Not a moment too soon, the Detroit Lions have put the 2021 preseason in the rear-view mirror. Now, it’s time for the remodeled team to embark on what could be a challenging campaign.
In a matchup of reserves and players fighting for roster spots, the Lions fell 27-17 to the Indianapolis Colts in both teams’ final preseason tune-up at Ford Field on Friday. Detroit finishes the preseason with an 0-3 record and has not won a preseason game since 2018.
The majority of the starters for both teams did not play, as is customary in the final preseason game. Tim Boyle started again at quarterback for the Lions and completed 7 of 9 passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. David Blough relieved him early in the second quarter and went 13/21 for 117 yards and an interception the rest of the way.
After losing a fumble on their first series, the Lions used a meticulous 14-yard drive to grab a 7-3 lead, thanks to a 15-yard scoring grab by wideout Quintez Cephus. Undrafted rookie tailback Godwin Igwebuike, a converted defensive back, scored on a short fourth-down run just before halftime which helped give the Lions a 14-9 lead at the break.
The Colts tied the game at 17 early in the final quarter after a monster 19-play drive spanning almost the entire field, and then tacked on 10 more late points to run away with the contest. The Lions managed just three points in the second half.
Running back Dedrick Mills led the Lions with four catches and 46 yards. Second-year quarterback Jacob Eason opened for the Colts and finished 10/14 passing. He was spelled by Sam Ehlinger and Brett Hundley, who combined to go 9/15 passing.
The Lions will open the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 1:00 P.M. EST when they host the San Francisco 49ers.