Lions vs. Steelers Report Card: Grading Detroit’s preseason loss in Pittsburgh
By Zach Payne
After a tightly contested game in their preseason opener, the Detroit Lions traveled to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. However, this week’s game was not nearly as competitive as the last.
The Lions were dominated in the first half of this game before David Blough helped lead the team to a few trips to the end zone to make it a game in the final moments.
Offense- 2.5/5 Stars
With limited starters playing in this game, the offense was completely shut down by the Steelers through 30 minutes. They didn’t even manage to cross midfield and relied way too much on check-downs to try and move the ball.
In the second half things improved immensely. Detroit made three trips to the end zone and nearly mounted a comeback in the final stages of this one.
Craig Reynolds was solid for the second straight week, with five carries for 29 yards and a score. He continues to build a case for more playing time in the preseason, and he should get it next week.
Best offensive player: David Blough
Blough wasn’t spectacular, but he didn’t have to be. He came in and made all the right plays, didn’t take any risks, and led the Lions down the field multiple times.
He finished the game 12/17 for 143 yards and a touchdown. He also added 26 yards on a pair of rush attempts.
He certainly furthered his case for the backup role behind Jared Goff. And that case was only helped by the play of his competition.
Worst offensive player: Tim Boyle
Yikes, that was a rough one from Boyle. He started this game with the Lions electing to sit a good portion of their starters. Unfortunately for Boyle, that was the most noteworthy aspect of the game for him.
He was consistently forcing throws into tight windows, despite having other open options underneath. And he wasn’t very decisive when his first read was open.
Boyle went 7/15 for just 44 yards, not the type of game you want to see from the presumed backup heading into training camp.