4 Biggest Concerns Facing Lions After Preseason

Reviewing what could hold the Lions back ahead of the 2023 regular season.

The next time the Detroit Lions suit up for a game, it will be in front of a nationwide audience. 

Dan Campbell's team has concluded its preseason slate with a 2-1 record. However, many of the starters didn't play a single snap during the process. 

With Jared Goff and company sidelined, the Lions showcased their depth and allowed many position battles to play out on the field. 

As the preseason comes to an end, here are four concerns facing the Lions ahead of the 2023 regular season. 

Kicking game

Campbell has struggled to find consistent kicking for the entirety of his two-year tenure as head coach. In the regular season, the Lions have played seven kickers throughout the last two campaigns. 

In training camp, the Lions evaluated Riley Patterson and Parker Romo. Patterson, who kicked for the Lions for seven games in 2021 and was brought back this offseason via trade, appears to have won the job. 

Yet, he struggled Friday. He missed a 53-yard field goal short off the middle crossbar and later pushed an extra point wide of the uprights. 

This is cause for concern given the state of the Lions' kicking game over the past two seasons. Campbell expressed confidence in Patterson after Friday's game, but he could be on a short leash when the regular season opens. 

Detroit has high expectations in 2023 and cannot let inefficient kicking hold them back. 

Offensive line depth

The Lions' current starting five have been on roster together for the last two seasons. In that span, though, they have yet to play a single snap together. 

That should change barring an injury in the days leading up to the opener, but it's a clear sign that reliable depth is needed. When the Lions' first two preseason games featured less than stellar performances up front, it raised concerns. 

Matt Nelson has been reliable as an extra offensive linemen in two seasons with the Lions, but he struggled at points in the preseason. The story was similar for Germain Ifedi, another tackle who came to Detroit in the offseason. 

Graham Glasgow and Halapoulivaati Vaitai have been competing throughout camp for the starting right guard job, with the loser set to provide important and reliable depth. 

This depth will be paramount for stretches in the season. As a consequence, the Lions will have to make sure they have plenty of options they can count on. 

Who becomes deep threat WR?

With Jameson Williams suspended for the first six games, the Lions will be missing a copious amount of speed. Though the receiver has struggled in limited reps, there's no questioning the impact his speed brings to the downfield passing game. 

The Lions will have to find a replacement to fill this void. Keeping the defense honest is pivotal in Ben Johnson's play-action scheme, so the offense must threaten with big plays to keep the defense from loading up against the run. 

Marvin Jones and Kalif Raymond could be candidates with Amon-Ra St. Brown providing his always steady skill in the short game. 

Rookie Antoine Green also provided a strong showing in the preseason. With the room not being deep, the North Carolina product could factor into the offensive equation early on. 

Can Bridgewater still deliver?

Teddy Bridgewater's resume makes him one of the league's best quarterbacks. The Louisville product is a superb leader and excellent conductor of an offense. 

However, his performance has dipped in recent opportunities as a starter. Last season with Miami, he was 0-2 as the team's starter and threw as many interceptions (four) as touchdowns. One appearance against the New York Jets only lasted a single snap, as the league implemented new concussion protocols. 

His completion percentage dropped to 62% from 66% the year prior. In his last three seasons, Bridgewater is 11-20 as a starter. 

This season marks the fourth since his magical 5-0 run after stepping in for an injured Drew Brees in New Orleans. Now in his 10th professional season, Bridgewater will have to deliver should he be called upon in case of an injury to Jared Goff.