The Detroit Lions delivered a thrilling performance in their second preseason game, securing a narrow victory with a final score of 24-23 against the Kansas City Chiefs. This closely contested match showcased the Lions’ potential and resilience, marking an improvement from their previous outing.

While the outcome of preseason games often lacks significance in the grand scheme of the season, the key focus remains on player evaluation and development. Understanding how each player fits into the coaching staff’s plans is crucial. By examining snap counts and player usage from Week 2 of the preseason, we can gain valuable insights into the team’s strategic direction and the individual performances that contributed to this win.

Players Who Did Not Participate: A Closer Look

The following players did not participate in the game: QB Jared Goff, QB Jake Fromm (dressed), RB David Montgomery, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Jermar Jefferson (injured), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR Jameson Williams, WR Kalif Raymond, TE Sam LaPorta (injured), TE Brock Wright, OT Taylor Decker, OT Penei Sewell, G Graham Glasgow, G Kevin Zeitler (injured), G Christian Mahogany (illness), C Frank Ragnow, EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE Marcus Davenport, EDGE John Cominsky (injured), EDGE James Houston (injured), DL Levi Onwuzurike, DT DJ Reader (injured), DT Alim McNeill, DT Kyle Peko, DT David Bada (injured), LB Alex Anzalone, LB Jack Campbell, LB Derrick Barnes, LB Malcolm Rodriguez (injured), CB Terrion Arnold (injured), CB Carlton Davis (injured), CB Emmanuel Moseley (injured), CB Ennis Rakestraw (injured), DB Brian Branch (injured), and S Kerby Joseph. Their absence raises questions about the depth and future strategies for the Lions’ roster.

Offensive Performance Breakdown: Key Players and Their Contributions

Quarterback Snap Counts and Insights

Hendon Hooker took 40 snaps (52% of total plays), while Nate Sudfeld contributed 37 snaps (48%).

It was somewhat surprising to see Nate Sudfeld start against the Chiefs’ first-string players, but it was expected that their playing time would be evenly split. Fans are eager to see if Detroit will allow Hooker to take the lead in the upcoming preseason finale, as his performance could solidify his role in the team.

Running Back Performance: Evaluating the Depth Chart

Jake Funk was on the field for 29 snaps (38%), with 3 special teams snaps (9%); Sione Vaki played 26 snaps (34%), with 10 (31%); Zonovan Knight had 14 snaps (18%), with 7 (22%); and Craig Reynolds saw 8 snaps (10%), with 4 (12%).

It was no surprise that Craig Reynolds had a limited night, as he appears to have secured the RB3 position. However, Sione Vaki made significant contributions on both offense and special teams, proving his worth on the field. He still has room for growth as a runner but is finding innovative ways to add value to the team.

Zonovan Knight stepped up effectively in place of Jermar Jefferson, making 8 carries for 36 yards, showcasing his readiness to contribute. Jake Funk also made notable plays, further emphasizing the depth at the running back position for the Lions.

Tight End Contributions: Who Stood Out?

James Mitchell recorded 30 snaps (39%), Sean McKeon had 27 snaps (35%), Shane Zylstra played 23 snaps (30%), and Parker Hesse also saw 23 snaps (30%).

Although Hesse had the fewest receptions, he was the only tight end to take snaps at fullback, highlighting his versatility. The rest of the tight end group experienced an almost equal distribution of plays, with Zylstra and Mitchell being more prominently involved during the first half.

Wide Receiver Highlights: Key Players Making an Impact

Isaiah Williams played 36 snaps (47%) with 6 catches (19%), Donovan Peoples-Jones took 33 snaps (43%) with 5 catches (16%), Kaden Davis had 32 snaps (42%) with 9 catches (28%), Maurice Alexander played 31 snaps (40%), Daurice Fountain was on the field for 27 snaps (35%) with 8 catches (25%), Tom Kennedy had 17 snaps (22%), Jalon Calhoun played 17 snaps (22%) with 2 catches (6%), and Tre’Quan Smith took 9 snaps (12%).

The first-team receiving corps included Kaden Davis, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Tom Kennedy. Davis made a significant impact with a 61-yard touchdown catch, but collectively, the trio managed only 5 receptions for 39 yards.

Isaiah Williams stepped in for Kennedy early in the game and showcased his ability to produce, recording 2 catches for 22 yards in the first half and 4 catches for 49 yards in the second half.

Daurice Fountain’s drop in the depth chart is concerning, and Tre’Quan Smith’s hand injury, as noted by Dan Campbell, may lead to a longer absence, adding pressure on the remaining receivers to step up.

Offensive Line Analysis: Tackles, Guards, and Centers Performance

Colby Sorsdal played 77 snaps (100%) with 5 special teams snaps (16%); Giovanni Manu had 40 snaps (52%) with 5 (16%); Jamarco Jones contributed 29 snaps (38%); and Dan Skipper played 8 snaps (10%).

Following the loss of Connor Galvin last week, it was anticipated that Sorsdal would take every right tackle snap against the Chiefs. Although his performance had its ups and downs, gaining experience is crucial for a player the Lions may rely on in the future.

