When it comes to the best performers from the Detroit Lions’ preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, they’re pretty easy to recognize. Kyle Allen nearly posted another perfect passer rating after completing 14-of-17 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson Meeks caught seven of eight targets for 93 yards and a touchdown. Isaac TeSlaa caught four passes for 41 yards and a touchdown in a half of play.
But let’s dig a little deeper into Saturday afternoon’s performance. There were a few other Lions performances that maybe weren’t as obviously good or came from unexpected sources.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
What player’s performance was the biggest surprise vs. the Dolphins?
My answer: I think I have to go with defensive tack Erick Hallett.
Overall, the Lions secondary was very active in the pass game. Detroit tallied a whopping 10 pass breakups on the night, with nine coming from their defensive backs. Oddly, they also gave up 267 passing yards and a passer rating of 109.1. That accurately shows how up-and-down the Lions secondary was all day.
But Hallett led the way with three pass breakups, while also flashing his versatility at each position. He played outside corner, nickel, and deep safety against the Dolphins. His best play came as a single-high safety, where he anticipated a throw, arrived at the receiver at the perfect time, and punched the ball out perfectly for the forced incompletion.
“He’s a guy that can play all the positions,” coach Dan Campbell said after the game. “So, you need a corner, you need a nickel, you need a safety, he can do them all. Mentally, he knows them all. So, that gives you the ability to–really it’s about, ‘Well, what can the next guy do? Well, we know he can only play this. Okay, well Hallett, you need to go over there then–you become safety or nickel.’ So, he’s kind of our get-us-out-of-trouble there.”
The Lions secondary is in flux a bit, as there are so many versatile parts and a few spots up for grabs after two presumed-in players (Dan Jackson, Ennis Rakestraw) landed on injured reserve. Hallett’s versatility will certainly give him a chance to land on the 53-man roster, and if he continues to get his hands on the ball like he did on Saturday, he will be hard to ignore.
Which Lions players surprised you on Saturday? Share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
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