Game Overview
CANTON, Ohio — Trey Lance showcased his skills with the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, playing a pivotal role in their 34-7 victory over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame game that marked the start of the NFL preseason.
Pre-game Tributes
Prior to kickoff, a moment of silence was held to honor the four victims of a tragic shooting earlier in the week, where a gunman targeted the league’s New York headquarters. One league employee was also injured in the incident. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shared that he visited the recovering employee for an hour on Wednesday, expressing optimism about his condition.
Heightened security measures were visible around Tom Benson Stadium and the Pro Football Hall of Fame village during the event.
Lions Sit Star Players
Detroit’s formidable offense, featuring stars such as Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery, did not participate in the game. Coach Dan Campbell also opted to rest the team’s top two draft picks after the Lions made a strong playoff run last season, winning a franchise-record 15 games.
Chargers’ Strategy
Los Angeles coach Jim Harbaugh chose to rest many starters, including Justin Herbert. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton, a first-round selection, had limited action, carrying the ball twice for a total of 9 yards.
The Chargers capitalized quickly on a fumble recovery during the opening kickoff at the Lions’ 28-yard line, converting it into an early 7-0 lead. Lance displayed his prowess with a precision touch pass on fourth-and-2, connecting with Will Dissly for a 5-yard touchdown.
Key Plays and Scoring
An interception by undrafted rookie cornerback Nikko Reed allowed the Chargers to extend their lead to 14-0 as he returned Kyle Allen’s sideline pass 60 yards, leading to a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Kimani Vidal.
Despite Allen’s efforts to bring Detroit back, including a touchdown run by Craig Reynolds, Lance kept pushing forward. He threw a 19-yard completion to Tucker Fisk followed by a 15-yard touchdown pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith, ending the first half with a 21-7 advantage for Los Angeles.
Lance’s Journey
Once the third overall pick in the draft, Lance has started only five games in his NFL career. After two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played in just 19 games, he moved to the Chargers to compete for the backup position. He completed 13 of 20 passes before being succeeded by rookie DJ Uiagalelei.
Lions’ Struggles
Meanwhile, Allen and Hendon Hooker are in a competition for the Lions’ backup quarterback role. Allen’s performance included 9 completions on 14 attempts but came with two interceptions, while Hooker has had limited opportunities in his first two seasons.
Second Half Developments
The Chargers took advantage of Detroit’s mishandling of special teams, recovering a dropped punt inside the 10-yard line. They managed to convert this short field into a 23-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker. Los Angeles rounded out their scoring with another touchdown by Vidal in the fourth quarter.
Hutchinson Looks Ahead
After the game, Lions defensive star Aidan Hutchinson expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, specifically citing the Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Hutchinson, who had 7.5 sacks in five games last year before sustaining a leg injury, also took time before the game to sign autographs for fans.
Next Up
- Chargers: Host the New Orleans Saints on August 10.
- Lions: Visit the Atlanta Falcons on August 8.
Induction Ceremony
This weekend, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will welcome four new members: cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, tight end Antonio Gates, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe.
