The Detroit Lions will take their next step in determining who will make the 53-man roster and secure jobs when they visit the Kansas City Chiefs in preseason Week 2 on Saturday.
The first preseason game didn’t go so well for the Lions, as the offense was only able to muster up three scores. The defense played admirably for the most part, but a second-quarter lapse enabled the New York Giants to score all they needed.
Looking ahead to preseason Week 2, players who are on the bubble and competing for a spot will have another opportunity to plead their case. Here’s a look at the players that need to step up the most to help their cause.
Nate Sudfeld appeared to be in the lead for the No. 2 quarterback job behind Jared Goff coming into the preseason, but he struggled in preseason Week 1 and Hendon Hooker managed to close the distance with a good showing.
“There’s definitely decisions in there that I would like to be better,” head coach Dan Campbell said of Sudfeld after the game, per Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire.
“I expect better from him. I’m not as concerned right now or yet with the accuracy with what it is, wet ball, this and that, but there’s just a few of decisions in there that I know he can be better on.”
Both quarterbacks have two more preseason games to stake their claim for the position. Saturday will be another opportunity for them to build some separation.
Campbell recently expressed unhappiness with the team’s depth options at wide receiver, saying the team is waiting for someone to step up and take charge in the race for backup places behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond.
“It’s still the same as where it’s at,” Campbell added. “We’re waiting for somebody to step up. We’re waiting for any one of those individuals to step forward. (Donovan Peoples-Jones) I felt like has been since the game much better.
He’s playing faster and I notice it, we all notice it, so that’s positive. But (Daurice) Fountain and Tre’Quan (Smith) and Kaden Davis, we’re dying for somebody to stand up and say, ‘Hey, man, I’m the guy. I’m the one you can depend on. I’ll be the same, consistent player everyday and find a way to make the plays that come my way.'”
It wasn’t all terrible for Lions receivers in preseason Week 1, as undrafted free agent Isaiah Williams managed to shine with team-highs in receptions (four) and receiving yards (35).
But outside of Williams and a 26-yard grab by Peoples-Jones, the rest of the group remained silent. Antoine Green, who had the third-most receiving yards, has now been placed on injured reserve to narrow out the competition a bit. Maurice Alexander had a dismal showing as the punt returner and had just one reception for six yards.
Alexander, Daurice Fountain, Tom Kennedy, Tre’Quan Smith and Kaden Davis all need to step up the most if they’re going to aid their individual causes for a position on the 53-man roster.
After a rocky showing earlier in training camp, Bates has been coming on strong of late. Not only did he make a 53-yard field goal in preseason Week 1, he has also been doing well at practice since.
Campbell explained after the game that the team gave Bates a vote of confidence and the team’s believe in him is why the Lions haven’t added anyone to compete with Bates since Michael Badgley went down. But Bates needs another immaculate effort in preseason Week 2 if he’s going to preserve his stronghold on the job.
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