Detroit — The Detroit Lions gave their starters the night off for the team’s fourth preseason game, Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns. The Lions’ backups, who were supposed to be fighting for roles and jobs, played with about as much effort, getting trounced by the Browns, 35-17.
A week ago, Detroit’s backups led an impressive comeback in Tampa Bay, but the group looked lifeless against Cleveland, allowing the Browns to score the game’s first 25 points.
The Lions continued their troubling preseason trend of struggling early on defense, allowing the Browns to score on the game’s opening possession.