NFL football is back — kind of! The first preseason match of the year, the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, saw the Los Angeles Chargers crush the Detroit Lions 34–7 in Canton, Ohio.
While most of the big-name stars sat out, this game gave fans a glimpse of rising talents and backup players trying to prove themselves. Let’s take a look at who impressed — and who didn’t — in this season-opening exhibition.
WINNERS
Trey Lance – QB, Chargers
Once seen as a future star, Trey Lance hasn’t had an easy NFL journey since being drafted No. 3 overall in 2021. After injury troubles and sitting behind other quarterbacks, Lance finally got a chance to show what he can do.
And he delivered. Lance completed 13 of 20 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, showing good accuracy, movement, and decision-making — even if it was against second-string defenders.
While he might not jump ahead of Taylor Heinicke as Justin Herbert’s backup just yet, Lance made a strong case. And with head coach Jim Harbaugh — known for helping quarterbacks shine — the future might finally be looking up for Lance.
Nikko Reed – CB, Chargers
An undrafted rookie, Nikko Reed made a splash in his pro debut. He picked off a pass and returned it 60 yards, helping set up a Chargers touchdown in the first quarter. That’s the kind of play that earns you real chances in the regular season.
Pro Football Hall of Fame (the place!)
On Thursday, the Hall announced a new event center, with construction starting later this year. The venue will be nearly 20,000 square feet and is expected to be ready by the 2027 induction ceremony. That’s a big win for future fans and inductees who’ve had to deal with extreme weather in the past.
Hall of Fame Game (the event)
Let’s give credit where it’s due — this year’s game wasn’t canceled due to weather, field conditions, COVID-19, or NFL lockouts (like in past years). It was played smoothly. Small win, but a win nonetheless.
Nyheim Miller-Hines – RB, Chargers
After missing the entire 2023 season due to a jet ski accident, Miller-Hines returned with a solid performance. He had 79 all-purpose yards on 11 touches, showing versatility as a runner, receiver, and returner. A promising step in his comeback journey.
Grant Stuard – LB, Lions
A mixed night for Grant Stuard, but he showed up on defense with four tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss. With Detroit dealing with injuries at linebacker, Stuard might earn more snaps this season.
LOSERS
Grant Stuard – Special Teams
Sadly, Stuard’s night started rough. Lions coach Dan Campbell let him return the opening kickoff — he fumbled it, and the Chargers scored just five plays later. He improved with a 36-yard return later, but the damage was done.
Jared Goff’s Backups – Lions
Both Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker struggled. Allen threw two bad interceptions, while Hooker, still trying to prove himself after a redshirt rookie season, also got picked off. While Hooker’s interception wasn’t entirely his fault, neither QB looked ready to be Goff’s backup yet.
Detroit Lions – The Team
The Lions didn’t have a former player being inducted this year, unlike the Chargers’ Antonio Gates, who will enter the Hall on Saturday. Even worse, two of Detroit’s longtime rivals — Sterling Sharpe (Packers) and Jared Allen (Vikings) — are being honoured. Not a great weekend if you’re a Lions fan.
The Hall of Fame Game may not have regular-season stars, but it’s the perfect chance to see future talent — and Trey Lance made the most of his. With promising debuts from players like Nikko Reed and Miller-Hines, the Chargers kicked off their preseason in style.
For the Lions, there’s work to do — especially with backup quarterbacks and special teams. But hey, it’s still early.
