With the Lions’ first preseason game scheduled against the New York Giants, the first unofficial depth chart of the team has been released after two weeks of practice. These joint sessions with the Giants have created the readiness to shift from practice to actual gameplay. Contrasting with starters many of whom will be resting, the game is a chance that the backup or fringe individuals will show their value. Here are four position battles that are critical to tonight’s match you cannot afford to miss.
Table of Contents
This game writes the script for the battle for Wide Receiver spots 4 and 5
The Lions’ top three wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond are already confirmed while the remaining candidates are several. This brings us to Donovan Peoples-Jones; he has gained a lot of interest since joining the team but has more to do to fight for his stripes. Dan Campbell has been on the receiving end and has insisted that Peoples-Jones must deliver during preseason.
An intriguing note about the backup battle is that Daurice Fountain seems to have locked up the fourth receiver spot due to his practices, including the ones in which he demonstrated good hands and body control. He is supposed to keep the position if he performs well against the Giants as he has been doing.
The battle for the last slot in the receiver position is stiff with Tom Kennedy, Isaiah Williams, Antoine Green, Maurice Alexander, and Smith Tre’Quan showing interest. Of these, Tre’Quan Smith and Isaiah Williams look to be the most promising, although tonight they need to make some very good plays to strengthen their claims.
A Possibility Analysis of the Position At Cornerback for the Lions again emphasized the Depth
Unfortunately, due to the questions regarding Emmanuel Moseley’s status, the depth of the Lion’s secondary is largely in doubt. Missouri’s rookie Ennis Rakestraw also delivered a playing style that looks like the approach of Moseley to the game. Rakestraw will probably get chances to play in the central and a peripheral position tonight.
Another significant signee is DB Amik Robertson, who should take the field shortly, probably, starting in the slot for a series or two. Some of the other competitors in the play include Khalil Dorsey, Steven Gilmore, and Kindle Vildor. Vildor has had a slightly better summer training, but more game time may indicate that Gilmore could do better than last season’s training camp performance. Indeed, the performance he gives tonight will determine a lot.
Excessive rivalry for the fourth safety post
Only remaining for the fourth safety position is important for the Lions. The front six is headed by Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu returns as a slot or an overhang.
The depth behind these three is imperative, especially with the return of Branch from a particular snapped Muscle. The contenders are Brandon Joseph, C. J. Moore, Morice Norris, Chelen Garnes, and Loren Strickland. Of them, Morice Norris is worth mentioning. Fresno State UDFA, Norris’s strong suit is offered in his aggressive play style that involves some hits. His performance at practice this week, where a clip went viral of him making plays close to the LoS and big hits was eye-opening. Some of his coverage skills especially against the Giants will be under observation.
The four-enemy formation possibly means the Lions will carry four running backs.
The Lions last year had only taken three running backs to their team, but this time as they have taken Sione Vaki, who is an NFL Draft 2024, they will most probably be taking four running backs. Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki particularly have to give their best this preseason to make it to the roster as head coach Dan Campbell stresses that players have to earn their roster spots.
Other players to consider are Zonovan Knight, Jermar Jefferson, and Jake Funk. What is noteworthy is that these players are expected to either be waived or placed on the practice squad; however, excellent preseason displays can make things even tougher for Campbell and the General Manager Brad Holmes. The first game tonight will play a role when it comes to deciding the final form that the roster will take.
Conclusion
This preseason football game against the New York Giants is one of the best chances for the Detroit Lions to assess their reserves and possible cuts. As this game will be crucial for deciding who will make the team, the viewers can expect on crucial battles for wide receiver, cornerback, safety, and running back. An indicator of team preparations is the scrimmage performances that are used to form the lineup when the Lions get into game-like mode.
More on the Detroit Lions of the NFL My dear friends, Wait and see more newsletters concerning the performance of the Detroit Lions as they go through the preseason.
