Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia said this week that the biggest thing he wanted to see from the first preseason game to the second was steady improvement.
Unfortunately, he didn't quite get it Friday night against the New York Giants, as Detroit dropped its second preseason contest, 30-17.
The Lions were sloppy in all three phases. Fumbles, dropped passes, penalties, missed blocks and missed tackles all hindered the Lions at times.
The starters on both sides of the ball got quality reps deep into the second quarter to mostly mixed results.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford played three series. He led the Lions to a field goal on one series, but the other two were three-and-outs. Stafford completed two of his five passes for 51 yards, and was sacked twice.
The Lions recorded 89 yards of offense in the first half -- 24 on the ground on 10 attempts (2.4 average).
View in-game photos from the Detroit Lions preseason game against the New York Giants.
Detroit Lions captains quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and Jarrad Davis (40) at the coin toss before a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) takes a catch for a 42-yard gain during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Bates (53) attempts to recover a fumble on special teams during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) hits the quarterback during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) and defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois hit the quarterback during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) kicks off during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48), punter Sam Martin (6) and kicker Matt Prater (5) after a field goal during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner (71) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) takes a catch for a 42-yard gain during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) celebrates after a 42-yard catch-and-run during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) takes a catch for a 42-yard gain during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) celebrates a pass breakup during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40), defensive end Anthony Zettel (69) and linebacker Christian Jones (52) make a tackle during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) takes a catch for a 42-yard gain during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions Jarrad Davis (40) makes a tackle during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions Jarrad Davis (40) makes a tackle during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois (97) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defense during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerbacks Jamal Agnew (39) and Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock (14) and the offense during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bellore (43) makes a tackle on special teams during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock (14) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Steve Longa (54) on special teams during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock (14) runs the ball during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defense during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive linemen Anthony Zettel (69), A'Shawn Robinson (91), Cornelius Washington (90) and Jeremiah Ledbetter (98) jump to block a field goal during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive linemen Frank Ragnow (77) and Taylor Decker(68) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock (14) points at the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center Graham Glasgow (60) and quarterback Jake Rudock (14) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) on special teams during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (93) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defense celebrates a stop during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Chris Jones (43) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Freddie Bishop (49) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Cassel (8) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Darnell Sankey (50) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Charles Washington (45) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jace Billingsley (16) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jace Billingsley (16) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (1) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Bates (53) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Antwuan Davis (36) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Luke Willson (82) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock (14) points at the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Chris Jones (43) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Freddie Bishop (49) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Steve Longa (54) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Ryan Santoso (2) kicks an extra point during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brian Brown (3) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Cassel (8) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) catches a pass for a 16-yard gain during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) catches a pass for a 16-yard gain during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) catches a pass for a 16-yard gain during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones (13) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Cassel (8) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Rolan Milligan (41) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center Wesley Johnson (73) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Alex Barrett (58) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Defensively, Giants backup quarterback Davis Webb led two scoring drives in the first half against the Lions' defensive starters, including a 17-play, 79-yard drive that culminated with an 8-yard pass to running back Wayne Gallman Jr.
Webb was 14-of-20 passing for 140 yards and a touchdown for a passer rating of 106.2. The Giants outgained the Lions 155-89 in total yards in first half, and led 10-3 at the break.
They increased the lead to 17-3 after a TJ Jones drop led to a Giants interception deep in Lions territory and an eventual 10-yard Kyle Lauletta quarterback scramble.
Lions backup quarterback Jake Rudock led two fourth quarter scoring drives capped off by a TJ Jones 11-yard touchdown and a 1-yard QB sneak, but it was too little too late.
Slay doing his thing: Veteran cornerback Darius Slay was on his game, despite the loss.
The finger-wag meter hit three for the All-Pro cornerback, who had a terrific first half. Slay defended three passes and made a tackle in the first 30 minutes, swatting passes away from Giants receivers Sterling Shepard, Cody Latimer and Kalif Raymond.
He looks to be in midseason form.
QB Comparison: Stafford saw his first game action of the preseason. He finished 2-of-5 passing for 51 yards for a passer rating of 77.9. He was sacked twice, and two of his three drives ended in three-and-outs. He did lead the Lions to a field goal on his second drive after connecting with Theo Riddick on a 42-yard pass play down to the Giants' 28-yard line.
Rudock was second in the game for the Lions, and was also re-inserted in the fourth quarter. He finished a solid game completing 23 of his 30 passes for 171 yards with a touchdown to TJ Jones, a 1-yard touchdown run and a passer rating of 100.8.
Matt Cassel played three series and was 6-of-9 passing for 42 yards and a interception. He finished with a passer rating of 37.5.
Defensive pressure: After not recording a single sack in last week's preseason opener in Oakland, and notching only one quarterback hit, the Lions' defense didn't fare much better Friday vs. the Giants.
Detroit's starters didn't record a sack for a second straight game. Only defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois and Anthony Zettel generated quarterback hits all game.
Heads up: Safety Charles Washington was the first Lions player to be flagged for the new helmet rule. He was flagged for lowering his head and initiating contact with his the crown of his helmet on Giants receiver Roger Lewis Jr. after a 27-yard catch in the fourth quarter.
Injuries: Linebacker Steve Longa, who's been having a very good training camp so far for the Lions, was injured in a non-contact play in the third quarter trying to make a tackle in the open field against Lauletta, who scored on the play.
Next up: The Lions hit the road to play the Buccaneers Friday night in Tampa Bay.
