The Detroit Lions secured their first win of the 2024 preseason slate on Saturday, with the team notching a 24-23 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead.
The Lions got off to a slow start, falling behind 13-0 in the first quarter. But the offense quickly turned things around n the second quarter, and the defense managed to settle in the rest of the way.
When grading the offense and defense, we have to take into consideration that the Lions did not play their starters. With that said, here's how we graded the offense, defense and special teams following Detroit's preseason Week 2 win over the Chiefs.
Detroit Lions report card
Offense: C
Nate Sudfeld wasn't great, but he did have a better showing than preseason Week 1, his ugly interception not withstanding. Hendon Hooker was the real bright spot on offense, with the second-year signal-caller looking poised in the pocket and making accurate throws en route to an impressive performance.
After two incompletions to start his day, Hooker finished 12-of-13 and added a rushing touchdown on top of his 150 yards through the air. He only blemish was a bad exchange on a handoff that led to a lost fumble in the red zone, but a high snap played a role.
Both quarterbacks led the offense on three scoring drives, with one touchdown and two field goals apiece. Hooker's final drive was a game-winner that ended with a Jake Bates field goal in the closing seconds. In all, the Lions were 7-15 on third downs and just 1-5 in the red zone.
The rushing attack only averaged 3.8 yards per carry, with Zonovan Knight having the best showing of the group with a team-high 36 yards (4.5 yards per carry).
Sione Vaki wasn't as effective on the ground as he was in the preseason opener, but he did turn heads on the last drive of the first half with 60 receiving yards. He had 81 total yards on 10 touches in the first half.
At wide receiver, Isaiah Williams shined once again with team-highs in receptions (six) and yards (71). Kaden Davis had the biggest play of the game with a 61-yard touchdown reception off a pass from Sudfeld. Maurice Alexander and Tom Kennedy bounced back a bit after being quiet in preseason Week 1.
The offensive line held up better than it did in the preseason opener, with just one sack allowed throughout the contest.
Defense: B
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' starting offense played the first two series but were held to field goals on both, and Kansas City's passing attack as a whole averaged just 6.8 yards per attempt.
However, the Chiefs still scored touchdowns on two big plays through the air, and had a handful of 20-plus yard receptions. Kansas City failed to break the century mark on the ground but averaged a respectable 4.1 yards per carry.
Khalil Dorsey helped his cause, finished tied for the team high with five tackles, including one for loss. He also had some good moments in coverage.
Josh Paschal, Isaac Ukwu and Mathieu Betts each had a sack, Amik Robertson, Kindle Vildor and Jalen Reeves-Maybin tallied a pass break-up each, and Abraham Beauplan, and Mitchell Agude both had a pair of tackles for loss. Paschal's sack forced a fumble and Beauplan recovered it, leading to points for Detroit.
Considering the starters weren't out there, it was a solid showing for the defense overall.
Special teams: B
There was a lot to like on special teams, with Jake Bates being the biggest standout after nailing four field goals, including a 55-yard attempt and the game-winner from 43 yards out. He did miss an extra point, though.
Jack Fox was his typical elite self, averaging 54 yards per attempt, including a long of 70, and he dropped one inside the 20.
The return game had an up-and-down showing. Isaiah Williams' 20-yard punt return helped set up the game-winning drive, but Jalon Calhoun fumbled a kickoff return that led to points for KC.