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Detroit Lions: Rapid reactions to preseason loss to Patriots

By Zac Snyder

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 25: Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions tries to get around the tackle of Kyle Van Noy #53 of the New England Patriots in the first quarter during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 25, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 25: Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions tries to get around the tackle of Kyle Van Noy #53 of the New England Patriots in the first quarter during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 25, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Rapid reactions, thoughts and observations on the second half of tonight’s preseason game between the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots.

The Detroit Lions battled back from an early 24-0 hole to take a second half lead before Stephen Gostkowski sent the New England Patriots to a 30-28 win. But more important than the end result is all that went into it. That was a lot of bad early, but also some good throughout.

Here are some rapid reactions, thoughts and observations from the second half.

  • There wasn’t a ton of room for Ameer Abdullah in the first half but thing started to open up on the opening drive of the second half. Abdullah’s health could be the biggest factor in determining how good the Lions’ running game can be this season and he was one of the bright spots tonight. His longest run of the night was 12 yards, but he looked like a big play just waiting to happen.
  • It was a quiet night for Greg Robinson at left tackle. And that’s a great thing.
  • When you look at the way Dwayne Washington has been used this preseason, I really don’t think he’s on the roster bubble. If there is really a battle at running back, it’s whether or not the team decides to keep a fifth on the 53-man roster. Washington has consistently been used well ahead of Tion Green and Matt Asiata and made an early-second half appearance with the first team that resulted in him catching a pass and finding his way to the end zone with some good open field running.
  • Speaking of position battles that probably aren’t really battles at all: Jake Rudock looked so comfortable and in command of the offense tonight. There is no doubt in the arm talent downgrade if Rudock had to replace Stafford in a regular season game but he looks more than competent to manage the offense if he had to. Brad Kaaya’s real battle is with guys at other positions as the Lions fill out the final spots on the 53-man roster.
  • Now for a real position battle. I think one of Jared Abbrederis and Jace Billingsley will make the roster while one will not. Throughout camp and preseason, I haven’t been able to form a strong opinion one way or the other and tonight did nothing to sway me toward a decision. Both did some nice things and they will be two important players to watch in the preseason finale as they should get a lot of playing time.
  • I’m not sure how much Jalen Reeves-Maybin will see the field if the Lions’ linebackers stay healthy in the regular season but he is pushing for playing time in at least a situational role. His speed and instincts have shown up in each preseason game so far and he should at least be a standout on special teams as a rookie.

Next: First half rapid reactions

That leaves just one preseason game before the games start to count for real. The Lions finish the 2017 preseason next Thursday when they travel to take on the Buffalo Bills.

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