Lions award two game balls in preseason win

Two Lions earn game balls in a 17 to 10 preseason win with Isaac TeSlaa and Nate Lynn in the spotlight.

Lions Hand Out Two Game Balls After Preseason Win Against Falcons

Detroit Lions beat the Atlanta Falcons 17 to 10 in a preseason game that ended early in the fourth quarter after an injury to Lions safety Morice Norris. The game featured a mix of cautious play and flashes from young players as Detroit evaluates depth. On offense, right guard Tate Ratledge looked comfortable in pass protection and showed pop in the run game. On defense, Tyleik Williams contributed a strong first half with power at the point of attack.

Isaac TeSlaa earned the top game ball after a rocky start that included two penalties in the first quarter. He did not panic and stayed active, finishing with a red zone conversion in the second quarter and a high point catch for a score that gave Detroit the lead. He also delivered a big block on a screen to extend a drive. The second game ball goes to defensive end Nate Lynn, who tallied a sack, a tackle for loss, two tackles and a quarterback hit in a productive night for Detroit along the defensive line.

Detroit uses the preseason to test depth at receiver and along the defensive line. TeSlaa and Ratledge show that the 2025 draft class can contribute earlier than expected. The play by Lynn indicates the edge rotation may be competitive, which could help the team handle injuries and wear in the regular season. Still, one game is a small sample and a few players can rise and fall quickly; coaches will weigh this against earlier film from college and the plan for the season.

For fans, the game adds a story about how Detroit builds a roster that can endure a long season. The focus on depth at both sides of the ball signals a strategy to rely on a crowded, healthy squad rather than a few stars. Coaches will look for consistency and discipline as more games come.

Highlights

Rosters will shift again as the season nears.