Takeaways from Detroit Lions' preseason loss to Giants

Even though it’s just the preseason, football is finally back, and what a thrilling preseason-opener it was for the Detroit Lions on Thursday.

OK, there may not have been a ton of exciting plays in Detroit’s 14-3 loss on a rainy evening in East Rutherford, but there were still some things worth highlighting from the contest, even without the starters playing.

Here’s a look at a few of the takeaways — both good and bad — from Game 1 of the Lions’ preseason.

Good

• Jake Bates converts field goal attempt from 53 yards

It came all the way back in the first quarter and accounted for Detroit’s only points, but the bigger thing is Bates connected on his lone attempt.

There hasn’t been any question about his leg strength but his accuracy and consistency have been issues already during training camp, and with Michael Badgley out for the year, the Lions need Bates to seize the job if they’re going to stick with him.

Even though it was just one play, it was nice to see Bates convert his first preseason opportunity, especially on an unpleasant weather night.

• Sione Vaki flashes in his limited action

He only got four carries — all on one drive late in the second quarter — but the former safety turned running back looked nice.

Detroit’s offense had managed less than 50 yards in the game up to the point that Vaki came onto the field and he quickly racked up 29 yards on his four touches.

When that drive ended with an interception, which was then fumbled during the return, Vaki also got the recovery.

It’s still going to be an uphill battle for him to make the roster out of training camp but head coach Dan Campbell has already said during camp that carries and the vision that goes with it will be Vaki’s biggest adjustment to the position so it was encouraging to see a couple nice runs.

• Lions defense flies around in first live action

You never really know what to expect in the first preseason game, and the rainy weather didn’t help. Still, despite the two touchdowns allowed, the Lions defense looked solid.

For the most part, guys were flying around, playing physically and making sound tackles, which is good to see, especially since many of the guys on the field Thursday night will primarily be special teamers.

Yes, there were mistakes and poor plays at times, absolutely. But for Game 1 of the preseason, it was a good start for the defense.

Bad

• Nate Sudfeld/Lions offense sluggish to start

Yes, it was the first preseason game — the first live action in months for these guys — and the weather wasn’t ideal. Still, the Lions offense, which was primarily led by Sudfeld at quarterback, didn’t look great.

No, there’s no need to panic. These are not the starters Detroit will be leaning heavily on, and Sudfeld is returning from a torn ACL, which he may still be getting comfortable with.

It’s also not fair to put it all on the quarterback, as the running game was also inconsistent. However, it wasn’t the best showing from the veteran, who is fighting for the backup QB job.

Sudfeld finished 13-of-24 for 96 yards and an interception, which he threw when he rolled to avoid pressure and decided to throw across his body. That’s not a decision you want from a 30-year-old quarterback. He also took four sacks, failing to get rid of the ball when he could’ve on several of them.

Sudfeld did start to look a little more decisive late in the game so we’ll see if he can carry that into the next game.

• Bates fails to reach the landing zone on his kickoff

Well, Bates nailed his field goal try and was fine on the opening kickoff but then failed to reach the landing zone on his later kick.

This is a little harder to judge since it’s still possible he and the special teams unit are trying some different things with the new kickoff rules.

Still, with the penalty for failing to reach the landing zone putting the ball at the 40-yard line, that’s something that will be very important during the regular-season, so it’s at least a little concerning to see in the game.

• Hendon Hooker, Connor Galvin hurt

Really, the biggest thing in the preseason is making it through with good health and the Lions seem to have suffered a couple injuries on Thursday.

Lions fans didn’t get to see a lot of Hooker, as he left early in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t immediately clear if he hurt his shoulder on an earlier run or if there was another issue, but it at least didn’t appear too severe initially. Campbell later said Hooker suffered a concussion.

Then, offensive lineman Connor Galvin was rolled up on with around eight minutes left in the fourth quarter and had to be carted off the field. That one didn’t look good at all, but hopefully he and Hooker are both OK.

Offensive lineman David Bada and wide receiver Antoine Green were also hurt earlier.

The Lions are back in action next Saturday for their second preseason game, which will be in Kansas City.