Detroit Lions Embarrassed in Preseason Opener
The Detroit Lions kicked off their 2025 preseason with a game they’d likely rather forget. On Thursday, July 31, the team fell hard to the Los Angeles Chargers, suffering a lopsided 34-7 defeat in the nationally televised Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
Not only did the loss reveal glaring weaknesses in the Lions’ depth chart — particularly at the No. 2 quarterback position — but it also came in front of a massive national audience, as it was the first preseason game of the year.
And no one was more disappointed than head coach Dan Campbell, who didn’t hold back in his post-game comments.
Dan Campbell Calls Out Team After Brutal Loss
Speaking candidly after the game, Campbell was visibly frustrated by his team’s lackluster performance.
“You want to win the game, you also want to play really well, and we didn’t do that,” he said bluntly. “I would expect us to play much better next week.”
Campbell didn’t stop there. He was particularly harsh about the five turnovers the Lions committed — three interceptions and two lost fumbles — noting the importance of ball security, especially for players hoping to earn a roster spot.
“We turned it over five times, and we didn’t get any takeaways,” he said. “You’re wearing Lions gear, you’ve got to take care of the ball, or it’s going to be hard to keep you around.”
Campbell also sent a clear message to the players:
“The message is, when you get an opportunity to make your plays, you’ve got to make your plays. We have to get significantly better. We’ve got to coach them better, and they’ve got to play better.”
Why the Lions Lost: Poor Execution and Costly Mistakes
According to analysts Garrett Podell and Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, the reason for the Lions’ loss was simple:
“Los Angeles took care of the football, and Detroit didn’t — plain and simple.”
Chargers quarterback Trey Lance played a composed, efficient game, while Lions signal-caller Nate Allen looked unprepared and overwhelmed for much of the night. That difference in poise led to a steady stream of mistakes from Detroit’s offense.
The Lions were also adjusting to a new offensive coordinator, John Morton, after three seasons under high-powered play-caller Ben Johnson. Growing pains were evident, and offensive rhythm was nonexistent.
The Play That Set the Tone
The game’s momentum shifted almost immediately. After the Lions fumbled the opening kickoff, Lance capitalized with a picture-perfect play-action touchdown pass to tight end Will Dissly on the opening drive. That single play established a tone that the Lions never recovered from.
“The Chargers could have bungled away their early momentum,” CBS Sports noted, “but instead Lance calmly executed a perfect toss… That play set the tone for what was to come.”
Looking Ahead: August 8 vs. Falcons
With their next preseason matchup scheduled for August 8 against the Atlanta Falcons, the pressure is now on the Lions’ coaching staff and second-string players to rebound and respond.
Campbell’s challenge was loud and clear: perform or be replaced.
