Takeaways from Detroit Lions 21-16 Victory against New York Giants

The first preseason game of the 2023 season provided supporters with their first glimpse of a Detroit Lions team that has been the talk of the NFL world. 

Fans flocked to Ford Field to take in a preseason contest against the New York Giants, who were also in town for two joint practices this week. 

Here are several takeaways from the Lions' 21-16 preseason victory against the Giants. 

Nate Sudfeld has rocky performance, throws multiple interceptions

The signing of Teddy Bridgewater could have not come at a better time, as Nate Sudfeld struggled mightily in his first start of the preseason, tossing two first-half interceptions. 

Detroit's backup quarterback did not have the best start, as his first pass was intercepted. He forced a pass into double coverage attempting to find Jameson Williams. 

In Detroit's second series, Dan Campbell decided to go for it on 4th-and-1, maintaining their history of being aggressive. Unfortunately, a toss to rookie tight end Sam LaPorta fell incomplete. 

Sudfeld again tossed an interception attempting to target Williams, this time being intercepted by safety Dane Belton. 

The Giants took advantage quickly, extending their lead to 13-3 on the next play, when quarterback Tommy DeVito count Tommy Sweeney for a 14-yard touchdown. 

In a highly competitive environment at Lions' camp, it is hard to see the 29-year old remaining with the team all that much longer. He has not performed at a high level the past several training camp practices, including a practice with three interceptions.  

Late in the half, Sudfeld led the offense into the red zone, but could not generate any points. If Sudfeld had a better toss on fourth-and-goal to Dylan Drummond, the talented rookie would have had an easy score. 

Jameson Williams has early drop, has no chemistry with Sudfeld 

It was clear Ben Johnson and the coaching staff made Williams a focal point early in the offense. 

In the third series, Williams and Sudfeld were not on the same page, as a deep pass sailed incomplete with no receiver in sight, signaling miscommunication. 

Later, Williams was able to gain plenty of separation against rookie Deonte Banks. Yet, he could not secure the Sudfeld toss, despite it hitting him directly in his hands.

The drive did net points, though, as Detroit scored their first points of the game when Riley Patterson made a 39-yard field goal, cutting the Giants lead to 6-3 late in the first-quarter. 

The former No. 12 overall pick was able to haul in a Sudfeld pass on a solid route to successfully convert a two-point try. 

2023 rookies impress

As expected, based on their play throughout camp, Detroit's 2023 rookie draft class did not appear overwhelmed by their first NFL action. 

Jahmry Gibbs finished with six carries for 19 yards and one reception for 18 yards, showcasing his speed and elusiveness. 

Brian Branch, who surprisingly fell in the draft, showcased his quick awareness and tackling prowess quickly. The ex-Crimson Tide defensive back recognized the Giants quick swing pass from quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Branch quickly closed on wideout Cole Beasley, recording a tackle for loss. 

Jack Campbell also found himself in position to record multiple tackles in the first half, showcasing why the Lions decided to invest a first-round draft selection in a linebacker.