Detroit — The Detroit Lions' starting offense flashed its promise in the preseason opener, while the defense showed it has significant work to do before next month's season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
After both first-string offenses scored touchdowns, the Lions' and Atlanta Falcons' backups traded punches and leads through the remainder of Friday's exhibition contest at Ford Field. But it was the visitors who landed the knockout blow with a touchdown pass in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter to give the Falcons a 27-23 victory.
Taking the ball to start the game, Detroit's top offensive group put together a lengthy scoring drive, overcoming a mistake — a dropped pass by running back Jamaal Williams — that would have derailed the team more often than not a season ago.