Detroit Lions highlights: Top-5 plays from preseason Week 1 vs. Giants

Mike Moraitis

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Detroit Lions highlights: Top-5 plays from preseason Week 1 vs. Giants image

The Detroit Lions opened up their preseason slate on Thursday night with a game against the New York Giants. It wasn't a good night overall, though, as the Lions  lost to the Giants, 14-3.

The offense was the biggest issue for Detroit, with the Lions failing to sustain and finish off drives, going 0-for-3 in the red zone and 0-for-4 on fourth-down tries. Adding to that, the Lions didn't get their first first down until the second quarter.

Much of those struggles had to do with a poor performance from the offensive line and quarterback Nate Sudfeld, who failed to outshine fellow signal-caller Hendon Hooker as the two battle for the backup job behind Jared Goff.

On defense, the Lions started off hot with impressive play in the first quarter, but things went off the rails a bit in the second, when the Giants scored all 14 of their points. Detroit did manage to rebound in the second half, though, and shut down New York the rest of the way.

As a result of the lackluster showing on offense, there weren't a ton of highlight plays throughout the night. However, we were still able to put together a top-five list. Here's a look at which plays made the cut.

Detroit Lions top-5 plays

5. Brandon Joseph's interception

4. Isaac Ukwu's high-effort sack

3. Jake Bates' 53-yard field goal

2. Sione Vaki's 15-yard run

1. Hendon Hooker trucks defender

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.