Post by D6 on Aug 14, 2022 21:59:24 GMT -5
Instant observations: Top offense, Aidan Hutchinson bright spots in Lions’ preseason loss to Falcons
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Thoughts in ****
Instant observations: Top offense, Aidan Hutchinson bright spots in Lions’ preseason loss to Falcons
Updated: Aug. 12, 2022, 10:24 p.m.|Published: Aug. 12, 2022, 9:13 p.m.
By Kyle Meinke | kmeinke@mlive.com
DETROIT -- The Kool-Aid was spilling into the streets after “Hard Knocks” aired the other night. Then the Lions packed up camp on Friday and made the drive down I-94 to host the Atlanta Falcons in their preseason opener at Ford Field, where the offense continued to dunk their fans in wild optimism.
The starters played just one drive in the 27-23 loss against Atlanta, but what a drive it was, capped by running back D’Andre Swift bouncing a 9-yard run to the left pylon for a touchdown. The running backs combined to run for 32 yards on six carries overall, a bodacious 5.3 yards a pop.
Those guys did whatever they wanted, thanks an offensive line that did whatever it wanted. Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Penei Sewell played together in a live game for the first time in nearly a calendar year, and punched holes all over the Falcons defense. Ragnow was especially good on the interior, including plowing the way for a Jamaal Williams pickup on third-and-1.
For all the excitement that has built around the passing game thanks to the arrival of DJ Chark and Jameson Williams, it’s important to remember this is still a team that wants to control games on the ground, and if all goes right, win games on the ground. That’s who Dan Campbell is, and there was progress last season, averaging their most yards per carry in more than two decades.
That said, quarterback play is always essential in the NFL and Jared Goff was sharp too. He completed 3 of his 4 passes for 47 yards, with the lone incompletion a drop by Jamaal Williams. His passer rating: 113.5.
The starters bit 7.9 yards out of the Falcons defense every time they snapped the football, and did so without the services of Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson, who got the night off while he maintenances a minor injury. That’s more good stuff.
OK, sure, it was just one series in a game that won’t count. It’s impossible to tell much of anything from a game where guys who will be selling insurance next month are playing half the game. Then again, after watching that offense struggle to do anything right at this time last year, then go three-and-out to open a preseason where they didn’t win any games at all, before opening the season as one of the worst offenses in the league, it’s easy to understand the optimism too. Especially when we see it almost every day in practice too.
**** This was a very good start for the Lions # 1 Offense. Even after a couple of plays in which a player didn't execute well enough, leading to unfavorable 2nd Down situations, the Offense responded strongly. Plenty to build on. ****
Let’s get to some more observations:
-- The vibes weren’t nearly as good on defense, where the starters allowed a 12-play, 82-yard touchdown drive on their only series. They really struggled to fill gaps against the run, getting gashed for 61 yards. Even the quarterbacks ran circles around them, with Falcons QB Marcus Mariota going for 23 yards and one touchdown on three carries. Backup Desmond Ridder added another 40 yards on four carries.
Don’t look now, but the first quarterback Detroit will see in the regular season: Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, who ran for 784 yards last season.
**** The Lions # 1 Defenses need to do better on 3rd Downs. One player in particular who has to step up is Derrick Barnes. Right now, he doesn't look like he should be a starter. Barnes missed a key 3rd Down Tackle early on the Falcons first possession. He also tried to run around at least a couple blocks from the backside, which led to sizable gains by the Falcons. His one flash play in which he knifed in the backfield, resulting in a loss for the Falcons, is dwarfed by his miscues. ****
-- While the starting defense struggled, their new cornerstone did not. Aidan Hutchinson was credited with a tackle on his first professional snap, then did this on his second:
That offensive lineman barely touched Hutchinson’s jersey. That’s not some roster bottom-feeder, either. That’s Jake Matthews, who has started every game for Atlanta over the last seven years and made one Pro Bowl. And Hutchinson made him look like, well, that, before finishing off the play with a tackle for loss in the backfield.
Then he came right back two plays later and forced a holding call.
Hutchinson has a long way to go. But as anyone can see, the kid can play too. Really, really play.
**** Aidan Hutchinson more than lived up to his press clippings in his first pre-season game. Even on the first Falcons play from scrimmage, when Hutchinson lost QB contain, his hustle and abilities enabled him to make the tackle on the play before a first down occurred. ****
-- The game result doesn’t matter, but for the record: Atlanta scored its game-winning touchdown when Desmond Ridder threw up a 21-yard prayer to Jared Bernhardt on fourth-and-9 with 1:30 seconds left. Lions third-string quarterback David Blough threw up a prayer of his own as time expired, but his Hail Mary was too long for Tom Kennedy and the game was over.
