5 Takeaways from Lions' 26-17 Preseason Win Over Panthers

Lions defeat Panthers in final preseason game.

In their final preseason game, the Detroit Lions relied on their reserves to secure a 26-17 win over the Carolina Panthers. 

It was a slow start, as Carolina rolled to a 10-0 lead behind two scoring drives from its starting offense. However, a pair of takeaways late in the first half and strong play by Teddy Bridgewater spurred a run of 20 unanswered points. 

The Lions finish the preseason 2-1. Here are five takeaways from Friday's win. 

Reynolds makes strong case for RB3

One of the most intriguing battles through training camp has been between those vying for Detroit's third-string running back job. Up until Friday, none of the available parties had made a strong claim at the job. 

Behind a solid performance by Detroit's reserve offensive line, Craig Reynolds made a solid case for the job going forward. 

The Kutztown College product rushed for 41 yards on 11 carries, including a 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. 

Bridgewater excels in second preseason start

After a debut that left many wanting more production, Bridgewater bounced back with a strong showing in his second preseason start. 

The veteran led back-to-back scoring drives in the second quarter, to tie the game at 10 apiece. He finished his day after a half, completing 13-of-22 passes for 178 yards and a 70-yard touchdown to Antoine Green.

The scoring pass to Green was a well-timed dagger concept, where he hit the rookie in stride. The receiver turned on the jets, and outran the Panthers' defense the final 50 yards for the go-ahead score late in the first half. 

Nate Sudfeld suffered an injury on his first series of the second half, and was carted to the locker room upon reaching the sideline. As a result, undrafted rookie Adrian Martinez played the remainder of the game.

Detroit Lions QB Teddy Bridgewater and WR Antoine Green / © Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Drummond, Green outshine Cota

Both Dylan Drummond and Chase Cota have made strong cases to make the Lions' roster as undrafted free agents. Through two games, each was competing hard to be among the final players to make the roster. 

On Friday, the competition belonged to Drummond. The Eastern Michigan product, who didn't ink a contract with the team until after rookie minicamp, hauled in five passes for 46 yards. 

Among his receptions was a nifty diving grab to convert a third down in the second quarter, which saw him fully extend for a pass near the sideline. Additionally, he fought through contact to secure a contested grab late in the first half. 

The Lions had been waiting for Green to showcase his potential consistently throughout camp. His best abilities were on full display Friday, as he hauled in three passes for 97 yards and a score.

Cota, meanwhile, had two pivotal drops, including one in the end zone. The Oregon receiver did have two solid downfield grabs, and finished with three catches for 42 yards.

Mr. Antoine Green #OnePride pic.twitter.com/mgCMNMQar9

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) August 26, 2023

Lucas, Dorsey, Gilmore force turnovers

The Lions have roster spots available in the secondary. Khalil Dorsey and Chase Lucas both made valiant efforts to claim them as the preseason drew to a close. 

The two forced takeaways on back-to-back defensive plays. First, Lucas secured a diving interception in the end zone to thwart Carolina's scoring chances. 

After the Lions scored, Dorsey forced a fumble on Carolina's next offensive play. Detroit turned the takeaway into three points before the end of the half. 

Steven Gilmore had a big day, highlighted by a fourth-quarter pick-six. He also broke up back-to-back passes in the third quarter, and leveled a receiver in the second.

Injury bug bites Lions

In the third quarter, several Lions spent time with trainers on the sideline. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld was carted to the locker room, while Dorsey, Green, Isaiah Buggs and Julian Okwara all were looked at. 

Dorsey and Green both returned to the game in the fourth quarter, while Buggs and Okwara did not.