Here’s a look at who is trending up and who is trending down after the Detroit Lions’ preseason win over the Carolina Panthers.
Here’s a look at who is trending up and who is trending down after the Detroit Lions’ 26-17 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers.
▶ Stock up: Dylan Drummond
We’ve written plenty of praise for Drummond this offseason, but his practice performance hadn’t ported to the preseason games the first two weeks. He changed that script against the Panthers, hauling in five of six targets, helping keep the chains moving on drives. Most impressive was his ability to haul in tight-window throws, something coach Dan Campbell said was a point of emphasis for the backup receivers fighting for a job and an area where Drummond had missed some opportunities the previous week.
▶ Stock up: Steven Gilmore
After conceding some early receptions, the undrafted rookie cornerback settled into a ballhawking groove, knocking away three passes before coming up with an impressive interception in the closing minutes of the contest. To make the pick, Gilmore outmuscled receiver Gary Jennings across the middle and returned it 11 yards for a touchdown.
▶ Stock down: Trinity Benson
Benson didn’t have the drop issues he did a week earlier, catching all three passes his direction, but those grabs combined for 16 yards and zero first downs. That’s a low-impact outing in a game where his competition for a roster spot flourished.
▶ Stock up: Antoine Green
One of Benson’s competitors, Green, had something of a breakout performance, if such a thing exists in the preseason. His night was highlighted by a 70-yard touchdown near the end of the first half, where he had an opportunity to showcase his speed in the open field. The seventh-round draft pick added two more grabs for an additional 27 yards.
▶ Stock up: Chase Lucas
Lucas did what he could to play himself off the bubble, recording three tackles and three pass defenses. The play that leaves a lasting memory was a diving interception in the end zone at the end of the first half that was the turning point in Detroit’s victory.
