Friday night’s preseason finale between the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers will be a good example of the difference in coaching philosophies regarding the exhibition season.
The Lions will not play any starters in the game, based on head coach Dan Campbell’s statement prior to Tuesday’s practice. Campbell noted of the final exhibition matchup, “It’s going to look very much like the first two games.”
Detroit sat all the offensive starters and even some key reserves in the first two preseason games. Most defensive starters have also been rested throughout the preseason.
The Panthers and head coach Frank Reich are taking a different approach. The hosts will play No. 1 overall pick, QB Bryce Young, and the rest of the offensive starters. The youthful Panthers are working on getting Young as ready as he can be to start in Week 1. He completed 3-of-6 passes for 35 yards in Carolina’s preseason loss to the New York Giants, who the Lions beat in the exhibition opener.
