In a game largely devoid of starters from either side, the Detroit Lions held on for a 27-26 preseason victory in Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday.
The Lions took the lead in the fourth quarter on a fantastic 18-play, 85-yard touchdown drive engineered by a sharp Tim Boyle at quarterback. The Colts answered the touchdown with an 11-play, 72-yard scoring drive of their own, but the 2-point conversion attempt fell to the end zone harmlessly to preserve the Detroit win.
It was a strong game from the Lions reserves on both lines. Austin Bryant bagged two sacks and was largely unblockable at defensive end, and John Cominsky and Demetrius Taylor also had strong performances on the defensive line. On offense, the interior line combination of Evan Brown, Tommy Kraemer and Logan Stenberg blasted open ample running lanes. Detroit ran for 175 yards on 32 carries. Meanwhile, the Colts netted just 30 yards on the ground.
Tom Kennedy followed up his stellar preseason opener with two touchdown receptions, one each from David Blough and Tim Boyle. Maurice Alexander shone in the return game and also hauled in three receptions.
The win evens the Lions’ exhibition slate at 1-1. The Colts fall to 0-2. Detroit concludes the preseason docket next Sunday when they visit the Pittsburgh Steelers.
