The Lions fall 34-7 to the Chargers in the Aug. 3 Hall of Fame Game, but bright spots from Craig Reynolds offer hope. Get the full player breakdown.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Let's not sugarcoat it: a 34-7 thumping at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers is a rough way to kick off the 2025 preseason. The Hall of Fame Game was a showcase of offensive struggles and defensive lapses for Detroit. But for savvy Lions fans, the preseason is less about the final score and more about the individual battles that forge a roster. And beneath the lopsided score, several key players began to make their case, offering hope that the real story of this team is still being written in the trenches of training camp.
A 34-7 loss is never the goal, but in the preseason, finding players who can fight through adversity and make a name for themselves? That's a win every time.
The game itself was largely one-sided. The Chargers, led by two first-quarter touchdown passes from Trey Lance, jumped out to a 14-0 lead and never looked back. The Lions' offense sputtered, struggling with turnovers and failing to sustain drives. The team's only points came on a hard-fought 3-yard touchdown run by Craig Reynolds in the second quarter. To add injury to insult, veteran offensive lineman Dan Skipper went down with an ankle injury. Coach Dan Campbell confirmed Sunday that Skipper will be 'down for about a week,' a minor setback but a blow to the team's offensive line depth.
Even on a day where the offense struggled, the Lions' stars continued to shine in practice. Amon-Ra St. Brown put on a clinic during Sunday's camp session, hauling in two spectacular sideline catches that reminded everyone why he's the undisputed top target. His elite route-running and reliable hands are already in mid-season form. Meanwhile, in the game itself, rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa made a strong case for a roster spot. Despite the team's overall struggles, TeSlaa was one of a handful of players who stood out, making crucial plays and showcasing his potential to contribute.
Perhaps the most encouraging sign of the weekend came from the defensive backfield. After struggling with consistency last season, the unit had a fantastic Day 9 of training camp, with defensive backs flying to the ball, breaking up passes, and displaying vastly improved communication. This progress translated to the field in Canton, where first-round pick Terrion Arnold had a standout performance. The rookie defensive back looked comfortable and disruptive, solidifying his case for a significant role early in the season. The combination of camp dominance and game-day readiness is a promising sign for the Lions' defense.
Beyond the box score, the preseason opener served its primary purpose: clarifying roster battles. As Coach Campbell noted, this upcoming week is critical for evaluation. Performances from players like Arnold and TeSlaa will heavily influence the final 53-man roster. Meanwhile, the rumor mill keeps churning, with media roundtables speculating on everything from a blockbuster trade for Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons to which NFC North rival is destined for the basement. While a Parsons trade is pure speculation, the discussion around breakout candidates like Sam LaPorta and Terrion Arnold feels much more grounded in the reality of what we're seeing in Allen Park.
The taste of a 34-7 loss is bitter, but it's a footnote in the larger story of building a championship contender. The real headlines from this weekend are written in the development of young talent like Terrion Arnold and Isaac TeSlaa, and the continued excellence of stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown. As the Lions regroup from the game and nurse minor injuries like Dan Skipper's, the focus shifts back to the practice field. The battles for roster spots are heating up, and the next few weeks will determine who has the grit to wear the Honolulu Blue and Silver this fall.
