The Detroit Lions will take their next step in evaluating who will make the 53-man roster and secure roles when they meet the Kansas City Chiefs in preseason Week 2 on Saturday.
The first preseason game didn't go so well for the Lions, as the offense was only able to muster up three points. The defense played well for the most part, but a second-quarter lapse enabled the New York Giants to score all they needed.
Looking ahead to preseason Week 2, players who are on the bubble and competing for a role will have another opportunity to state their case. Here's a look at the players who need to step up the most to help their cause.
Lions who need to step up
Backup QBs
Nate Sudfeld appeared to be in the lead for the No. 2 quarterback job behind Jared Goff going into the preseason, but he struggled in preseason Week 1 and Hendon Hooker managed to close the gap with a strong showing.
“There’s some decisions in there that I would like to be better," head coach Dan Campbell said of Sudfeld after the game, per Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire. "I expect better from him. I’m not as concerned right now or yet about the accuracy with what it is, wet ball, this and that, but there’s just a couple of decisions in there that I know he can be better on.”
Both quarterbacks have two more preseason games to stake their claim for the job. Saturday will be another opportunity for them to create some separation.
Depth WRs
Campbell recently expressed disappointment with the team's depth options at wide receiver, saying the team is waiting for someone to step up and take control in the competition for backup spots behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond.
"It's still the same as where it's at," Campbell said. "We're waiting for somebody to step forward. We're waiting for any one of those guys to step forward. (Donovan Peoples-Jones) I felt like has been since the game much better. He's playing faster and I notice it, we all notice it, so that's encouraging. But (Daurice) Fountain and Tre'Quan (Smith) and Kaden Davis, we're dying for somebody to step up and say, 'Hey, man, I'm the guy. I'm the guy you can depend on. I'll be the same, consistent player everyday and find a way to make the plays that come my way.'"
It wasn't all bad for Lions receivers in preseason Week 1, as undrafted free agent Isaiah Williams managed to shine with team-highs in receptions (four) and receiving yards (35).
But outside of Williams and a 26-yard catch by Peoples-Jones, the rest of the group was quiet. Antoine Green, who had the third-most receiving yards, has since been placed on injured reserve to thin out the competition a bit. Maurice Alexander had a disastrous showing as the punt returner and had just one catch for six yards.
Alexander, Daurice Fountain, Tom Kennedy, Tre'Quan Smith and Kaden Davis all need to step up the most if they're going to help their respective causes for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Jake Bates
After a shaky showing earlier in training camp, Bates has been coming on strong of late. Not only did he make a 53-yard field goal in preseason Week 1, he has also been doing well at practice since.
Campbell revealed after the game that the team gave Bates a vote of confidence and the team's belief in him is why the Lions haven't added anyone to compete with Bates since Michael Badgley went down.
But Bates needs another spotless outing in preseason Week 2 if he's going to keep his stranglehold on the job.