In a disappointing preseason opener on Thursday night, the Detroit Lions fell to the New York Giants with a score of 14-3. The game was marred by uncharacteristic play, leaving fans eager to see improvements in the coming weeks.

As we analyze the Lions’ performance weekly throughout the season, we’ll leverage insights from Pro Football Focus to better understand the team’s gameplay and what lies ahead. This week, we’ll delve into the statistics and key takeaways from the Lions’ loss to the Giants, shedding light on what fans can expect in the upcoming games of the 2024 NFL preseason.

Access to Pro Football Focus’s premium statistics is essential for football enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of the game. Consider signing up for PFF to gain comprehensive access to a wide array of statistics and player grades, keeping you informed about the NFL and college football alike.

Achieving an Impressive 100% Incompletion Rate

In the preseason opener against the Giants, the Detroit Lions opted to rest nearly all of their starters. However, a few key defensive backs took the field, showcasing their potential in significant roles for the season. Notably, Terrion Arnold, the Lions’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, logged 13 snaps. Meanwhile, Ennis Rakestraw, who is competing for the nickel cornerback position, had an impressive showing with 37 defensive snaps (64%) and 11 special teams snaps (50%).

While Arnold displayed promise in his debut, it was the duo of Amik Robertson and Rakestraw who truly shined, demonstrating commendable skills on the field. Robertson, in particular, was exceptional in coverage, standing out for his flawless performance.

Robertson played just 18 snaps on defense, all of which were in the slot, but he was targeted twice and impressively did not allow any completions, earning two forced incompletions for a striking 100% incompletion rate. His ball skills were evident, and his veteran presence set him apart from his peers. Initially splitting first-team reps at nickel corner with the injured Emmanuel Moseley, Robertson’s performance suggests he is determined to secure his spot moving forward.

Defensive Excellence: 0 Yards Allowed

Rakestraw also showcased his talent, earning recognition for his performance that was best understood through film analysis, as he displayed attributes that would undoubtedly impress defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

There were reports from the Lions-Giants joint practices about Malik Nabers excelling against the Lions’ defense, showcasing his skills and even instigating confrontations. However, Rakestraw responded effectively, demonstrating sticky coverage that resulted in a sack. On a critical third-and-3, Drew Lock attempted to target Nabers, but Rakestraw was in the right position, ultimately preventing a completion.

A pivotal moment occurred when Jalin Hyatt ran a drag route and caught the ball with space to run. Yet, Rakestraw’s quick response ensured that Hyatt could not exploit the edge, demonstrating physicality by driving him ten yards across the field toward the sideline.

Rakestraw’s press coverage, situational awareness, and physical play led to a remarkable performance, largely as an outside cornerback, where he played 32 of his 37 snaps according to PFF. Against the Giants, he allowed only one catch, which resulted in a remarkable 0 yards.

Remarkable Kicking: 53 Yards Accomplished

In a standout moment, Jake Bates impressed with a remarkable 53-yard kick, executed under challenging rainy conditions in his first appearance in the NFL—having never kicked a field goal in college. This impressive kick could have easily been good from 55 or 56 yards.

Despite the aggressive fourth-down strategy of Dan Campbell, which has somewhat overshadowed the kicker position, Bates’ performance may prompt the Lions to consider adding competition for him. Before training camp, concerns were raised about his performance in outdoor settings; he was 11 of 12 on kicks indoors but only 10 of 16 outdoors.

Bates’ ability to step up in such a significant moment solidifies his position in the kicking game, making it his role to lose if he continues performing at this level.

Impressive 5.5 Yards After Contact per Carry

There were initial doubts regarding Sione Vaki’s ability to make an immediate impact in the NFL, especially considering he had only 42 carries at Utah over seven games. However, during Thursday’s game, he demonstrated that his inexperience should not be a concern regarding his potential as a ball carrier, suggesting that his limited college workload might actually benefit him at the professional level.

Vaki’s unique upright running style stands out, and while it may not initially seem effective, he quickly gains momentum. He showcased remarkable contact balance, spinning off defenders and powering through arm tackles. Although he had just four carries, there’s room for improvement in decisiveness and footwork. Nevertheless, his performance was promising.

He achieved an impressive 5.5 yards after contact per carry on his four rushing attempts, totaling 29 yards. Notably, he was often met close to the line of scrimmage when first contacted, showcasing his ability to push through defensive efforts.

Dominating the Line: 5 Pressures Created

The Lions will be hoping for a quick recovery for Nate Lynn, who sustained a shoulder injury, as he has demonstrated promising pass-rushing abilities. His spin move is reminiscent of the legendary Lions Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney.

During just 13 pass-rushing snaps, Lynn generated 5 pressures, including a sack, two quarterback hits, and two hurries according to PFF.

“Nate, obviously coming from William & Mary, was known for his rushing skills,” said Campbell after the game. “He’s crafty and understands how to use his hands effectively. We positioned him at the SAM linebacker and defensive end, allowing him to showcase his versatility.”

Following a relatively quiet night for James Houston, Lynn is now someone to watch closely for the SAM linebacker role, provided his shoulder injury does not sideline him for an extended period.