Preseason Game 2: Lions 17, Commanders 13.

QB: Some of the starters played in the 2nd preseason game, but the key starters did not. QB Jared Goff certainly qualifies as a key starter so he sat. QB Josh Dobbs started and sort of rotated with QB Luke Altmeyer. Dobbs got off to a rough start with two turnovers in the first few minutes – a fumble that was recovered by Washington for a TD and then an ugly interception. Dobbs did make a nice play where he kept the ball on a read option and ran untouched for a 50 yard TD. It seems like the Lions feel like Altmeyer has some potential but it would be stunning if they keep all three on the 53 man roster. It’s safe to assume Dobbs will be the backup and I think Altmeyer will end up on the practice squad. The bottom line is that if Goff were to miss and extended period of time, this offense would be sharply downgraded, especially the pass catchers. I also think there is a chance of the sluggish start to the season for Goff again, as last year week 1 was a dud. This year with no action in the preseason and also no joint practices either, I wonder if things could be a little out of sync when the season starts. But over the course of the season I like Goff’s chance to put up good numbers against what looks like a pretty favorable schedule.

RB: Some potentially interesting news over the last day or so, with the Lions bringing in RB Kareem Hunt in for a visit. We know RB Jahmyr Gibbs is a stud who is in line to carry a heavy load and one of the reasons why is the lack of a quality backup now that David Montgomery is in Houston. I don’t know how much Hunt has left but it’s something to keep in mind as we get closer to the start of the season. Perhaps the Lions are feeling a little nervous about what might happen if Gibbs gets hurt. RB Isiah Pacheco is supposed to be ready for week 1, but RB Sione Vaki can’t stay healthy. RB Jacob Saylors seems to be doing enough to earn a spot as the fourth running back. RB Raheem Blackshear had 11 carries against Washington but got hurt and ended up on IR so he’s out of the picture.

WR/TE: There were a couple of injuries to key players but neither seems serious. WR Jameson Williams had a shoulder and missed some practice time but he appears to be fine. TE Sam LaPorta had a hip and it was a concern for a while because Dan Campbell sounded unsure if this could linger into the regular season. However, LaPorta is also back at practice so there is no reason to downgrade him. Regardless of this minor injury scare, I’m not as confident that LaPorta will perform up to his ADP. He should still be a starting tight end but it’s just a gut feeling that I have between his ability to stay healthy and questions over the possibility that the Lions don’t extend his contract. Williams and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown should both see a ton of targets. I could see a scenario where Gibbs, St. Brown, and Williams combine for 4500 total yards this year. That would project to something like 1800 for Gibbs, 1500 for St. Brown, and 1200 for Williams. Fantasy players would certainly like that. The back end of the roster is coming into focus. WR Cedrick Wilson was a contender for the 5th receiver spot but he hurt his knee against Washington and was placed on IR. It’s just more evidence that the target share should be heavily slanted to the stud players that fantasy players will be investing high picks in. One bubble player to watch is little known TE Jackson Meeks who is pushing for a roster spot. Maybe file his name away if you are looking for a dynasty league deep sleeper.

K/DST: I was a little concerned when I read about how PK Jake Bates changed his technique in the offseason. He said he is lining up a yard closer to the ball on his field goals. That shouldn’t be a huge thing as he has enough leg strength to make kicks with a shorter run up. But it also seems like a built in excuse if he struggles. He missed a long one in the Washington game. Time will tell I suppose. The Lions defense looked good against Washington, only allowing two field goals to the Commanders offense. There are signs that the Lions pass rush will be improved, which will be a key factor for a defense that has question marks in the secondary.

Next up for the Lions will be the final preseason game against the Colts, the official cut to 53 and then the regular season opener against the Saints.

End.