Detroit Lions win preseason opener, but lose Kerry Hyder
The Detroit Lions opened their preseason with a win on Sunday, but lost defensive end Kerry Hyder to an Achilles injury in the process.
The Detroit Lions won their first preseason game of 2017 on Sunday, 24-3 over the Indianapolis Colts, but lost reigning sack leader Kerry Hyder to an Achilles injury that puts his entire season in jeopardy.
Hyder was injured early in the first quarter and had to be carted off the field. He was almost immediately designated “out” with a lower leg injury. Hyder’s injury comes at a time when the Lions already lack depth at defensive end.
Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford played only one series with the first-team offense, completing his first two passes before his third was picked off by John Simon after going through Marvin Jones‘ hands. The Lions’ defense sent the Andrew Luck-less Colts’ offense off the field in three plays on their first series, their first of eight three-and-outs in the game.
The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jake Rudock to third-round rookie receiver Kenny Golladay, their second connection on the five-play, 42-yard drive. After a 42-yard Adam Vinatieri field goal put the Colts on the board, the Lions increased their lead to 14-3 in the second quarter on Golladay’s second touchdown reception, a 15-yard catch from Rudock.
The Lions’ defense stonewalled Indianapolis’ offense all game. The Colts failed to score on 14 of their 16 possessions, punted 11 times and went three-and-out eight times.
A 28-yard Matt Prater field goal added to the lead and the Lions led 17-3 at halftime.
UDFA rookie receiver Dontez Ford gave the Lions one more score in the fourth quarter, breaking tackles on a 15-yard catch-and-run from Brad Kaaya to put Detroit ahead 24-3. The Colts finally reached the endzone on the final play of the game on a one-yard plunge by Troymaine Pope, capping off a 14-play, 90-yard drive.
GAME NOTES
Alex Barrett and Jeremiah Valoaga stood out among the Lions’ defensive ends after Hyder left the game, each picking up a sack and combining for nine tackles. Brandon Copeland, who replaced Hyder, left the game with a shoulder injury. Bruce Gaston and seventh-round rookie Pat O’Connor combined to pick up a sack and cause a fumble in the fourth quarter.
Greg Robinson played the entire first half at left tackle for the Lions, giving up one hurry on 25 pass block snaps according to Pro Football Focus. Robinson, acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Rams after the injury to Taylor Decker, is expected to start week one while Decker recovers from a torn labrum. Cyrus Kouandjio, the other potential starter at the position, has been hampered by injury during much of camp and did not play on Sunday.
The Lions committed no penalties in the first half. They finished with five penalties in the game for 31 yards.
Both Lions backup quarterbacks played well in relief of Matthew Stafford. Jack Rudock passed for 142 yards and two touchdowns on 13-of-21 passing. Brad Kaaya also looked good in his rookie preseason debut, completing seven of eight passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in the second half. Rudock is firmly entrenched as the number-two quarterback for now, Kaaya is likely competing for a practice squad position or a backup spot with another team.
Rookie tight end Michael Roberts saw a lot of reps with starter Eric Ebron sidelined, catching four passes for 34 yards. He also struggled with ball control all game long despite his large hands, fumbling once and dropping a pass.
Dwayne Washington and Jamal Agnew started at kick and punt returner, respectively. Jace Billingsley also returned punts and Zach Zenner returned a kickoff.
Ameer Abdullah played sparsely in the first quarter before being replaced by Zenner, who ran for 26 yards on six carries. Washington carried six times for 34 yards and appears to be third on the depth chart, followed by free agent signee Matt Asiata.
Next: Rapids reactions from the first half of the Lions' win
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