The NFL preseason began a bit early with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, featuring the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions on Thursday. The Chargers secured an easy 34-7 win, led by an impressive performance from backup quarterback Traylance Lance.
Lance, who was the third overall pick and has mostly served as a backup, showed strong form in this game where starters did not play. The 25-year-old quarterback played the first three quarters, completing 13 of 20 passes for two touchdowns and 120 yards.
The event opened with a tribute to the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees: tight end Antonio Gates, defensive end Jared Allen, cornerback Eric Allen, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe. Gates received the loudest cheers from the crowd, having spent his entire career with the Chargers.
A moment of silence was held in memory of the victims of a recent attack at the NFL headquarters in New York, where four people, including a police officer, lost their lives.
The game started with some mistakes from the Lions on the opening kickoff, giving the Chargers an early advantage. Despite the Lions’ defense forcing a fourth down, Lance connected well and helped Los Angeles take a 7-0 lead.
Rookie cornerback Nicco Reid of the Chargers also stood out in the first quarter as he helped set up a touchdown, leading to the Chargers extending their lead to 14-0 after a Kimani Vidal run.
By the end of the first quarter, Detroit’s quarterback Kyle Allen, a backup himself, completed 9 of 14 passes for 91 yards without scoring. Detroit managed to score in the second quarter with Craig Reynolds reaching the end zone, but Lance answered with another touchdown pass to rookie Kiandre Lambert-Smith before halftime.
After the break, the Chargers continued to press on, with coach Jim Harbaugh opting to keep Lance in the game longer. Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker missed his first field goal but made the next two, pushing the lead to 27-7.
Later in the game, rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker replaced Allen for the Lions, completing 3 of 6 passes for 18 yards. Rookie DJ Uiagalelei also played for the Chargers in the fourth quarter, completing 2 of 3 passes for 25 yards.
In the ongoing fourth quarter, Vidal scored another touchdown, bringing the Chargers’ total to 34-7. Rookie Chargers cornerback Miles Purchase made a key interception off Hooker, forcing the Lions into their fifth turnover, effectively sealing the game.
The NFL also used this preseason game to test new players and strategies, including a new virtual measurement system introduced in the second quarter.
Overall, it was a standout performance from Lance, who showed flashes of the talent that made him a top-three pick originally. This game marked a promising step for him as he aims to secure the backup quarterback role behind Justin Herbert.
Fan Take: This game is important for NFL fans because it highlights the potential of untapped talent like Traylance Lance, reminding us of the depth that can emerge in backup players. Seeing new strategies and technology tested also signals how the sport continues to evolve, promising a more exciting future for both players and fans.
