Fansided

NFL preseason 2015: Lions beat up on Jets, 23-3

By Matt Verderame

Sep 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

On Thursday night, the Detroit Lions got the 2015 NFL preseason off to a good start by pummeling the New York Jets, 23-3, at Ford Field. The starting offense only stayed on the field for one drive but things were clicking right away, with a 71-yard drive capped off by a 35-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Golden Tate.

Next: NFL 2015: X-Factors for all 32 NFL teams

The Jets closed the gap to 7-3 on a 34-yard Nick Folk field goal following a 10-play, 41-yard drive by Ryan Fitzpatrick, but the defense allowed a touchdown on the following drive with Kellen Moore at the controls. The key play was a 51-yard run by rookie running back Ameer Abdullah. From there, the offenses went into hibernation, with the Lions only able to muster three field goals.

Three Stars

1. Greg Salas

Salas is trying to earn a spot on Detroit’s roster ans certainly made a nice impression on Thursday. Salas was able to haul in five passes for 92 yards and a touchdown, perhaps giving himself a chance to earn increased repetitions next week.

2. Ameer Abdullah

Abdullah is hoping to get the starting role away from Joique Bell, and if he can continue to play as he did against the Jets, that should not be a problem. Abdullah showed power and burst, able to cut through a supposedly top-notch defense for 67 yards on seven carries.

3. Joe Mays

The Jets inside linebacker consistently flashed throughout the game, making a game-high eight tackles. Mays was brought in during the free-agency period by general manager Mike Maccagnan, after Mays spend last season with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Injuries

New York tight end Jace Amaro sustained a shoulder injury and did not return to action.

Odds

Coming into the game, the Lions were favored by 3.5 points. Detroit covered the spread.

Next Week

The Lions play the Washington Redskins on the road Thursday night while the Jets welcome the Atlanta Falcons to MetLife Stadium on Friday evening.

Home/Detroit Lions