Detroit Lions second offensive series should give fans hope

After the Detroit Lions suffered a loss to the New York Giants in their preseason home opener, the offense’s second series should give fans hope.

It would be easy for fans of the Detroit Lions to be a bit down following their team’s second straight preseason loss. This time at the hands of the New York Giants in Detroit’s preseason home opener at Ford Field on Friday night.

What might be even more depressing is the fact the Lions starting offense struggled in their first series against the G-Men, going three and out, with starting running back Ameer Abdullah fumbling the ball on second down and quarterback Matthew Stafford being sacked on third down.

But it was the Lions second offensive series that should give fans hope for the upcoming season. With Stafford under center, this unit was able to march down the field on eight plays, gaining 57-yards in 2:55 and cashing in on a 44-yard Matt Prater field goal.

Here’s a breakdown of the drive.

1st &10 at the Detroit 17-yard line: Stafford completes a nine-yard pass to wide receiver Marvin Jones. The 28-year old wideout is looking to build on his career-performance from last season.

2nd & 1 on Detroit’s 26-yard line: Abdullah converts the first down on a four-yard run. This play was a direct result of a kick out block by first-round rookie Frank Ragnow, the new starting right guard.

1st &10 at the Detroit 30-yard line: Stafford throws a deep pass Jones that is incomplete. This was a questionable non-call by the official as there could have been a pass interference penalty issued to Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins on the play.

2nd & 10 on the Lions’ 30-yard line: Stafford’s pass down the middle of the field was caught by running back Theo Riddick for a 42-yard gain. This was arguably the best offensive play of the night, with Riddick showcasing why he is such a valuable asset to this offense.

1st &10 at the New York’s 28-yard line: Running back Kerryon Johnson gains two yards on a rush. Not the performance we were hoping for out of the rookie, but it’s only his second NFL game ever.

2nd & 10 on the Giants’ 26-yard line: Stafford was forced to scramble out of the pocket, throwing to Jones on the run. The pass was low but the veteran receiver was able to get a hand on it. Unfortunately, Jones could not reel it in.

3rd &10 at the New York’s 26-yard line: Stafford’s arm is hit during the pass attempt resulting in an incompletion. Starting right tackle Rick Wagner was unable to keep his defender away from the quarterback on a bull rush.

It was a disappointing end to a promising series, but it was the most successful one of the three that Matthew Stafford participated in during his preseason debut. But I also believed this drive showcased a bit of what the Detroit Lions offense should be in 2018. A more balanced attack where their running backs better support this dynamic passing game both on the ground and through the air.