The first preseason game of the year is rarely an indicator of an NFL team’s regular-season fortune. The Detroit Lions had better hope that holds true after their listless performance on Thursday.
The Lions were held to 93 total yards of offense in offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s team debut, losing 31-3 to the New England Patriots. They surrendered nine sacks.
The Lions played without many of their starting players on offense, including quarterback Matthew Stafford, receivers Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones and running back Kerryon Johnson. Tom Savage started under center and finished just two for three throwing before leaving with an injury in the first quarter.