The Detroit Lions are currently playing in an actual football game. After months of waiting, preseason action is here, and the Lions are starting the season off against the New York Giants.
As is to be expected, the first half of this game was not pretty. Both teams turned the ball over and neither passing attack did much to write home about. The Lions’ offense was led by backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld, and the unit looked anemic.
In the first half, the Lions gained just 87 total yards and only converted three first downs. The unit averaged a pitiful 2.6 yards per play and Sudfeld was sacked three times. At the half, the Lions trailed the Giants by a score of 14-3.
Let’s go over three things that stood out during that first half.
3 things that stood out for Lions
Nate Sudfeld struggles
Nate Sudfeld is currently listed ahead of Hendon Hooker on the depth chart. After that first half of play, that may not be the case on the next one. Sudfeld ended the first half with 40 passing yards and completed 7-of-15 attempts.
The QB also threw an interception and was sacked three times. Sudfeld looked uncomfortable behind a shaky line and failed to generate any momentum, and his passes weren't accurate.
It will be interesting to see if Hooker can get anything going in the second half. As of now, though, Sudfeld did not help his cause.
Sione Vaki impresses
The most impressive member of the Lions’ offense in the first half was undoubtedly Sione Vaki. The rookie running back took four carries for 29 yards, good for 7.3 yards per attempt.
.@sione_vaki showing off the moves on the way to a pickup of 15#DETvsNYG | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/lDwI2lHhjd
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 9, 2024
Vaki looked explosive and showcased his solid vision on a couple of runs. The best run was a 15-yard scamper that gave the team one of only three first downs in the half. Vaki continues to shine after a strong offseason.
Jake Bates hits a much-needed kick
Jake Bates has been feeling the heat of late. The former UFL standout has struggled in camp, with some calling for the team to competition.
Bates got one chance to prove himself in the first half and he nailed it after connecting on a 53-yard field goal that gave the Lions the first points of the preseason.
Jake Bates is 💰 from 53❗️#DETvsNYG | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/va1B5v1oH1
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 8, 2024
Due to the poor offensive performance, Bates has yet to get a chance for an extra point. It will be interesting to see if the kicker can hit a couple more kicks before this one is over. There’s no doubt Bates needed to hit that kick to put him back in good standing.
