The most overused term returned on Thursday night—FOOTBALL IS BACK! It was but in the form of the Hall of Fame game.
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Detroit Lions 34-7 in the much anticipated match up because it showed— FOOTBALL IS BACK!
No Justin Herbert for the Chargers and no Jared Goff for the Lions but that doesn’t mean there weren’t any players who stood out.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh always says “competitors welcome,” so there could be an undrafted free agent that could push to make a spot.
Three players who stood out:
1. Nikko Reed, CB
Reed has been turning heads throughout training camp. The undrafted free agent out of Oregon has consistently made plays, including multiple turnovers during practices.
On Thursday night, America finally saw what the coaching staff has seen all camp. Late in the first quarter, the Lions faced a 3rd-and-6 when quarterback Kyle Allen targeted Tom Kennedy. Reed read the play perfectly, jumped the route, and intercepted the pass. He returned it 60 yards—just six yards short of a pick-six.
Safety Derwin James was seen celebrating the play on the sideline alongside defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Reed wasn’t done. He made a tackle on the ensuing kickoff and broke up a pass on the opening drive of the game.
If Reed continues performing at this level—through 11 practices and now one preseason game—the coaching staff will have to seriously consider him for a spot on the 53-man roster.
2. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR
The other standout from camp has been rookie fifth-round pick KeAndre Lambert-Smith out of Auburn.
On the second drive of the game, Trey Lance dropped back and launched a pass toward the sideline. Lambert-Smith tracked it over his shoulder and hauled in the 28-yard gain.
Later, just before halftime, the Chargers faced 3rd-and-6 on the Lions' 15-yard line. Lance dropped back as Lambert-Smith executed a smooth double move, creating separation on a slant across the middle. He caught the ball in stride and walked into the end zone for the touchdown.
The rookie finished with two catches for 43 yards and a score.
Considering how last season’s lack of offensive weapons hurt the team, Lambert-Smith’s emergence in camp and his preseason debut is a major positive sign for this offense.
3. Trey Lance, QB
Let’s get it out of the way—yes, Trey Lance has had his struggles. But on Thursday night, he did exactly what head coach Jim Harbaugh asked of him: protect the football and manage the game.
He opened the game with a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Will Dissly. On the next drive, he connected on a 28-yard throw to Lambert-Smith and later found the rookie again for a touchdown on a crisp slant route.
Lance finished 13-of-20 for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Harbaugh wanted him to get valuable game reps, and he delivered.
The Chargers carried three quarterbacks last season. Lance is clearly auditioning for a spot—and this was a strong first step.