOHaraNFL) September 1, 2016
Football is finally back!
The Bad
Penalties
The Lions committed 10 penalties in Thursday’s game for 72 yards. While the overreaction meter is at a negative one out of 10 on this considering the game and the players, it still is annoying to see the Lions constantly commit silly penalties. Twice they had to punt after lining up on 4th and 1 because of penalties backing them up.
Rex Ryan
Ryan might as well have had his phone out texting his frat brother while this game was going on. The Bills first team offense lined up in the wishbone to start the game and threw screen pass after screen pass to finish. We get it Rex, you don’t care about this game, and you’re too cool for it.
The Ugly
Nothing
Seriously. I’d be reaching for anything. The Lions won 31-0 against the Bills in the 4th preseason game of the 2016 season. What is there to bemoan, besides Rob and Rex Ryan?
The Lions next game is against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, September 11th at 4:30 ET. Before that, the roster must be cut down to 53 men by 4PM ET this Saturday. The Lions will go into the season with a relatively healthy roster in every position, and look to improve on their 7-9 record from last season. Football is back!