Detroit Lions Preseason Week 1 Game Ball: Zach Zenner

When the Detroit Lions visited the Pittsburgh Steelers in week one of the preseason, several players stood out but it was Zach Zenner who performed the best and took home this weeks Game Ball.

With the Detroit Lions starting running back Ameer Abdullah resting and Theo Riddick exiting with the first team, it was last years preseason darling, Zach Zenner who was the next running back to see snaps. It’s no secret that head coach Jim Caldwell favors veterans. Newly signed veteran Stevan Ridley has shown some burst in camp. But the fact that it was Zenner taking these early snaps shows the confidence Lions coaches have in him.

Zenner touched the ball 10 times for 56 yards: 7 for 24 on the ground and 3 for 32 in the air. Zenner looked decisive and smart when he was asked to produce. His ability to see a play unfold and hit the hole without hesitation, gives him an edge over the other backup running backs, who have been dancing behind the line of scrimmage far too often.

Zenner showcased the ability to run through arm tackles and looked comfortable receiving the ball in space. While most of his reps came against Pittsburgh’s second team defense, it shouldn’t be overlooked that he was also playing with the Lions backups.

It was another running back who had the highlight reel play of the game. Seventh round pick Dwayne Washington returned a fourth quarter kick off 96 yards to the house. Check out the video below:

Now I want you to watch it again and this time keep your eyes on Zach Zenner, he is #34. He will be the player closest to Dwayne Washington when he receives the kick. The first angle is a bit blocked, but the replay shows it better. Zenner leads the way through the hole and solidifies the running lane for Washington.

It’s worth noting though that even when the teams switch to their third and fourth string players in the second half, Zenner was still out on special teams trying to prove his worth.

Next: Detroit Lions Preseason Roster Stack

In his post game interview with Lions multimedia journalist Tori Petry, when asked what the Lions needed to improve over the course of the preseason, Zenner answered: “You know personally, I need to improve in pass protection and recognizing defensive reads.” His self-awareness will only help his chances of making the 53-man roster.