Detroit Lions: What They’re Saying About Win Over Jets
By Zac Snyder
It isn’t the wins and losses that are of utmost importance in the preseason but if you’re going to play a game, you might as well win it.
That’s exactly what the Detroit Lions did, but even better news is that the team and coaching staff should walk away with mostly positive feelings about how they played against the New York Jets.
As I was driving home from the game last night, a few thoughts were rattling around my brain.
- Ameer Abdullah was obviously impressive in his debut. I feel like the best way to describe him is to take your wildest dreams from a year ago as the Theo Riddick hype train careened off the tracks. That’s Abdullah.
- The wide receiver depth chart might not have any more clarity today than it did before yesterday’s game, but it is a deeper group than they’ve gotten credit for.
- After struggling to run the ball a year ago, it was nice to see the Lions find success on the ground with a variety of running backs and offensive linemen on the field. Only George Winn finished below 4.2 yards per carry.
- Kellen Moore rarely looked to his right when dropping back to pass and when he did, his throws were often off target. On the plays leading up to his end zone interception right before halftime, the Jets could have completely ignored the right half of the field.
- Camp reports have been positive on Darius Slay and he gave a glimpse last night that we can expect some big plays out of him this season. Before the Jets settled for their field goal, Slay jumped a rout and got his hands on a ball that could have sent him streaking down the sideline for a pick-six. The fact he even had a chance at the pick showed impressive recognition and closing speed.
Now here is a look at what is being said about last night’s game elsewhere around the internet.
Detroit Lions pleased with offense’s hot start, focused on building on success
Justin Rogers – MLive.com
"It took just five snaps for the bar to be raised.After a disappointing 2014 campaign, the Detroit Lions’ first-team offense looked like a well-oiled machine in the preseason opener against the New York Jets."
Detroit Lions’ Receiving Depth Chart Murky After Preseason Opener
Brandon Alisoglu — Bleacher Report
"The Detroit Lions’ receiving depth chart is likely set at the top with Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Corey Fuller secure in their roles. The rest of the rotation, however, just got a little murkier.Detroit will probably only carry five receivers on the 53-man roster. That leaves four serious contenders for two spots with a surprise challenger throwing his hat into the ring Thursday night."
Lions rookie guard Laken Tomlinson looks good in debut
Carlos Monarrez – Detroit Free Press
"Veteran Manny Ramirez got the start at left guard in Thursday’s 23-3 victory over the New York Jets in the exhibition opener at Ford Field. Tomlinson played mostly with the second-string offensive line, but he looked — and sounded — good doing it.“I think the best thing I liked about Laken tonight was him in the huddle,” quarterback Dan Orlovsky said. “For a young guy, real positive, real focused."
Next: Miguel Cabrera Expected to Return Friday Night