**** The fumbled (dropped) shotgun snap by David Blough very likely turned a pre-season win into a pre-season loss. Blough played noticeably better than Tim Boyle up until the fumbled snap. But in such a critical (if this was a regular season game) situation, ball security was by far the greatest priority. Blough needs to put this play behind him. If he does and plays as well as he did up until that point, he very likely will be on the Lions opening day roster. Maybe, even as the # 2 QB. ****
The Lions are now 0-4 in the preseason under Dan Campbell. Does that mean anything? No. Does it make your life better or more meaningful in any way to know this? No. But it’s football, baby. And the real thing isn’t far away.
**** The result of the game by itself is meaningless. But the performance of players competing for roster spots does matter. ****
-- Coaches like to say the only thing that really matters in the preseason is staying healthy. The Lions didn’t get off to a good start in that department, with safety Brady Breeze heading to the locker room after the opening kickoff, then cornerback Will Harris heading up the tunnel holding his right hand after just one play on defense. The good news is Harris was able to return to the game a few minutes later with a tape job on his wrist.
Harris, a converted safety, earned the start over Jeff Okudah, the former third overall pick who is coming back from an Achilles injury. Those guys have split the snaps at the outside spot opposite Amani Oruwariye, and Dan Campbell said that competition is a legitimate one.
Indeed, Harris earned the start over Okudah to open the preseason. Okudah logged three quick tackles after taking the field, but also played soft coverage on third-and-8 and allowed a 12-yard catch by former Lions wideout KhaDarel Hodge that moved the chains. That gave Atlanta a fresh set of downs at Detroit’s 6-yard line, and Atlanta punched in a game-tying touchdown two plays later.
**** It looked like Jeff Okudah either started or was in the game on the Falcons first set of downs. Okuhah's run Defense and Tackling looked very good. The one completion he gave up was a big one in the context of the pre-season game. But overall, it was a performance Okudah has positives to build on. ****
-- As for the backups, nobody shined quite like Tom Kennedy. He led the Lions with eight catches for 104 yards. What a story that guy is, a former lacrosse pro who is now in his fourth training camp with the team. He’s never been a star -- heck, he’s hardly been a rotational player -- but continues to endear himself to coaches with high-effort and can-do attitude. He was a Dan Campbell favorite in camp last year, wound up leading the team in receiving during the preseason, then squeaked onto the team as the final receiver. A year later, he’s back at
**** Other than one Red Zone drop by Tom Kennedy, he was performing at a high level. Overall, Kennedy certainly helped his cause to be on the Lions opening day roster. He contributed not only in the slot but as an outside receiver. If not for Blough's fumble, Kennedy would have probably been a difference maker on the drive that would have either closed out the game or put the Falcons in an extremely difficult situation with around 30 seconds remaining in the game. ****
-- One name that doesn’t get nearly enough love is Kalif Raymond, and I get it. DJ Chark and Jameson Williams are the new toys. Amon-Ra St. Brown is the emerging star. Even T.J. Hockenson and D’Andre Swift can catch a pass or two. But Raymond was better than expected last year, and continued to produce even when injuries forced him to play out of position on the outside. Now with the better depth this year, Raymond can settle into a role more tailored to his strengths. He’s looked really good in camp, caught a bomb in the last practice on Wednesday, then another bomb on Friday night, a 45-yarder from Tim Boyle. He’ll start at punt returner, and could become one of the best receivers coming off the bench in the NFC North.
**** Kalif Raymond is an underrated player, who is dependable. ****
-- Former University of Michigan star Devin Funchess caught a 1-yard touchdown pass in the final minute of the second quarter, showing nice footwork to stay in bounds as he slid through the back of the end zone. He finished with four catches for 19 yards overall. I’m still unconvinced Funchess will make the team after playing just one game in the last three years, and not doing much in practice either. That includes on special teams, where most backup tight ends must contribute. He’s been flat-out bad in that phase of the game.
But Funchess didn’t go in the second round for nothing, either. He has intriguing upside with his athleticism and hands, and the Lions have nothing but question marks behind Hockenson at tight end.
