
First up: protection problems.
Detroit’s offensive line depth? Yeah, it needs work. According to Pro Football Focus, the Lions allowed 16 total pressures—and that’s with most of the starters sitting this one out. Quarterbacks were under fire almost every time they dropped back, which made it tough for anyone to find a rhythm. Adrian Martinez, especially, felt the heat, getting sacked and pressured on multiple snaps.
It wasn’t just pass protection, either. The run blocking wasn’t doing the backups any favors. The backs averaged just 3.1 yards per carry, and there were very few lanes to hit. Bottom line: this game was a reminder that if injuries hit the O-line in 2025, the depth might not be ready.
But there was one bright spot: Isaac TeSlaa.
The rookie wide receiver led all Lions in receiving yards and finished with a team-best 80.4 PFF receiving grade. He caught both of his targets, showed great hands in traffic, and made the kind of plays that get coaches and fans excited. For a guy who came in undrafted, TeSlaa’s stock is rising fast.
Also worth noting: linebacker Ben Niemann quietly had one of the better defensive showings. He led the team in tackles and showed off veteran instincts that could earn him a key depth role come September.
The stats might not erase the sting of a 27-point loss, but they do help us separate who’s stepping up—and who still has work to do.