Lions vs. Giants final score, highlights from preseason Week 1

Mike Moraitis

•
Lions vs. Giants final score, highlights from preseason Week 1 image

The Detroit Lions dropped their preseason opener on Thursday night against the New York Giants, losing 14-3.

As you'd expect with mostly backups playing, this wasn't a particularly pretty game for either team, but that was especially true for the Lions, who struggled to get much going on the offensive side of the ball.

There were a few bright spots for Detroit, like quarterback Hendon Hooker, who completed 5-of-9 passes for 36 yards and rushed for 34 yards on four carries. His most impressive play came in the third quarter, when he absolutely trucked a defender during a scramble.

Running back Sione Vaki also had an impressive showing in his limited work, carrying the ball four times for 29 yards. His 15-yard carry was his best of the night.

But ultimately, the Lions couldn't convert on any of their three trips inside the red zone. They also failed to convert on four fourth-down tries. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld started and did not have a good game.

Detroit's defense started off strong but wavered in the second quarter, when the Giants scored both of their touchdowns, one of which came on an impressive 48-yard scamper by running back Eric Gray. The Lions' defense settled down after that, though, and didn't give up another point the rest of the way.

There are a few injuries to talk about, as Hooker exited early. It remains unclear what he's dealing with as of this writing. Also, offensive lineman Connor Galvin appeared to suffer a serious leg injury in the fourth quarter, which led to the cart being brought out.

The Lions will continue their preseason slate on Saturday, Aug. 17, against the Chiefs in Kansas City.

Lions vs. Giants final score

Team1234F
Lions30003
Giants0140014

Lions vs. Giants live updates, highlights from preseason Week 1

(All times eastern)

Fourth quarter

10:11 p.m.: The Giants are running out the final two minutes and this one is over. New York wins, 14-3.

10:06 P.M.: We are at the two-minute warning with the Giants facing a 3rd-and-4 from their own 24.

10:01 p.m.: Another Lions drive stalls in the red zone. Sudfeld got hit on fourth down as he threw it and the ball ended up on the ground. Giants ball.

9:58 p.m.: Nate Sudfeld has started to settle in and now the Lions are threatening after a Giants pass interference sets them up at the 10-yard line. UDFA Isaiah Williams has a 10-yard catch on the drive and is having a nice night.

9:56 p.m.: Offensive lineman Connor Galvin got his leg rolled up on and the cart is coming out for him.

9:44 p.m.: Hendon Hooker went into the blue medical tent and then went to the back. Nate Sudfeld is back in, so it looks like Hooker's night is done. There's no update on what he's dealing with, though.

Hendon Hooker has just come out of the blue medical tent on the sideline and is heading toward the locker room

— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) August 9, 2024

Third quarter

9:30 p.m.: The drive ended up stalling after a failed fourth-down try, but Hendon Hooker absolutely ran over this Giants defender. The second-year quarterback is showing off his wheels in the third quarter.

8:57 p.m.: The Giants handed the Lions a first down with a penalty but Hooker and Co. couldn't do anything with it. Lions are punting it away.

8:53: The second half is underway and Hendon Hooker is taking over for Nate Sudfeld. Let's see what the young quarterback can do.

Second quarter

8:47 p.m.: Lions top first-half performers

RB Sione Vaki: 4 carries, 29 yards

K Jake Bates: 1-1 FG (53 yards)

S Brandon Joseph: 3 tackles, INT, PD

DE Nate Lynn: 2 QB hits, Sack

DE Isaac Ukwu: Sack

Brodric Martin: 2 tackles, PD, pressure

8:39: After another failed drive, the Lions punt it away and that's the end of the first half. The Lions have just 87 total yards through three quarters, including just 24 through the air. Sudfeld has been bad, and the Lions' defense has not been good, either, after a strong start.

Meanwhile, the Giants have 172 total yards of offense, with 82 through the air and 90 on the ground. 

8:34 p.m.: Sudfeld gets picked off inside the Giants' 10-yard line by Tre Herndon, but New York coughs up the football after a long return. Great pursuit by Kayode Awosika to get back and force the fumble, and Vaki recovers. Disaster averted, but Sudfeld continues to struggle.

8:27 p.m.: Sione Vaki makes an appearance and rips off two nice runs in the same drive, one for nine yards and one for 15. We've hit the two-minute warning.