**** As a receiver, Devin Funchess definitely helped his cause in his game. His 3rd Down reception, then breaking a tackle, and getting a first down with more effort, was even more impressive to me than his TD reception. ****
-- By his own admission, linebacker Jarrad Davis hasn’t been good enough in his return to the team. He’s right too. And he won’t like his preseason debut, either. The former first-round pick was flagged for a late hit on quarterback Desmond Ridder in the second quarter, which nullified an interception by defensive back Bobby Price, a back-breaker for a team that has spent so many resources trying to generate more takeaways.
This is the preseason, of course, so no backs were actually broken. But if this were the regular season, that sort of penalty is the stuff that kills games. Indeed, five plays after Davis’ penalty, Atlanta was standing in the end zone with a go-ahead touchdown.
Davis came back to Detroit looking to save his career. He once was a 21st overall pick here, although things went so badly that he considered retirement. (Playing for Matt Patricia will do that to you.) He was allowed to walk last offseason, then languished through more injury and hardship during a forgettable year with the Jets.
But he loved the city of Detroit, heard good things about Aaron Glenn and Dan Campbell, and with his career at the crossroads, Davis elected to come back here to revive his career. But he just hasn’t done it. He’s spent the duration of training camp working with the second and third teams, and struggled to make plays. Given a lot of run in the preseason opener, he didn’t do much once again. Other than draw a costly flag for a dumb penalty, none of which will help his chances of sticking in Detroit. He’s probably on the wrong side of the bubble right now.
**** Regarding this game, I disagree with this assessment of Jarrad Davis. It looked like the Roughing the Passer penalty shouldn't have been called against Davis. He went on break up a couple of passes, got pressure on blitz, and did a good job against the run. Based on this game, Davis belongs on the Lions 53 man roster. He way outplayed Derrick Barnes. ****
-- Quarterback Jared Goff and safety Tracy Walker served as captains for the game.
-- The Lions held a moment of silence before the game for William White, a former great who recently passed.
**** Good job by the Lions organization.****
-- The Ford Field DJ played “Billie Jean,” as predictable as the beer being cold, after Aidan Hutchinson’s performance on “Hard Knocks.” But let’s not forget about Dan Campbell opening camp by closing a rousing team speech by quoting Metallica’s “No Leaf Clover,” because the DJ sure didn’t. He played the song as the game headed to the fourth quarter, perhaps a sign of a tradition to come.
This new thread is a continuation of the following thread:
Lions vs Falcons preview: Pre-Season Game # 1 ( 2022)
detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1490/lions-falcons-preview-season-game
......
Thoughts in ****
Instant observations: Top offense, Aidan Hutchinson bright spots in Lions’ preseason loss to Falcons
Updated: Aug. 12, 2022, 10:24 p.m.|Published: Aug. 12, 2022, 9:13 p.m.
By Kyle Meinke | kmeinke@mlive.com
DETROIT -- The Kool-Aid was spilling into the streets after “Hard Knocks” aired the other night. Then the Lions packed up camp on Friday and made the drive down I-94 to host the Atlanta Falcons in their preseason opener at Ford Field, where the offense continued to dunk their fans in wild optimism.
The starters played just one drive in the 27-23 loss against Atlanta, but what a drive it was, capped by running back D’Andre Swift bouncing a 9-yard run to the left pylon for a touchdown. The running backs combined to run for 32 yards on six carries overall, a bodacious 5.3 yards a pop.
Those guys did whatever they wanted, thanks an offensive line that did whatever it wanted. Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Penei Sewell played together in a live game for the first time in nearly a calendar year, and punched holes all over the Falcons defense. Ragnow was especially good on the interior, including plowing the way for a Jamaal Williams pickup on third-and-1.
For all the excitement that has built around the passing game thanks to the arrival of DJ Chark and Jameson Williams, it’s important to remember this is still a team that wants to control games on the ground, and if all goes right, win games on the ground. That’s who Dan Campbell is, and there was progress last season, averaging their most yards per carry in more than two decades.
That said, quarterback play is always essential in the NFL and Jared Goff was sharp too. He completed 3 of his 4 passes for 47 yards, with the lone incompletion a drop by Jamaal Williams. His passer rating: 113.5.
The starters bit 7.9 yards out of the Falcons defense every time they snapped the football, and did so without the services of Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson, who got the night off while he maintenances a minor injury. That’s more good stuff.
OK, sure, it was just one series in a game that won’t count. It’s impossible to tell much of anything from a game where guys who will be selling insurance next month are playing half the game. Then again, after watching that offense struggle to do anything right at this time last year, then go three-and-out to open a preseason where they didn’t win any games at all, before opening the season as one of the worst offenses in the league, it’s easy to understand the optimism too. Especially when we see it almost every day in practice too.
