Preseason Game 2: Steelers 26, Lions 20

Preseason Game 3: Colts 27, Lions 17

QB: The Lions decided to sit QB Jared Goff in both game 2 and 3, a decision I do not agree with. You’re talking about a guy with a new team and there are a lot of new pieces on offense. And it’s not like Goff is a top tier guy who you can’t afford to risk in the preseason. Even Mahomes saw some action for the Chiefs. The Lions didn’t participate in any joint practices, which I know some teams use to get their starter live reps. So Goff’s preparation will basically only be coming from practicing against the Lions defense, which was swiss cheese last year, and Goff has reportedly struggled at times in practice with turnovers. I am not very optimistic on Goff and I really don’t think they have set him up for a fast start. Avoid him if you can. The Lions briefly picked up QB Jordan Ta’amu to give them a 4^th quarterback to get through camp and games but he was quickly cut. QB Tim Boyle and QB David Blough handled the reps in these two games. Blough was pretty good against the Steelers but it was late in the game with backups in. Boyle left early against the Colts with a banged up hand, so Blough got a chance to get some extra reps, and he is pushing for the backup job. I didn’t think Boyle looked good.

RB: We were going to assume that RB D’Andre Swift would be healthy. He’s been back at practice and things looked to be going according to plan as far as Swift and RB Jamaal Williams sharing the load. But coach Campbell made some comments recently about being unsure if Swift will be ready for week 1. My guess is he will play but he won’t be ready for a full workload yet. RB Jermar Jefferson had 22 yards on just 3 carries against the Steelers and added 43 yards against the Colts as he looks solid and is locking down the #3 job. I like what I have seen from him so far. He has that it factor even though he doesn’t blow you away with size or speed. He’s a Swift or Williams injury away from significant touches and he could make some noise at some point this season.

WR/TE: It would not be a surprise if the Lions take a close look at the receivers who get released around the league next week because this is not a strong group. There wasn’t much to talk about from the games in Pittsburgh or against the Colts as the backups got extended looks and the targets are so spread out it’s tough to draw any conclusions. I mentioned in an earlier report that WR Breshad Perriman had been nearly invisible and sure enough there is a lot of talk that he is on the roster bubble after being expected to start. WR Tyrell Williams is presumably the #1 but he has been battling a groin injury. WR Kalif Raymond will make it as he is set to be the return man. And rookie WR Amon-Ra St. Brown should have a role. WR Quintez Cephus scored a TD against the Colts as he tries to work his way up the depth chart. WR Tom Kennedy had a nice preseason in his bid to make it. Perriman had a couple catches and a couple drops against the Colts. He’ll be very nervous for the next few days. TE TJ Hockenson will get as many targets as he can handle once the season starts. Grab Hockenson in your drafts and avoid these wide receivers.

K/DST: As if there weren’t enough reasons to avoid the Lions kicker, whoever it ends up being, they will be dealing with a new long snapper as veteran Don Muhlbach was cut. We think PK Randy Bullock will win the job but stay tuned. Against the Steelers, Diontae Johnson blew by CB Jeff Okudah in coverage, disappointing. Okudah was a bust in year one. He’ll be better this year, but he is far from a lock down corner. You will find that your players will score big time points when facing the Lions once again this season.

Next up for the Lions will be the cut to 53 and the regular season opener against the 49ers.

End.