The Detroit Lions wrapped up their first preseason game on Thursday, falling to the Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 16-14.
There shouldn't be any panic about Detroit dropping this game, as Dan Campbell's squad didn't play most of its starters and the contest was mostly to see how the team's depth pieces would look in real NFL action. Campbell stated earlier this week that the Lions' starters should see the field next week at home against the Washington Commanders.
Not much has changed for the Lions when it comes to who will be their starters come Week 1, but let's still go over who will fill each position for Detroit after the preseason opener.
Lions' Starting Offense
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Quarterback:Jared Goff
Running Back:Jahmyr Gibbs
Wide Receiver:Jameson Williams
Wide Receiver: Isaac TeSlaa
Slot Receiver:Amon-Ra St. Brown
Left Tackle: Penei Sewell
Left Guard: Christian Mahogany
Center: Juice Scruggs
Right Guard: Tate Ratledge
Right Tackle: Blake Miller
Much of the offense is pretty self-explanatory, but there are some positions of intrigue. Mahogany has basically run away with the left guard job. It was a competition early in camp, but it would be shocking if the former Day 3 pick lost it at this point.
Once Scruggs returns from his soft tissue injury, he should beat out Seth McLaughlin for the center spot with Cade Mays out for a while with a wrist injury. McLaughlin posted a solid outing in Thursday's loss to the Bengals, but Scruggs has more starting experience and is the overall better option for Drew Petzing's offense.
Miller looked better than expected in his debut against Cincinnati and should beat out Larry Borom for the right tackle gig.
Lions' Starting Defense
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EDGE:Aidan Hutchinson
EDGE: D.J. Wonnum
Big End: Tyler Lacy
Defensive Tackle: Alim McNeill
Defensive Tackle: Tyleik Williams
Mike Linebacker: Jack Campbell
Will Linebacker: Devin White
Sam Linebacker: Derrick Barnes
Cornerback: D.J. Reed
Cornerback: Nick Whiteside
Nickel: Christian Izien
Safety: Chuck Clark
Safety: Avonte Maddox
There is a lot more to discuss with the defense than the offense. At edge rusher, rookie Derrick Moore should take the job from Wonnum at some point, but I have the veteran as the Week 1 starter. Lacy has had a nice camp and should serve as the big end.
McNeill and Williams at defensive tackle are expected, but then linebacker has a major twist nobody saw coming a few weeks ago. Alongside Jack Campbell, I have White as the starter at Will Linebacker. The former Las Vegas Raider has been a perfect fit on Kelvin Sheppard's defense with his tenacity, though White's coverage weaknesses are a bit concerning. Barnes should also return as a starter at the strongside spot.
In the secondary, I have camp darling Whiteside beating out Rock Ya-Sin for the No. 2 boundary spot opposite Reed. Whiteside has been phenomenal in camp, snagging interceptions every week and playing with physicality. Izien has also had a strong camp and should beat out Roger McCreary for the nickel role.
With Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph still rehabbing injuries, the Lions should lean on the experience of Clark and Maddox to carry them to start the year until their Pro Bowl duo is back.
Lions' Specialists
Kicker: Jake Bates
Punter: Jack Fox
Long Snapper: Hogan Hatten
Punt Returner: Greg Dortch
Kick Returner: Jacob Saylors
Not much to add here. Bates, Fox, and Hatten return, while Dortch and Saylors take over return duties. Saylors was the Lions' offensive MVP in Thursday night's loss to the Bengals and is on track to make the roster.
