Detroit Lions lose to Cleveland Browns in preseason finale, 20-16
In a ragged, penalty-filled contest, the Detroit Lions lose their final preseason game to the Cleveland Browns, 20-16.
Mercifully, the NFL preseason is over. Seemingly ready to put it behind them, the Detroit Lions fell on the road to the Cleveland Browns Thursday night, 20-16. The Lions finish the preseason 0-4.
As per the norm in the fourth preseason contest, the Lions sat the majority of their notable players, including Matthew Stafford, Kerryon Johnson and their entire starting offensive and defensive lines. Kickers Matt Prater and Sam Martin also did not enter the game.
The Lions totaled just 40 net yards in a sloppy first half. A holding penalty on the Browns in their own end zone yielded the only Lions points of the first two quarters on a safety, and they went into the locker room trailing 10-2.
The Lions’ backup quarterback situation may have become clearer with the preseason complete. After missing the last two exhibition games with a head injury, Tom Savage started and finished 5/8 throwing for 33 yards. Josh Johnson spelled him to open the second half, and performed well, finishing 9/15 for 157 yards. He threw a late, 20-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Isaac Nauta, and also ran for a 1-yard score in the third quarter. Detroit was unable to score on the game’s final possession.
Receiver Brandon Powell, competing for a spot at the back end of the unit, returned a punt 67 yards in the first half, and had another long return called back by a penalty. The Lions have spent all summer searching for complementary pieces to their receiving corps, and Powell’s speed and special teams prowess could tip the scales in his favor. Rookie Travis Fulgham led the Lions with 80 receiving yards on three catches.
Garrett Gilbert started for the Browns and finished 13/24 for 117 yards and one touchdown in one half of work. Dontrell Hilliard led Cleveland with 65 yards rushing on 12 attempts.
Next. Detroit Lions: 53-man roster projection prior to preseason finale. dark
The Detroit Lions must now trim their roster from 90 players to 53 by 4:00 p.m. EST this coming Saturday. They open the regular season on the road against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 8th at 4:25 p.m. EST.
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