DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Friday Night Lights took place on I-94 as Detroit opened up the 2022 preseason hosting the Atlanta Falcons. With excitement coming into the game from the debut of HBO’s Hard Knocks on the Lions, Detroit didn’t disappoint as they looked aggressive and ready to play.

The first team was in just one drive in the 27-23 loss as they were neck-to-neck the entire game tied after each quarter headed into the fourth. It was a 7-7 tie in the first, 17-17 at halftime, 20-20 after the third but then Atlanta found the endzone in the fourth to Detroit’s field goal. Detroit produced 393 yards of total offense through three quarterbacks, seven running backs, and 13 wide receivers.

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Jared Goff had the opening drive going 3-of-4 for 47 yards in his only action of the night. Tim Boyle was 9-of-16 for 11 yards and one touchdown while David Blough went 18-of-28 for 141 yards. Tom Kennedy was the top receiver with eight catches for 104 yards. Devin Funchess, a University of Michigan product, had the only receiving touchdown.

“We got a lot of good looks at our guys and a lot of situational football which was good. I wish we would have finished it out the right way but we didn’t. It was good to get a good look at our guys,” says head coach Dan Campbell.

A surprise in the first game to play was first-string quarterback Goff. He played just one series with three completions but took the notion to play and not sit out like other NFL quarterbacks have done in the preseason. He led a 10-play, 79-yard drive that finished with a nine-yard D’Andre Swift touchdown.

“I’ll say this about Goff, I was proud of him. We really didn’t intend on playing him. He was the one who came to my office and said I want to play. I said you aren’t playing and he said if the other first-team guys are playing I’m playing and I said ok you’re playing,” said Campbell.

In their first NFL game, the rookies had their chances to show why they were drafted by the Lions. Aidan Hutchinson had a tackle and one for a loss while Kerby Joseph came away with six tackles. James Houston had one tackle and undrafted wide receiver Kalil Pimpleton had a seven-yard catch on a 4th and three play. Jameson Williams, Josh Paschal and James Mitchell didn’t play.

Detroit will next play on August 20 at 1:00 p.m. at Indianapolis.