Detroit Lions: What will make a perfect preseason opener?
The Detroit Lions face the Oakland Raiders to start their preseason schedule. What would make this the perfect game? We discuss the hopes for game one.
Happy football day, Detroit Lions‘ fans! At 10:30 pm the Honolulu blue and silver will take on the silver and black. The Oakland Raiders will host the first preseason contest.
Aside from just seeing football that is live, Kick in the Crotch Weekly would like to know what would be the perfect preseason opener? KITCW wants to discuss what we hope to see in the first stanza of the preseason, working up to the season opener, September 10, versus the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. Buckle up, Detroit!
Rookies performing
A big reason preseason is exciting is due to new, young talent. This is the test drive for the new draftees; their first time in live action and against a competitor. For the Detroit Lions, this starts with their first-round pick, offensive lineman, Frank Ragnow. A perfect preseason game features rookies who look to be developing into contributors.
Ragnow is slated to be the starting left guard. That’s not exactly a glory position, but many Lions fans will be honed in on his play and what it may mean for the offense as a whole. He will likely get limited rep’s, however, he could see additional work as the backup center, too.
Also, second-round pick Kerryon Johnson, is going to be a focal point of the preseason. The running back was selected to be the future of the Lions rushing attack. Johnson is second string, but the Lions hope for him to move up.
Da’Shawn Hand, a rookie defensive end, was the fourth-round pick, and it is hoped that he will develop into a versatile end-tackle in the Patricia defense. Matt Patricia, head coach, and Paul Pasqualoni, defensive coordinator, have a tall task in retooling the 27th ranked unit.
Tracy Walker, seemingly buried on the depth chart released by the Lions has been looked at as a corner or heir apparent to Glover Quin. Expect to see lots of him during the first few games.
Tyrell Crosby, offensive tackle, is also a main attraction for fans. Crosby has looked good and is being groomed as either a guard or swing tackle. After the poor showing by the line in 2017, the hype train seems to always include Crosby. Expect him to run with the threes early on as the left tackle.