Studs and Duds: Campbell, Houston Stand Out While Offense Struggles

Studs and duds from Detroit's 25-7 loss to Jacksonville.

The Detroit Lions' offense struggled mightily Saturday, in the Lions' 25-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

With plenty of starters sitting out, Detroit's offense sputtered, and struggled to move the ball behind its second-team offensive line. 

As a result, Jack Fox punted eight times. Though the defense had strong moments, it bent and eventually broke against Jacksonville's offensive attack.

Here are the studs and duds from Saturday's performance.  

STUD: LB James Houston

Houston had a strong showing Saturday. Known for his prowess in getting to the quarterback, the second-year defender did a little bit of everything. 

He recorded a sack in the third quarter. Additionally, he posted four tackles for loss. 

The Jackson State product was dominant in setting the edge, as well, using his quickness to evade blockers and prevent outside runs from breaking loose. 

He also collapsed the pocket with his rush, leading to John Cominsky's sack. 

Fellow linebacker Julian Okwara had a sack negated by an illegal- touching penalty. Had the play counted, it would've been his fourth sack of the preseason. 

DUD: QB Teddy Bridgewater

It was an underwhelming debut for the veteran, as he led the team to just one first down in six series. 

Bridgewater was under duress on many dropbacks, as Detroit's second-team offensive line struggled with Jacksonville's defensive front. He finished 5-for-11 for 34 yards, and he had a long of just 10 yards. 

The only possession he led that didn't end in a punt finished with a fumble on a mishandled handoff exchange. A defender bull-rushed Brad Cecil into the gap, causing the handoff to come loose. 

Backup Nate Sudfeld wasn't much better, as he threw an interception on his first series. His pass was high and away from his intended target, Chase Cota. 

Sudfeld led the team's lone scoring drive, culminating in a 1-yard throw to Cota. In total, the backup passer was 9-for-18 for 80 yards, with a score and an interception. 

STUD: LB Jack Campbell

The rookie once again looked comfortable in the middle of Detroit's defense. He led the team in tackles with seven. He set the tone with four tackles in the opening quarter. 

Campbell also held his own in coverage, including a time where he was out wide covering a running back. 

He has proven to be a solid and reliable player in his game reps throughout the preseason. On Saturday, he was all over the field, in what was a very strong effort. 

Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell / © David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

DUD: OT Matt Nelson

Nelson has been the Lions' swing tackle each of the last two seasons. However, his job may be in jeopardy, after two rough outings in the preseason. 

He was beaten for a sack on the game's first play from scrimmage Saturday, and struggled to hold his own on the edge, which led to Bridgewater being under pressure. 

Nelson allowed three pressures last week against New York, and likely will be around that number again after Saturday. With veteran Germain Ifedi also in the mix, this depth position is very much up for grabs. 

STUD: DE John Cominsky

Cominsky has been solid throughout the preseason, taking another strong step Saturday. The EDGE rusher had a sack and pass deflection against Jacksonville. 

He batted down a pass on fourth down in the first half, and also posted a sack on C.J. Beathard in the second quarter. 

The Lions are deep on the edge and at defensive end, so Cominsky will be a valuable depth piece. He earned the extension that he received this offseason, and appears to be on track to make a strong impact. 

Detroit Lions defensive lineman John Cominsky  / © David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

DUD: RB Jermar Jefferson

The running back competition is ongoing, and appears to be wide open. Unfortunately for the Lions, no one individual appeared to take a strong step toward claiming it. 

Craig Reynolds and Benny Snell were the most productive. Reynolds totaled 42 all-purpose yards, while Snell averaged a team-high five yards per carry. 

Jefferson, meanwhile, had just 16 rushing yards on six carries. He also had eight yards on two catches.