The Los Angeles Chargers kicked off their preseason in emphatic fashion, dismantling the Detroit Lions 34-7 in the NFL’s Hall of Fame Game. Their dominant display, highlighted by a stifling defense and a composed offensive effort, gave fans a strong early glimpse of their potential. Most notably, quarterback Trey Lance made a compelling case for the No. 2 spot behind Justin Herbert with an efficient and confident performance.
This annual exhibition match, which coincides with Hall of Fame induction festivities, may not carry regular-season weight, but the Chargers left no doubt about their sharpness and preparation. Their defense forced a staggering five turnovers, directly contributing 17 points to the scoreboard—a sign of their opportunistic mentality.
Lance Leads the Charge in Preseason Debut
Taking the reins for most of the game, Trey Lance played with poise and precision. The 2021 third overall pick completed 13 of 20 pass attempts for 120 yards and found the end zone twice. His ability to stretch the field was on full display, particularly with a 28-yard dart to KeAndre Lambert-Smith that showcased both his arm strength and timing.
In a head-to-head preseason test with Kyle Allen, Lance emerged as the clear standout. His command of the offense and improved accuracy have likely boosted his stock in the Chargers’ quarterback room.
Defensive Stars and New Faces Shine
Los Angeles’ defense and special teams were relentless, setting the tone early and keeping Detroit on their heels throughout. Rookie cornerback Nikko Reed, an undrafted gem, grabbed attention with a smartly executed interception, while Lambert-Smith’s polished route running and sure hands led to a highlight-reel touchdown.
Detroit Struggles at Quarterback But Finds Some Hope
With Jared Goff sitting out, Kyle Allen started under center for the Lions and struggled to find his rhythm. He threw two interceptions in the first quarter alone and ended the night completing 9-of-14 passes for 91 yards—an outing that raised further questions about Detroit’s quarterback depth.
Despite the poor team performance, a pair of rookie receivers provided a glimmer of hope. Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett combined for 77 yards on seven receptions, giving head coach Dan Campbell some positive takeaways amid a tough loss.
What’s Next
The Chargers, now 1-0 in preseason action, will head back to Los Angeles to prepare for an August 10 clash with the New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, the Lions, 0-1, look to regroup before facing the Atlanta Falcons on the road.
