Studs and Duds for Lions preseason loss to the Giants

Undrafted out of William & Mary, Lynn was eager to take the next step toward securing a roster spot. After his performance against the Giants, he’s definitely on the radar. Lynn made a strong impression, consistently outmaneuvering the Giants’ offensive tackles with his speed and agility, and finding his way to the quarterback multiple times. He capped off the game with two tackles for loss, including a sack. If Lynn keeps up this level of play, it will be difficult for the Lions to leave him off the roster.

It was a disappointing day for the Lions’ backup quarterback situation. Despite a strong camp that had positioned him as the frontrunner for the QB2 spot over Hendon Hooker, Sudfeld’s performance against the Giants did not reflect his earlier success. He took unnecessary sacks and frequently overthrew his receivers, struggling to find his rhythm.

The offense sputtered under his leadership, and Sudfeld appeared unsettled and uncomfortable, far from the poised presence the team needed. While the weather may have played a role, it doesn’t excuse the fact that Sudfeld looked overwhelmed and out of sorts.

On the other hand, Lions fans finally got a glimpse of Hendon Hooker in live action, and they weren’t disappointed. Even in his limited time on the field, Hooker’s athleticism was evident as he fluidly moved the pocket or took off to gain yards with his legs. He finished the game with 36 passing yards and led the team with 34 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat ability.

Hooker also displayed his toughness, lowering his shoulder to take on a defender during one of his runs. Unfortunately, his night was cut short due to a concussion. Hopefully, he’ll be able to suit up next game, as he showed promise in effectively commanding the offense.

Safety depth was a major concern heading into the season, and fans got a firsthand look at what lies behind starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a promising display for undrafted free agent Morice Norris. He struggled mightily, most notably on an Eric Gray rushing touchdown where Norris was left spinning as Gray breezed past him to the end zone.

Later, he allowed a catch that nearly resulted in another touchdown. For the Fresno State product, it was a tough outing at a time when roster spots are highly competitive.

There must have been something special in the air for the undrafted edge rushers, because they were on fire. Like Lynn, Ukwu made his presence felt in the backfield throughout the game. He consistently got the better of the offensive tackles, either getting to the quarterback himself or creating enough pressure for his teammates to finish the job.

While his stats may seem modest with just a single sack, it was Ukwu’s relentless effort and gritty work that stood out—something the coaching staff is sure to have noticed.

With only a few receiver spots left up for grabs, strong special teams play was crucial in making a case for the roster, but Alexander didn’t do himself any favors in that department. The weather wreaked havoc on the game, and Alexander struggled, muffing the first punt and nearly losing control of the second, only to be saved by a ruling that he was down. It was an uncharacteristic performance from a player known for his return skills. Hopefully, this was just a fluke, and Alexander can bounce back—otherwise, he risks being passed over.