When it comes to the evaluation of players, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he learns the most about a player when they go through some failures and the tape might not be the best.
So when Campbell sits down and evaluates the play of second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker after Detroit's 24-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason finale, the struggles that Hooker battled through at the beginning of the contest will be the key piece of film for Campbell.
"I learn more about him from the failures than I do watching him throw, 'oh, that was a good throw that was a good decision,'" Campbell said after the game. "Like today, when you have five sacks. He gets sacked five times, some of that is his own doing and some of that the O-line, and some of that receivers not open.
"The point is, you get sacked five times and all the sudden you bounce back and he doesn't looked frazzled. He doesn't look under duress. He looks pretty calm. He looks steady and he moves us down the field. That's encouraging. That's how you grow."
Hooker started Saturday and played into the fourth quarter, matching up against a lot of Pittsburgh's defensive starters to begin the game in the first quarter. His first three offensive possessions resulted in a turnover on a sack fumble and two punts. The offense gained a total of seven yards in the first quarter.
He bounced back against the Steelers reserves, leading three touchdown drives and finishing 12-of-20 passing for 114 yards with a touchdown, an interception and 71.7 passer rating. He also led the team in rushing, gaining 93 yards on 10 carries.
"Really dialing in on the things I missed and messed up and turning them into lessons," Hooker said after the game of the opportunity this game will provide him to get better.
Hooker, like his teammates, showed some resiliency in coming back to win the game. He has certainly grown over the last month of training camp and the preseason.
He and the coaches will watch this tape, focusing more on the beginning of the game than the end, in hopes the young signal caller continues to grow behind starter Jared Goff.
"At the end of the day when you just step back and look at the performance you're like, 'he got better,' and that's what it's about," Campbell said.
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preseason Week 3 game at Ford Field on Saturday, August 24 in Detroit, Michigan.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), and Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kayode Awosika (74) and Detroit Lions linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe (52) huddle up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (43) warm up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (43) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions long snapper Scott Daly (47) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (19), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50), Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59), and Detroit Lions tight end Sean McKeon (86) run out for team introductions before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kaden Davis (88) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (38) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo (94) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal (75), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Michael Niese (62), Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), and Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) and Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Third Down Town during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ty Summers (25), Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82), Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3), Detroit Lions long snapper Hogan Hatten (49), Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (48), and Detroit Lions linebacker Abraham Beauplan (59) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27), Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83), and Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe (52) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Chelen Garnes (35) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ty Summers (25) celebrates after a sack during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ty Summers (25) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (41) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Michael Niese (62), Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), Detroit Lions center Duke Clemens (63), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ty Summers (25) and Detroit Lions linebacker Mathieu Betts (95) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (48) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (41) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (41) celebrates after a sack during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36) and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kaden Davis (88) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), and Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (19) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal (75), Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), and Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84), Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Kaden Davis (88) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Michael Niese (62), Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82), Detroit Lions wide receiver Kaden Davis (88), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Michael Niese (62) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Parker Hesse (43) kicks an extra point during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaac Ukwu (45) forces a fumble during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo (94) recovers a fumble during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kaden Davis (88) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) scores a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), and Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84), Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27), Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal (75) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), Detroit Lions center Bryan Hudson (64), and Detroit Lions center Duke Clemens (63) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) and Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (48) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (43) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Steven Gilmore (24) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe (52) and Detroit Lions cornerback Steven Gilmore (24) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Steven Gilmore (24) and Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (48) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28), Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82), Detroit Lions safety Brandon Joseph (40), Detroit Lions safety Chelen Garnes (35), and Detroit Lions tight end Sean McKeon (86) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28), Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1), and Detroit Lions center Bryan Hudson (64) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) scores a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) scores a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) scores a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (43) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Fromm (18) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) and Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Fromm (18), Detroit Lions center Duke Clemens (63), Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jalon Calhoun (80) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jalon Calhoun (80) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo (94) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sean McKeon (86) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
HOUSTON CONTRIBUTIONS
It was good to see edge rusher James Houston back on the field for a preseason game and making an impact. Houston has been dealing with a knee injury and has missed about half of camp.
He got a chance to play a lot Saturday and contributed with four tackles, one sack, two quarterback hits and a tackle for loss. With the Lions still deciding what the reserves along edge are going to look like, was Saturday's performance enough for Houston to be included on the 53-man roster?
"We have to take the body of work that's taken place in practice against our very good tackles," Campbell said of Houston. "We have two of the very best tackles in the league that he has to go against. Then you take a little bit of what you saw today."
Campbell admitted after the game the decisions for the last couple spots along the edge of the defensive line are going to be very hard for him and GM Brad Holmes.
"Is it enough?" Campbell said of Houston's performance Saturday. "It's hard to say that right now."
FORD FIELD FAITHFUL
Lions fans showed up in a big way Saturday to the first and only home preseason game of the season. Ford Field was packed and stayed packed through the conclusion of the game, even selling out the standing room only tickets.
It was loud into the fourth quarter as the Lions mounted a comeback win and the fans affected the game by helping with a couple Pittsburgh false starts in the second half.
"Unbelievable," Campbell said of the crowd. "This was crazy. I told our players before we came out, 'man, do you understand this is the best environment you're going to find in a preseason game, for sure.
"You talk about home-field advantage. You can only imagine what this is going to be like in two weeks from now on Sunday night. Like, this is the best. Our fans are the best. We just have to keep doing our job and keep winning and give them something to cheer about because they'll do their part. That was amazing."
