The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts in their preseason opener with the help of rookie wide receiver Kenny Golladay.
The Detroit Lions started their preseason by defeating the Indianapolis Colts at home on Sunday, in Lucas Oil Stadium, 24-10. But it wasn’t due to the offensive starters.
In the opening drive, starting quarterback Matthew Stafford completed his first two passes for 36 yards before throwing an interception. Stafford’s pass bounced off the hands of wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. and into the waiting arms of Colts linebacker John Simon. It would be the only series featuring Stafford and most of the Lions’ offensive starters.
Luckily for the Motor City, back-up quarterback Jake Rudock and rookie wide receiver Kenny Golladay showcased a great connection on Sunday. The two hooked up for two touchdowns in the first half.
Rudock completed 13 of his 21 passes for 142 yards and those two scores. While Golladay had three catches for 53 yards and those two eye-popping touchdown receptions.
And the @Lions are on the scoreboard first!
— NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2017
Rookie WR Kenny Golladay adjusts and makes a BEAUTIFUL catch for a TD. #DETvsIND https://t.co/NdPSVnE5DJ
Lions rookie quarterback Brad Kaaya also had a great debut, throwing for 71 yards and a score, completing 8 of his 11 passes. Wide out Dontez Ford was the recipient of Kaaya’s first touchdown throw.
Along with the offensive fireworks, the Lions defense played just as well. Interior defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson shined as he was able to get a lot of push, consistently disrupting the Colts offense.
But it was defensive ends Jeremiah Valoaga and Alex Barrett who would led the team in tackles with six each. They both also posted a sack, along fellow defensive end Pat O’Connor and linebackers Thurston Armbrister and Paul Worrilow.
The Lions defense dominated the Colts the entire game, not giving up a touchdown until the final play of the contest.
But it wasn’t all good news for the Lions. Defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr. had to be carted off the field early in the game after suffering a lower leg injury. The details of the injury and how much time Hyder could miss is unknown. The talented pass rusher led the team with 8.0 sacks last season.
Next: Detroit Lions’ early 53-man roster projections: Wide receiver
The Detroit Lions will now head home to the newly- renovated Ford Field to play the visiting New York Jets in the Lions’ second preseason game of the year. That contest will take place Saturday, August 19th at 7:30pm EDT.