The Detroit Lions acquired loads of reps towards the Indianapolis Colts this week as they traveled there days previous to their Saturday afternoon sport for joint observe classes. As the times progressed, the Lions appeared to enhance and all of it got here collectively properly for the precise sport as they edged out the Colts 27-26. Let’s see how every unit graded out for the sport.
Quarterback: B+
David Blough bought the beginning this week as Tim Boyle waited till the second half to take the reigns. Their receiving choices and offensive strains had been near the identical, so they’d comparable circumstances to work with. Blough dinked and dunked most the sport but in addition used his legs for the second straight week. He should be making an attempt to make his ‘“Exhausting Knocks” dream of being extra cell turn out to be a actuality. This led to him main the staff to three scoring drives (2 FGs and a TD). His interception wasn’t egregious however nonetheless wasn’t the perfect choice. Tim Boyle moved the ball higher going 12-of-15 for 99 yards and 1 TD (additionally no turnovers). They each took benefit of superior offensive line play and a nasty run sport.
Working backs: A
Talking of profiting from superior offensive line play… the operating backs confirmed out vs. the Colts. In all, the RBs amassed 148 yards on 28 carries (5.29 YPC). Every of the 4 operating backs carried the ball seven instances—So as of after they appeared within the sport: Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson, Justin Jackson, Godwin Igwebuike.
The Lions fully managed how they wished to execute this week’s offense by being almost unstoppable on the bottom. Justin Jackson made a powerful case for the fourth operating again spot along with his efficiency. He was a key backup for the Chargers final 12 months. Subsequent week needs to be an enormous alternative for him.
Tight Ends: C-
The tight ends had been very pedestrian within the receiving sport with solely Shane Zylstra making any noise (5 catches for 34 yards). Additionally they regressed in cross blocking from the earlier weeks as you would level to this unit for a couple of of the QB hurries pressured by Indy and at the least one sack given up by Detroit.
Large Receivers: B
Tom “Mr.” Kennedy could be the recipient of a speech just like to what Malcolm Rodriguez acquired final week as he’s making it very arduous for the staff to not embody him on the 53-man roster. He hauled in two touchdowns and continues to be the man the backup QBs look to when an important play must be executed. Trinity Benson made just a little noise this week additionally, and Maurice Alexander was very good in particular groups averaging a whopping 38 yards on 4 kick returns. Every participant nonetheless has a shot to make the staff however it received’t be straightforward.
Offensive Line: B
The reserve offensive linemen had been stout within the run sport, opening up gap after gap for the operating backs. Evan Brown performed a key beginning function final 12 months and with attrition being the norm within the NFL, there’s a probability Brown or any of those gamers may need to play vital time this 12 months. Jared Goff can most likely relaxation simpler after seeing them as we speak.
They did surrender three sacks however it gave the impression to be a mixture of offensive line errors, tight ends lacking assignments, receivers not getting open, and quarterbacks not doing the road any favors.
Defensive Line: A
And the most-improved unit goes to the defensive position! The Lions dominated the trenches on either side of the ball, and the defenders may need even outplayed the offensive line. The Colts couldn’t do something on the bottom. How dangerous was it? It was 18 carries for 30 yards dangerous. The run protection was elite all sport with gamers like Eric Banks, John Cominsky, and Demetrius Taylor contributing all day.
As the sport progressed, we began to see the cross rush come alive additionally, as Detroit ended the sport with 3.zero sacks. Austin Bryant lived as much as the reward he’s been getting this offseason by getting concerned in two of these sacks, although he was solely credited with one.
Linebackers: B-
The LBs performed higher this week. Derrick Barnes flashed his mixture of pace and energy on quite a lot of performs. The unit stuffed the gaps properly in unison with the defensive position to assist stymy the Colts operating sport. Mr. “Rodrigo” flashed on display screen for a pleasant play earlier than being pulled not too lengthy thereafter. It felt like he was getting the therapy of a starter (!!!). We even noticed a second week in a row of Jarrad Davis with a strong play in protection. That must be a report.
There was nonetheless some cleansing as much as do with beneath routes and getting house when referred to as to blitz however general they confirmed some good progress from the earlier week.
Secondary D:
The secondary was dangerous. The Colts QBs mixed to go 21-for-28, 261 yards, Three TDS and zero INTs. Indy’s full lack of a run sport is the one purpose they didn’t put up a 40-burger on Detroit. We noticed communication and psychological lapses quite a few instances that left Colts gamers extensive open for large beneficial properties. Will Harris was usually seen coming right into a play AFTER an enormous chunk of yards was given up. Kerby Joseph at instances appeared combined up and, as soon as once more, Cedric Boswell gave up an enormous TD that might’ve price Detroit the sport. Other than the cross rush altering throw, we didn’t see Detroit provide a lot resistance by way of the DBs.