Manu played the entire second half, providing him with valuable development opportunities, while the first half saw a split between Skipper and the newly acquired Jones, who will need to prove their worth as the season progresses.

Interior Offensive Linemen: Guards and Centers Performance Insights

Jake Burton played 40 snaps (52%) with 5 special teams snaps (16%); Duke Clemens also had 40 snaps (52%) with 3 (9%); Bryan Hudson played 40 snaps (52%) with 2 (6%); Kayode Awosika took 37 snaps (48%) with 5 (16%); Kingsley Eguakun also had 37 snaps (48%) with 2 (6%); and Michael Niese played 37 snaps (48%) with 3 (9%).

The distribution of snaps among the interior offensive linemen was clear and organized, allowing for effective play.

In the first half, the lineup included:

LG Kayode Awosika
C Kingsley Eguakun
RG Michael Niese

In the second half, the configuration changed to:

LG Duke Clemens
C Bryan Hudson
RG Jake Burton

These players maintained their positions throughout their respective halves, contributing to the overall cohesion of the offensive line.

Defensive Performance Review: Edge Players, Linebackers, and Secondary Insights

EDGE Players: Impact on the Game

Isaac Ukwu played 47 snaps (78%); Mitchell Agude had 32 snaps (53%) with 10 (31%); Matthieu Betts recorded 30 snaps (50%) with 10 (31%); Josh Paschal took 29 snaps (48%); and Pat O’Connor played 26 snaps (43%) with 5 (16%).

With James Houston sidelined and the recent injury to Nate Lynn, this game presented a critical opportunity for Detroit’s depth edge players to shine. Ukwu led the charge in playing time, even after briefly dealing with an injury. Agude, Betts, and Paschal each made notable contributions, although O’Connor struggled to make an impact.

It was intriguing to see Paschal in the fourth quarter of a preseason matchup, especially after sitting out the opener and dealing with an injury last week. His presence was crucial, particularly as the Lions faced challenges with depth on the defensive line.

Defensive Tackle Performance: Assessing Depth and Development

Chris Smith recorded 33 snaps (55%); Mekhi Wingo had 30 snaps (50%) with 5 (16%); and Brodric Martin also played 30 snaps (50%) with 5 (16%).

With Onwuzurike, McNeill, and Peko resting, Detroit’s young interior defenders received ample playing time, allowing them to showcase their skills throughout both halves of the game.

Linebacker Contributions: Key Players and Their Roles

Ty Summers played 39 snaps (65%) with 12 (38%); Ben Niemann took 29 snaps (48%) with 15 (47%); Abraham Beauplan had 27 snaps (45%) with 2 (6%); Jalen Reeves-Maybin played 18 snaps (30%) with 7 (22%); and Malik Jefferson had 7 snaps (12%) with 12 (38%).

Niemann and Reeves-Maybin started for the Lions, and once Maybin’s day ended, Summers took over the WILL position. With extensive experience on special teams, Summers may find himself on the practice squad as the team evaluates potential roles.

Beauplan and Jefferson were likely the intended finishers for the game, but Jefferson’s finger injury (which Campbell didn’t express concern about) forced him to exit early.

Cornerback Performance: Evaluating Coverage Skills

Kindle Vildor played 38 snaps (63%) with 9 (28%); Khalil Dorsey also had 38 snaps (63%) with 4 (12%); Amik Robertson recorded 28 snaps (47%) with 10 (31%); Steven Gilmore had 22 snaps (37%) with 11 (34%); Loren Strickland played 22 snaps (37%) with 14 (44%); Javelin Guidry took 13 snaps (22%) with 7 (22%); and Essang Bassey played 9 snaps (15%) with 12 (38%).

Vildor, Dorsey, and Robertson played extensively in the first half, delivering solid performances against the Chiefs’ top offensive players.

During the second half, Gilmore and Strickland took on key roles, with Strickland playing nickel and Guidry and Bassey effectively dividing the remaining outside corner responsibilities.

Strickland’s transition from safety to nickel corner has been quietly effective, as he secured another tackle for a loss during the game. While the secondary is competitive, Strickland’s adaptability may give him an edge.

Safety Performance: Key Contributions to Defensive Strategy

Brandon Joseph played 38 snaps (63%) with 13 (41%); Ifeatu Melifonwu also had 38 snaps (63%) with 10 (31%); C.J. Moore took 20 snaps (33%) with 16 (50%); and Chelen Garnes played 17 snaps (28%) with 3 (9%).

Joseph and Melifonwu played pivotal roles in shutting down the Chiefs’ offensive efforts in the first half, while Moore and Garnes handled second-half responsibilities. Notably, no player had more special teams snaps than Moore, as he continues to find his place in the lineup despite being surpassed defensively by Joseph.

Special Teams Analysis: Performance and Strategy Insights

Jake Bates played 11 snaps (34%); Jack Fox had 9 snaps (28%); Hogan Hatten recorded 5 snaps (16%); and Scott Daly played 4 snaps (12%).

Interestingly, Hatten handled the long snaps in the first half, while Daly took over in the second half. There was speculation about Hatten being put in for a game-winning field goal, as Campbell expressed interest in seeing him in high-pressure situations. However, Daly successfully executed his duties, aiding Detroit in sealing the victory.