**** This was a very good start for the Lions # 1 Offense. Even after a couple of plays in which a player didn't execute well enough, leading to unfavorable 2nd Down situations, the Offense responded strongly. Plenty to build on. ****
Let’s get to some more observations:
-- The vibes weren’t nearly as good on defense, where the starters allowed a 12-play, 82-yard touchdown drive on their only series. They really struggled to fill gaps against the run, getting gashed for 61 yards. Even the quarterbacks ran circles around them, with Falcons QB Marcus Mariota going for 23 yards and one touchdown on three carries. Backup Desmond Ridder added another 40 yards on four carries.
Don’t look now, but the first quarterback Detroit will see in the regular season: Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, who ran for 784 yards last season.
**** The Lions # 1 Defenses need to do better on 3rd Downs. One player in particular who has to step up is Derrick Barnes. Right now, he doesn't look like he should be a starter. Barnes missed a key 3rd Down Tackle early on the Falcons first possession. He also tried to run around at least a couple blocks from the backside, which led to sizable gains by the Falcons. His one flash play in which he knifed in the backfield, resulting in a loss for the Falcons, is dwarfed by his miscues. ****
-- While the starting defense struggled, their new cornerstone did not. Aidan Hutchinson was credited with a tackle on his first professional snap, then did this on his second:
That offensive lineman barely touched Hutchinson’s jersey. That’s not some roster bottom-feeder, either. That’s Jake Matthews, who has started every game for Atlanta over the last seven years and made one Pro Bowl. And Hutchinson made him look like, well, that, before finishing off the play with a tackle for loss in the backfield.
Then he came right back two plays later and forced a holding call.
Hutchinson has a long way to go. But as anyone can see, the kid can play too. Really, really play.
**** Aidan Hutchinson more than lived up to his press clippings in his first pre-season game. Even on the first Falcons play from scrimmage, when Hutchinson lost QB contain, his hustle and abilities enabled him to make the tackle on the play before a first down occurred. ****
-- The game result doesn’t matter, but for the record: Atlanta scored its game-winning touchdown when Desmond Ridder threw up a 21-yard prayer to Jared Bernhardt on fourth-and-9 with 1:30 seconds left. Lions third-string quarterback David Blough threw up a prayer of his own as time expired, but his Hail Mary was too long for Tom Kennedy and the game was over.
**** The fumbled (dropped) shotgun snap by David Blough very likely turned a pre-season win into a pre-season loss. Blough played noticeably better than Tim Boyle up until the fumbled snap. But in such a critical (if this was a regular season game) situation, ball security was by far the greatest priority. Blough needs to put this play behind him. If he does and plays as well as he did up until that point, he very likely will be on the Lions opening day roster. Maybe, even as the # 2 QB. ****
The Lions are now 0-4 in the preseason under Dan Campbell. Does that mean anything? No. Does it make your life better or more meaningful in any way to know this? No. But it’s football, baby. And the real thing isn’t far away.
**** The result of the game by itself is meaningless. But the performance of players competing for roster spots does matter. ****
-- Coaches like to say the only thing that really matters in the preseason is staying healthy. The Lions didn’t get off to a good start in that department, with safety Brady Breeze heading to the locker room after the opening kickoff, then cornerback Will Harris heading up the tunnel holding his right hand after just one play on defense. The good news is Harris was able to return to the game a few minutes later with a tape job on his wrist.
Harris, a converted safety, earned the start over Jeff Okudah, the former third overall pick who is coming back from an Achilles injury. Those guys have split the snaps at the outside spot opposite Amani Oruwariye, and Dan Campbell said that competition is a legitimate one.
Indeed, Harris earned the start over Okudah to open the preseason. Okudah logged three quick tackles after taking the field, but also played soft coverage on third-and-8 and allowed a 12-yard catch by former Lions wideout KhaDarel Hodge that moved the chains. That gave Atlanta a fresh set of downs at Detroit’s 6-yard line, and Atlanta punched in a game-tying touchdown two plays later.
