Lions at Jaguars: Second Half Rapid Reactions
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions‘ third preseason game is in the books as they move to 2-1 in preseason play with a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
50. Final. 17. 52. 22
Here are some rapids reactions and observations from what we saw in the second half.
- Travis Lewis got the start at outside linebacker but it wasn’t a night off for Tahir Whitehead as he made an appearance at middle linebacker with the second unit. Whitehead will be a starter on the outside, but will also be Stephen Tulloch’s backup, as he was last season. It’s an interesting approach by the coaching staff for the preseason game that is usually considered a dress rehearsal for the regular season.
- More good running from Zach Zenner in the second half but also some appearances on special teams. It certainly looks like the coaching staff is giving Zenner every chance to show he can contribute on special teams like he will need to do as a member of the final 53-man roster.
- Kyle Brindza’s 51-yard field goal was a perfect kick in terms of power and accuracy. While he won’t unseat Matt Prater for Lions kicking duties this season, he has shown well for himself and very well could be kicking in the NFL regular season sometime soon. He has certainly looked the part this preseason.
- Kellen Moore is looking more and more like the clear number three quarterback after the expectation was that he would have the opportunity to earn number two duties. He entered with under four minutes to go tonight after also being the third man in last week. It is unlikely Matthew Stafford plays in next week’s preseason finale and it is possible Moore is asked to play the whole game.
- With the extra point pushed back this year I’m surprised the Lions didn’t attempt a two point conversion in the first two preseason games but they finally took a shot at one late tonight. Two point conversions are up around the league, but we’ll have to wait to see if that is just preseason experimentation or a trend that continues in the regular season.
- The meaningful part of preseason play is now over and the Lions have escaped without major injury. Good news.
Next: First Half Rapid Reactions