Saturday, the Detroit Lions lost 24-17 to Miami in their third preseason game at Ford Field. It is crucial for players on the roster fringe or competing for playing roles to make a positive impression, as there is only one more preseason game and one week of training camp remaining. A number of Lions players delivered impressive performances.
The following are five individuals who distinguished themselves on Saturday:
1. Quantum mechanics Kyle Allen
Allen has delivered an exceptional performance for the second consecutive time, and it appears that he has made a significant improvement in his competition with Hendon Hooker for the position of reserve quarterback.
“I mean, he’s playing better,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell stated regarding the competition following Saturday’s match. “So I would say that for the time being, if you were to ask, ‘Who would you trust more?’ if you were to go in with the (No. 2 quarterback)?” Indeed, I would have more confidence in Kyle, as he has demonstrated a greater level of competence following these two games.
Allen completed 14 of 17 passes for 124 yards, including touchdown passes to Isaac TeSlaa and Jackson Meeks. He had a 136.3 passer rating and no turnovers. It appears that his position is at risk in the future.
2. Wide receiver Jackson Meeks
The rookie wide receiver who was undrafted has now delivered two exceptional performances in a succession. Upon the conclusion of the game on Saturday afternoon, Meeks had seven receptions on eight targets for 93 yards (13.3 average) and a touchdown, marking his second consecutive game with a touchdown.
Meeks has had an enjoyable camp, and Campbell acknowledged following the game that he would be the subject of a lengthy discussion on Sunday as the roster cut-down approaches.
3. Wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa
TeSlaa, like Meeks, caught a touchdown for the second consecutive week and is continuing to build on a successful camp. Brad Holmes, the general manager of the Detroit Lions, declared that TeSlaa was his preferred receiver in the 2018 NFL Draft. We are now able to ascertain the reason for this.
“He stated that I was his favorite, despite the fact that I was not the most talented receiver.” After the game, TeSlaa made a joke, “I mean, that’s fair.”
It is apparent what Holmes admired and why he believed TeSlaa would be a good fit in Detroit. He possesses exceptional hands, a large frame (6-foot-4), and a fast 40-yard dash time of 4.4. After predominantly playing inside at Arkansas, he is now transitioning to an outside receiver position. In the preseason, he has scored two touchdowns by high-pointing the ball and using his body to shield himself from defenders. He is more advanced than the majority of freshman receivers and has the potential to make a significant impact in Detroit at a young age.
4. S. Erick Hallett II
The Detroit secondary was extremely active during the contest on Saturday, intercepting a total of 10 passes. Hallet has discreetly had a pleasant training camp and led the team with three PBUs. Additionally, he implemented three tackles.
Hallett’s adaptability was particularly evident on Saturday, as he served as a nickel cornerback, outside cornerback, and safety. A player can surely earn the respect of a coaching staff by demonstrating playmaking capabilities from multiple positions, as Hallett demonstrated in the game against Miami.
5. RB Sione Vaki
Vaki was unable to participate in camp for a period of time due to an injury; however, he has been returned for approximately one week and is already making an impact. The second-year running back appears to be considerably more at ease in the backfield in Year 2 after permanently transitioning from safety when the Lions selected him last year.
Against the Dolphins, Vaki carried the ball five times for a total of 30 yards, with an average of 6.0 yards per carry. Additionally, he intercepted two passes. A primary special teamer for the Lions as a rookie, he will continue to emphasize this aspect of his game in 2025. On Saturday, he was positioned alongside Grant Stuard as the initial duo to return kickoffs. Subsequently, he nearly recovered a fumble that was forced during a punt coverage tackle.
“It was simply beneficial to have him present.” I mean, that’s where I would begin. Campbell stated, “He has been absent from the majority of camp, so it is important to be able to provide him with significant reps on the offense and special teams.”
“I believed that he performed a number of actions.” However, that is the location in which I am content. I do not know the exact details of what it looked like; however, it is simply satisfying to see him back on the field, moving the ball.
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