DETROIT – Of course, these exhibition games are ultimately unimportant, but the Detroit Lions are satisfied after watching their reserves cap the preseason with two straight wins.
The Lions fell behind early, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields leading the Steelers, but then continued to add to the score when the field was even. Hendon Hooker continued to show his dynamic ability and made some strong runs in this game, gaining 93 yards on 10 attempts on the ground. The young quarterback played more than three quarters in this final preseason game and continues to be in the conversation for the QB2 with Nate Sudfeld. It hasn’t always been pretty or perfect, but Hooker continues to show gradual improvement through these valuable opportunities in game situations.
Jake Fromm, who hadn’t played at all before this game, got his chance late in the fourth quarter and the former Georgia quarterback took full advantage. Fromm completed six of eight passes for 89 yards and helped the Lions beat the Steelers in the final period, earning himself a chance to start somewhere else or on the practice squad in the area.
The Lions didn’t use many of their key players in this game, even linebacker Ben Niemann, cornerback Kindle Vildor and Sudfeld had the afternoon off. For those of you keeping score at home, there are now 15 days until the Lions open the regular season with Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. And even though this was the preseason, fans in Detroit were hungry for football, as over 51,000 fans were in attendance.
Below is a roundup of headlines and reactions from across the country, as well as a summary of MLive’s coverage so far:
Detroit Lions end preseason with two straight comeback wins: Live update recap – MLive
Steelers thoughts: Wilson seals QB competition, Herbig lights up Lions offense – PennLive
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields lead the Steelers’ TD drives in their 24-17 loss to the Lions in their final preseason game – Associated Press
Gerry Dulac: It was brief, but the Steelers saw everything they wanted from Russell Wilson and the starting offensive line – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Penei Sewell ‘good’ despite foot injury; timetable uncertain for other two – MLive
Instant Observations: Bubble players who helped the Lions win or hurt the squad’s chances – MLive
Pittsburgh Steelers suffer three more injuries in final preseason game against Lions – PennLive
What we learned from Saturday’s preseason games — NFL.com
Who will rise and who will fall after the Steelers’ final preseason game? – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Lions backup QB impresses fans with strong 4th quarter performance against Steelers – MLive
Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin announces timeline for naming starting quarterback – PennLive
Steelers notes: Nick Herbig proves to be ‘influential’ pass rusher – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
OK, NOW BREATHE — DK Pittsburgh Sports