**** It looked like Jeff Okudah either started or was in the game on the Falcons first set of downs. Okuhah's run Defense and Tackling looked very good. The one completion he gave up was a big one in the context of the pre-season game. But overall, it was a performance Okudah has positives to build on. ****
-- As for the backups, nobody shined quite like Tom Kennedy. He led the Lions with eight catches for 104 yards. What a story that guy is, a former lacrosse pro who is now in his fourth training camp with the team. He’s never been a star -- heck, he’s hardly been a rotational player -- but continues to endear himself to coaches with high-effort and can-do attitude. He was a Dan Campbell favorite in camp last year, wound up leading the team in receiving during the preseason, then squeaked onto the team as the final receiver. A year later, he’s back at
**** Other than one Red Zone drop by Tom Kennedy, he was performing at a high level. Overall, Kennedy certainly helped his cause to be on the Lions opening day roster. He contributed not only in the slot but as an outside receiver. If not for Blough's fumble, Kennedy would have probably been a difference maker on the drive that would have either closed out the game or put the Falcons in an extremely difficult situation with around 30 seconds remaining in the game. ****
-- One name that doesn’t get nearly enough love is Kalif Raymond, and I get it. DJ Chark and Jameson Williams are the new toys. Amon-Ra St. Brown is the emerging star. Even T.J. Hockenson and D’Andre Swift can catch a pass or two. But Raymond was better than expected last year, and continued to produce even when injuries forced him to play out of position on the outside. Now with the better depth this year, Raymond can settle into a role more tailored to his strengths. He’s looked really good in camp, caught a bomb in the last practice on Wednesday, then another bomb on Friday night, a 45-yarder from Tim Boyle. He’ll start at punt returner, and could become one of the best receivers coming off the bench in the NFC North.
**** Kalif Raymond is an underrated player, who is dependable. ****
-- Former University of Michigan star Devin Funchess caught a 1-yard touchdown pass in the final minute of the second quarter, showing nice footwork to stay in bounds as he slid through the back of the end zone. He finished with four catches for 19 yards overall. I’m still unconvinced Funchess will make the team after playing just one game in the last three years, and not doing much in practice either. That includes on special teams, where most backup tight ends must contribute. He’s been flat-out bad in that phase of the game.
But Funchess didn’t go in the second round for nothing, either. He has intriguing upside with his athleticism and hands, and the Lions have nothing but question marks behind Hockenson at tight end.
**** As a receiver, Devin Funchess definitely helped his cause in his game. His 3rd Down reception, then breaking a tackle, and getting a first down with more effort, was even more impressive to me than his TD reception. ****
-- By his own admission, linebacker Jarrad Davis hasn’t been good enough in his return to the team. He’s right too. And he won’t like his preseason debut, either. The former first-round pick was flagged for a late hit on quarterback Desmond Ridder in the second quarter, which nullified an interception by defensive back Bobby Price, a back-breaker for a team that has spent so many resources trying to generate more takeaways.
This is the preseason, of course, so no backs were actually broken. But if this were the regular season, that sort of penalty is the stuff that kills games. Indeed, five plays after Davis’ penalty, Atlanta was standing in the end zone with a go-ahead touchdown.
Davis came back to Detroit looking to save his career. He once was a 21st overall pick here, although things went so badly that he considered retirement. (Playing for Matt Patricia will do that to you.) He was allowed to walk last offseason, then languished through more injury and hardship during a forgettable year with the Jets.
But he loved the city of Detroit, heard good things about Aaron Glenn and Dan Campbell, and with his career at the crossroads, Davis elected to come back here to revive his career. But he just hasn’t done it. He’s spent the duration of training camp working with the second and third teams, and struggled to make plays. Given a lot of run in the preseason opener, he didn’t do much once again. Other than draw a costly flag for a dumb penalty, none of which will help his chances of sticking in Detroit. He’s probably on the wrong side of the bubble right now.
**** Regarding this game, I disagree with this assessment of Jarrad Davis. It looked like the Roughing the Passer penalty shouldn't have been called against Davis. He went on break up a couple of passes, got pressure on blitz, and did a good job against the run. Based on this game, Davis belongs on the Lions 53 man roster. He way outplayed Derrick Barnes. ****
-- Quarterback Jared Goff and safety Tracy Walker served as captains for the game.
-- The Lions held a moment of silence before the game for William White, a former great who recently passed.
**** Good job by the Lions organization.****
-- The Ford Field DJ played “Billie Jean,” as predictable as the beer being cold, after Aidan Hutchinson’s performance on “Hard Knocks.” But let’s not forget about Dan Campbell opening camp by closing a rousing team speech by quoting Metallica’s “No Leaf Clover,” because the DJ sure didn’t. He played the song as the game headed to the fourth quarter, perhaps a sign of a tradition to come.
This new thread is a continuation of the following thread:
Lions vs Falcons preview: Pre-Season Game # 1 ( 2022)
detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1490/lions-falcons-preview-season-game