Lions @ Panthers
Final Score: Lions 26, Panthers 17
Writer: Mike Miklius (@SIRL0INofBEEF on Twitter)
In the Lions’ and Panthers’ final preseason game, we had one last look at first-overall pick Bryce Young before the outcomes start to matter. Detroit, meanwhile, was resting everyone of consequence–protecting their status as preseason division favorites. How did it go? Bryce Young looked better this week thanks to his own play as well as some help from an old veteran. Young Led his team to two scoring drives to open the contest, leaving a 10-0 advantage in the hands of the backups. For Detroit, Teddy Bridgewater did a good job moving the offense, and he is a strong backup in case anything happens to Jared Goff. The Lions won 26-17 and will head to Kansas City for the Thursday night season opener. Carolina heads to Atlants for their season opener. Here’s what I saw today.
Four Up
- Bryce Young looked more poised this week, leading his team to points on his two drives.
- Adam Thielen looked excellent and will be underrated if that keeps up.
- Craig Reynolds looked good in the Lions backfield today.
- Antoine Green caught a 70-yd score that might propel him to the roster.
One Down
- The Carolina offensive line still looks overmatched and sacks are going to happen.
Detroit Lions
| Preseason Week 1 | Preseason Week 2 |
Quarterback
Teddy Bridgewater: 13/22, 178 yards, TD | 1 carry, 3 yards
Teddy Bridgewater mostly impressed today, and he looks like a great backup for Detroit. He had the offense moving on both of the team’s first two drives with mostly quick-hitting plays. Bridgewater made a pair of pretty passes on the team’s third drive, first hitting Dylan Drummond over the middle for 20 yards. He looked for Chase Cota three plays later and made a great throw, though defensive pass interference kept it out of the stat sheet. Bridgewater is a seasoned veteran and the guy you want behind your starter.
Notes:
- Great throw to Antoine Green on the 70-yard score. See his section for more.
Adrian Martinez: 5/11, 39 yards, 2 sacks | 5 carries, 10 yards, fumble
Nate Sudfeld: 2/5, 17 yards
Running Back
Craig Reynolds: 11 carries, 41 yards, TD | 1 target, 1 reception, 5 yards
Craig Reynolds was the starting back for Detroit tonight, and he made his case for a spot on the 53-man roster. On the second drive, he made a good jump cut to pick up eight yards on an outside run. He ended the drive with a strong run, starting with a decisive cut and then hitting the hole hard for six. I don’t see Reynolds as more than depth here, but he looks interesting if anything should happen to David Montgomery.
Benny Snell Jr: 5 carries, 26 yards
Devine Ozigbo: 4 carries, 3 yards | 1 target
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Antoine Green: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 97 yards, TD
Antoine Green had one of those preseason darling plays when he caught a 70-yard touchdown from Teddy Bridgewater. He ran a deep crossing route, catching the ball amongst a net of four defenders. He took off and was able to outrun the group for the score. To be fair, this was somewhat thanks to two defenders running into each other–giving Green room to run away. Still, he showed good hands and speed to bring the pass home. I love the preseason heroes each year.
Dylan Drummond: 6 targets, 5 receptions, 46 yards
Chase Cota: 8 targets, 3 receptions, 42 yards
Chase Cota had a good day despite the 5 missed targets. I only noted one drop, but Cota also drew a deep pass interference that set up a Lions field goal.
Trinity Benson: 3 targets, 3 receptions, 16 yards
Carolina Panthers
| Preseason Week 1 | Preseason Week 2 |
Quarterback
Bryce Young: 7/12, 73 yards, TD, sack | 3 carries, 21 yards
Bryce Young looked better this week, thanks in part to game planning. He hit Jonathan Mingo on a quick slant to start, watching Mingo take it 15 yards. Young then hit Adam Thielen, followed by a scramble when protection broke down. Overall, the connection with Thielen and the ability to break the pocket both stood out. Young always seemed to look Thielen’s way and Thielen caught nearly everything thrown his way–save for one play with excellent coverage. Young also looked better at avoiding the sack. He still took one, but the three carries for 21 yards are huge when we consider the state of this O-line. I expect Carolina to call quick-hitting plays to protect their young (haha) QB, and Young is showing why he was the first overall pick.
Andy Dalton: 6/11, 60 yards, INT
Matt Corral: 4/12, 52 yards | 1 carry, 27 yards
Jake Luton: 6/12, 74 yards, INT, 2 sacks
Running Back
Spencer Brown: 13 carries, 51 yards, TD | 1 target, 1 reception, 9 yards
Spencer Brown did well in the backfield, making a good catch on his one target. Brown should add depth, but Carolina needs to hope Miles Sanders stays healthy; there isn’t much else in this backfield to be afraid of.
Raheem Blackshear: 3 carries, 9 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 4 yards
Camerun Peoples: 4 carries, 4 yards | 2 targets, 2 receptions, 24 yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Adam Thielen: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 48 yards, TD
Adam Thielen played great, looking like his prime self. He caught a short pass to start, followed by a catch in the flat where he took a big hit and went to the tent. I penciled ‘his day is done’ and expected to note it. Thielen soon came back, starting the second drive with a great catch crossing the field from the left side. He easily beat his coverage and pulled down a great pass from Young. Thielen capped off that drive with a 16-yard touchdown catch when he again beat his defender by a step. Adam Thielen looks like the obvious number one here and is certainly the most reliable weapon. I expect to see Young and Thielen quickly develop chemistry as Thielen becomes the safety blanket.
Gary Jennings: 9 targets, 4 receptions, 52 yards
Giovanni Ricci: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 50 yards
Tommy Tremble: 4 targets, 1 reception, 21 yards
Shi Smith: 5 targets, 2 receptions, 9 yards