The Detroit Lions kicked off their preseason away from home in Ohio, but they finally returned for the first game on home turf on Saturday. Going head-to-head with the Washington Commanders, Dan Campbell’s men picked up the first win of the preseason with a score of 17-13.
Similar to the first preseason game against the Bengals, most starters didn’t take the gridiron at Ford Field. However, the backups and rookies did, including this year’s second-round pick, Derrick Moore, who made his Lions as well as Ford Field debut.
On that note, the Lions sideline reporter, Patti Cesarini, interviewed the 23-year-old following the game, asking him about his feelings about finally making his debut at Ford Field on August 22.
“I feel good to be back out there, playing in front of Ford Field, in front of fans,” said Moore, who couldn’t hide his excitement.
“It is amazing; I played at the Big House. I think they turned it into the Big House. A lot of energy. I am just ready to be here for the season,” the rookie further added.
During his college career, the DE played for the Michigan Wolverines, whose home is the Big House— a stadium with a capacity of over 100,000. On the other hand, Ford Field has a standard capacity of 65,000. Even though it was a preseason game against the Commanders, the official attendance was 50,042, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
The Lions were on the winning side, and Moore played a major part after donning the jersey for the first time.
Derrick Moore Gives Lions Fans Plenty to Get Excited About
Derrick Moore looked every bit like a rising star, justifying why Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell selected him in the second round. The pass rusher’s impressive display could put him as a frontrunner when Week 1 arrives.
He didn’t play the entire game but took 25 snaps for the Lions, which was approximately 52% of the Lions’ total defensive snaps, generating two quarterback pressures. The 23-year-old logged a total of 2 solo tackles, 1 sack, and 1 QB hit.
NFL Preseason on @NFLPlus
The best money for the Lions rookie came right before halftime when he managed to beat the Commanders’ offensive tackle Nicholas Petit Frere and hit the quarterback Sam Hartman for a strip-sack.
Meanwhile, Moore missed the first preseason game at Paycor Stadium because he was dealing with a minor groin injury, which also forced him to miss time from training camp. Now that he is back and after an eye-catching performance yesterday, there are plenty of expectations around him.
Derrick Moore and D.J. Wonnum Keep Lions’ Edge Battle Wide Open
Heading into Week 1, Dan Campbell still needs to figure out who will be Aidan Hutchinson’s edge partner when the Lions face the Saints. Even though Moore has strengthened his position in the squad, it won’t be a cakewalk, and a lot will depend on how he does against the Indianapolis Colts in the next preseason game.
He will face competition with the former Carolina Panthers starter and a veteran, D.J.Wonnum, who also had a productive game against the Commanders. The 28-year-old recorded two tackles, including a solo tackle, a sack, and a QB hit— a number right around Moore’s mark.
Lions Rookie Drops Honest Admission About Debuting at Ford Field