Canton, Ohio — Trey Lance reminded everyone why he was once the No. 3 overall pick, putting on an impressive display in the Los Angeles Chargers’ 34-7 victory over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game Thursday night. In his fifth NFL season and third team, Lance threw for 120 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Chargers to an authoritative preseason win.
“It was a big night for Trey,” said Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. “He stayed calm, controlled the offense, and threw the ball very well.”
The Chargers’ defense also made its mark early. On the game’s opening kickoff, the Chargers recovered a fumble on Detroit’s 28-yard line, turning the short field into a quick 7-0 lead. Lance’s precise 5-yard touchdown pass to Will Dissly on a fourth-and-2 situation capped off the fast start.
Lance looked sharp throughout the game, connecting with KeAndre Lambert-Smith on a 15-yard touchdown pass just before halftime, pushing the Chargers’ lead to 21-7.
While Lance was in control, Detroit’s offense had its struggles. Lions coach Dan Campbell opted to sit several of his stars, including quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery, meaning backup quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker took the reins. Allen was intercepted twice, the second leading to a short-field opportunity for the Chargers after a 60-yard pick-six from rookie cornerback Nikko Reed.
“The turnovers killed us,” Campbell reflected after the game. “Five turnovers and zero takeaways—it’s tough to get into any kind of rhythm that way. We can’t put the defense in that kind of position.”
Despite the rough performance, the Lions managed to get on the board after a 3-yard touchdown run by Craig Reynolds, making it 14-7. However, Detroit couldn’t keep pace as the Chargers answered with another touchdown before halftime.
In the second half, Detroit’s special teams woes continued. A dropped punt inside the 10-yard line led to another Chargers’ score, a 23-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker, making it 24-7. The Chargers capped the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run by Kimani Vidal late in the fourth quarter.
Lance, who has started just five games in his four-year career, reflected on his performance: “I feel good. Some good, some bad. I left some plays out there. But overall, it was a great experience, and I’m enjoying my time here. Every team is different, and it’s been fun to be part of this group.”
The Lions, who set a franchise record with 15 regular-season wins last year, are still looking to find their rhythm behind their backup quarterbacks. Allen, who struggled with two interceptions, finished 9 of 14, while Hooker also threw a pick in limited action.
Up next, the Chargers will face the New Orleans Saints on August 10, while the Lions will visit the Atlanta Falcons on August 8.
Before the game, a moment of silence was held to honor the four victims killed earlier this week in a shooting targeting the NFL’s headquarters in New York. Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that one employee who was injured in the attack is recovering well. There was increased security around Tom Benson Stadium and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village for the game.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023
This year’s Hall of Fame Class will be inducted on Saturday, with cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, tight end Antonio Gates, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe all set to receive their gold jackets.
Looking Ahead
- Chargers: Host the New Orleans Saints on August 10.
- Lions: Visit the Atlanta Falcons on August 8.
