The Detroit Lions' preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals provided a glimpse into the team's potential, but it also revealed some areas of concern. Here's a breakdown of five players who may have hurt their roster chances, along with personal commentary and analysis.
Michael Niese, Center
Niese's performance was a mixed bag. While he had a decent block for Raheem Blackshear's 24-yard run, his overall play at center was underwhelming. The two bad snaps, including a 5-yard loss due to a skipped snap, were particularly concerning. As a center, Niese's primary responsibility is to corral the football, and he failed to do so consistently. This isn't a new issue, as last season's poor snap that resulted in a safety was his last offensive snap. To make the roster, Niese needs to improve all aspects of his game, especially his snapping, which is a fundamental skill for a center.
Dominic Lovett, Wide Receiver
Lovett's performance was uninspiring, to say the least. He tied for the team lead in receiving with three catches, but only managed to catch half of his targets, including two drops. His lack of impact on special teams, where he bobbled a punt return, didn't help his case. With competition at the wide receiver position and special teams, Lovett needs to stand out to secure a roster spot. The fact that none of the other receivers stood out on Thursday doesn't help his cause, but it also means there's an opportunity for him to shine in the next game.
Luke Altmyer, Quarterback
Altmyer's performance was a double-edged sword. While he showed some poise and had a few excellent passes, including a 23-yard dart to Cedrick Wilson, he also threw two interceptions. The tape is complicated to judge, as neither Altmyer nor his counterpart, Joshua Dobbs, dominated. Dobbs, a recent signee, had modest expectations, which may have played a role in the outcome. Altmyer had a chance to stake his claim as the starting quarterback, but he came up short. With Dobbs gaining more familiarity with the offense, Altmyer's advantage is diminishing, and the battle for the starting job is far from over.
Miles Frazier, Offensive Lineman
Frazier's performance raised some concerns about his roster security. He was penalized three times for holding, a frustrating showing for a young lineman. While he played well as a guard, he was overshadowed by other linemen. His positional versatility, showcased when he subbed in at left tackle, is a positive, but his rawness and poor play across the offensive line are cause for concern. Frazier's ability to play multiple positions makes him valuable, but he needs to improve his overall performance to secure a roster spot.
Payton Turner, Defensive End
Turner's lack of playing time is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's unfair to judge a player for not playing. On the other, he needs these snaps to show his worth. The front seven played well against the Bengals, which means Turner's competition for a roster spot is fierce. Players like Ahmed Hassanein, Eric O'Neill, and Skyler Gill-Howard stood out, and even lesser-known players like Ben Stille and Anthony Lucas had their moments. Turner needs to get on the field soon to avoid being outpaced by his competition, as they continue to put up good tape.
