Detroit Lions Final Preseason Takeaways vs. Houston Texans
The Detroit Lions wrapped up their preseason slate with a resounding thud, falling 26-7 to the Houston Texans at Ford Field. While preseason results don’t dictate regular season success, Saturday’s performance left plenty of questions about the depth chart heading into roster cuts.
Kyle Allen Solidifies Backup Role
If there was any doubt about who would back up Jared Goff this season, Kyle Allen put those concerns to rest. The veteran signal-caller looked every bit the polished professional, completing all five of his pass attempts for 66 yards and a touchdown. His 158.3 passer rating wasn’t just window dressing either.
Allen’s touchdown drive was a thing of beauty. Operating with precision and pocket awareness, he methodically moved the Lions 85 yards down the field, capping the drive with a perfectly placed 33-yard strike to Isaac TeSlaa. The connection showcased Allen’s ability to read defenses and deliver accurate passes under pressure.
What impressed most wasn’t the flashy numbers, but Allen’s command of the offense. He looked comfortable calling protections, adjusting routes, and finding his checkdowns when needed. For a backup quarterback role, that’s exactly what you want to see.
TeSlaa’s Preseason Dominance Continues
Speaking of impressive performances, Isaac TeSlaa has been the story of Detroit’s preseason. The third-round draft pick notched his third consecutive preseason touchdown, this time hauling in that beautiful ball from Allen for 33 yards.
TeSlaa’s celebration afterward, breaking out “the worm” dance, showed the confidence of a player who knows he’s made the roster. His 6’4″ frame and reliable hands have been on full display throughout training camp, and Saturday was no different. The rookie has that rare combination of size and sure hands that makes quarterbacks trust him in crucial situations.
With the Lions’ receiving corps already crowded, TeSlaa’s consistent production has likely earned him a spot on the 53-man roster. His ability to win contested catches and create separation has been evident in every preseason appearance.
Defensive Struggles Raise Concerns for Lions
While the offense had its bright spots early, Detroit’s defense looked overwhelmed for much of the afternoon. The Texans’ third-string quarterback Graham Mertz carved up the Lions’ secondary with surgical precision, connecting with receivers like Cornell Powell, Xavier Hutchinson and Jayden Higgins at will.
The most frustrating moment came when Mertz found former Lion Quintez Cephus for a six-yard touchdown. Watching a player you released score against you never sits well, but it highlighted the defensive breakdowns that plagued Detroit throughout the first half.
Running back Woody Marks also found the end zone with surprising ease, knifing through Detroit’s defensive front for a nine-yard score. Keith Cooper’s missed tackle in the backfield was particularly glaring, the kind of fundamental breakdown that coaches hate to see in any game, preseason or otherwise.
The Texans outgained Detroit 212-110 in the first half and controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. While it’s just preseason, the lack of resistance from Detroit’s depth players was concerning.
Hendon Hooker’s Struggles Continue
If there was a position battle to watch entering Saturday’s game, it was the competition for the third quarterback spot. Unfortunately for Hendon Hooker, his performance likely sealed his fate in Detroit.
The former Tennessee standout has struggled throughout the preseason to generate consistent offense, and Saturday was more of the same. His most damaging play came after the Lions defense had generated a crucial interception. Rather than capitalize on the turnover, Hooker immediately threw the ball right back to Houston, floating a pass directly into the arms of Texans cornerback Jalen Mills.
Hooker’s inability to protect the football has been a recurring theme. While he showed flashes of mobility with a 25-yard scramble in the fourth quarter, those moments were overshadowed by poor decision-making and inaccurate throws. His tendency to run himself into sacks, rather than throwing the ball away or finding an open receiver, suggests he’s not quite ready for NFL-level decision-making.
Special Teams Bright Spots
Not everything was doom and gloom for Detroit. Grant Stuard provided an early spark with a 44-yard kickoff return that set up the Lions’ lone touchdown drive. The linebacker’s vision and acceleration through traffic were impressive, showing he could be a valuable special teams contributor.
Jackson Meeks also had his moments on coverage, nearly pinning the Texans inside the five-yard line with excellent downfield pursuit. These small victories matter when competing for roster spots.
Looking Ahead to Roster Cuts
With the preseason now in the rearview mirror, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell face some difficult decisions. The wide receiver battle that has dominated training camp headlines appears settled, with TeSlaa’s consistent production likely earning him a spot.
The quarterback situation seems clearer as well. Allen has shown he can manage games and make plays when needed, while Hooker’s struggles suggest he might be headed for the practice squad or released entirely.
Defensively, the lack of depth behind the starters is concerning. While starters like Aidan Hutchinson and Alex Anzalone didn’t see action, the reserves struggled to generate pressure or coverage. That could force Detroit to be more active on the waiver wire or make some tough decisions about veteran players.
The Lions have built something special over the past few seasons, but depth will be crucial for another playoff run. Saturday’s performance showed there’s still work to be done in that department. The good news? They have until Tuesday’s roster deadline to figure it out.