8:19 p.m.: Eric Gray punches it in from one yard out after another impressive drive for Tommy DeVito. Extra point is good and it's 14-3 Giants. Lions' defense has cooled off considerably after a good start.

8:16 p.m.: After falling just short of the first-down marker on third down, the Lions went for it on fourth with a QB sneak by Sudfeld but he's short. Giants take over at the Lions' 37.

8:08 p.m.: The Giants are on the board. Running back Eric Gray found a nice hole, ripped off a beautiful cutback move and took it to the house for a 48-yard score to cap off a 91-yard drive. Extra point is good and it's 7-3 Giants.

7:58 p.m.: After moving the sticks, the Lions couldn't sustain the drive and are punting yet again.

7:56 p.m.: The Lions have a first down! Sudfeld connects with Shane Zylstra over the middle to move the sticks.

First quarter

7:52 p.m.: Brodric Martin is on the board with his first sack on first down, with the assist going to UDFA Nate Lynn. And that's the end of the first quarter.

7:49 p.m.: Yet another three-and-out for the Lions' offense, which has not moved the chains yet. Sudfeld has not looked good thus far. He had an open receiver on third down but looked like he lost his grip when throwing. Another Lions punt.

7:44 p.m.: Giants quarterback Drew Lock is dealing with an apparent injury and is exiting the game. Giants are punting after another failed drive.

7:39 p.m.: We have our first score and it comes off the foot of kicker Jake Bates, who drilled a field goal from 53 yards. The Lions' offense still wasn't able to get anything going, though. Nevertheless, a good start for the Lions kicker.

7:33 p.m.: Interception! Brandon Joseph notches the game's first pick at midfield, and he adds a nice return to it. The Lions are in business at the Giants' 35.

7:30 p.m.: Isaac Ukwu off to a strong start. After tallying a sack earlier, he just posted a pressure.

7:27 p.m.: A look at the Lions' starting offensive line.

7:25 p.m.: Yet another three-and-out for the Lions' offense. Detroit went with three straight handoffs to Reynolds. He gained three and five yards but was stuffed on third down. Lions punting again.

7:19 p.m.: SACK! Undrafted free agent Isaac Ukwu gets to Drew Lock to force a punt. Coverage played a big part in that one, but Ukwu showed good motor to stay with the play and eventually get around the edge.

7:18 p.m.: A good start for Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

7:14 p.m.: Nothing happening for the Lions on their first offensive drive. Craig Reynolds had a three-yard rush and Sudfeld completed a short pass for no gain on third down after getting sacked the play before. Looks like Sudfeld missed Daurice Fountain deep before rolling out and getting sacked. Lions are punting.

7:12 p.m.: Maurice Alexander was back to receive the first punt, but he muffed it. Thankfully, the Lions recovered but a penalty will push them back to their own 10-yard line. Nate Sudfeld is getting the start.

7:11 p.m.: Good start for the Lions' defense, as the Giants go three and out. New York gained just five yards over their first three plays.

7:09 p.m.: And we're off! The Giants are starting from their own 20 after a penalty on the kickoff.

Pregame

7:08 p.m.: The Lions have won the toss and deferred. Detroit's defense will take the field first.

6:53 p.m.: Notable Giants starters set to play.

6:44 p.m.: A look at the players who aren't dressed tonight, courtesy of Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network.

6:25 p.m: It looks like we might see rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold get some snaps tonight. If so, it'll obviously be his first game action in the NFL. Fellow rookie corner Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is also suited up.

6:20 p.m.: A closer look at the new unis. They are absolutely gorgeous. On a side note: we are just 40 minutes from gametime!

5:34 p.m.: A look at the new uniforms.

5:23 p.m.: The vibes are high!

4:51 p.m.: Head coach Dan Campbell has made his way into the building and quarterback Hendon Hooker, who will be playing the first game action of his NFL career, is on the field warming up. This is a big game for Hooker, who is trying to win the backup quarterback job over Nate Sudfeld.

How to watch Lions vs. Giants

When: Thursday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m. ET

Where: MetLife Stadium

Television (local): FOX 2 (List of Lions TV affiliates)

Streaming (national): NFL+

Radio: Lions Radio Network | SiriusXM 381

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.