Detroit Lions vs Los Angeles Chargers Match Player Stats

You ever watch a preseason game and tell yourself it does not matter, then suddenly find yourself yelling at the screen like playoff seeding hangs in the balance? That happened in Canton when the Detroit Lions faced the Los Angeles Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game. Preseason or not, numbers tell stories, and this matchup delivered a loud one.

The Chargers did not just win. They controlled the tempo, moved the ball with confidence, and closed the night with a 34–7 victory. Meanwhile, the Lions struggled to find rhythm on offense and failed to capitalize on key drives.

Let’s break down the Detroit Lions vs Los Angeles Chargers match player stats in a way that actually makes sense. No robotic fluff. Just football talk.

Game Overview: What Actually Happened in Canton

The annual Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium kicked off the NFL preseason with energy. Fans showed up hungry for football after months of waiting.

The Chargers attacked early and never eased off the gas. They built momentum through sharp quarterback play and efficient red zone execution. The Lions struggled to answer and allowed the gap to widen before halftime.

Preseason games usually rotate players heavily, but certain performances jump off the page. This game featured a few of those.

Quarterback Breakdown: Who Commanded the Field?

Chargers Quarterbacks

The Chargers leaned on smart, efficient passing. Their quarterbacks avoided reckless throws and kept drives alive with quick reads.

• Easton Stick threw for 102 yards and 1 touchdown.

• He completed short and intermediate routes consistently.

• He protected the football and avoided turnovers.

Max Duggan added depth snaps and kept the offense functional. He did not light up the stat sheet, but he sustained possession and kept pressure on the Lions’ defense.

The Chargers quarterbacks combined for steady production and controlled the pace. They attacked mismatches and spread the ball across multiple receivers.

Lions Quarterbacks

The Lions rotated quarterbacks throughout the game. Hendon Hooker took meaningful reps but struggled with consistency.

• Hendon Hooker threw for 114 yards.

• He failed to throw a touchdown.

• He faced consistent pressure from the Chargers’ defensive front.

Hooker flashed mobility and extended plays with his legs. However, he could not convert red zone opportunities into points. That stalled drives and drained momentum.

Backup quarterbacks saw limited success and failed to spark a comeback. The Lions never established rhythm through the air.

Running Game Analysis: Ground Control Matters

Chargers Rushing Attack

The Chargers established balance early. They did not rely entirely on passing. They mixed in designed runs that stretched the Lions’ defensive front.

• Jaret Patterson rushed for 35 yards and 1 touchdown.

• He averaged solid yards per carry.

• He punched in a goal-line score that boosted momentum.

The offensive line created lanes. Patterson attacked gaps decisively and finished runs aggressively. That physicality wore down Detroit’s defensive depth.

Lions Rushing Struggles

The Lions never found consistency on the ground. Their backs failed to create explosive plays.

• Detroit’s leading rusher finished with modest yardage under 40 yards.

• The team averaged below four yards per carry.

When a team cannot threaten defenses on the ground, passing lanes shrink fast. The Chargers defenders crowded coverage and forced tough throws.

Receiving Leaders: Who Made the Big Plays?

Chargers Receiving Standouts

The Chargers spread the ball effectively. No single receiver dominated, but multiple players contributed.

• Derius Davis recorded 47 receiving yards and a touchdown.

• He showcased route precision and quick acceleration.

• He capitalized on defensive breakdowns.

Tight ends chipped in and extended drives on third downs. The Chargers offense stayed unpredictable, and that variety kept Detroit guessing.

Lions Receiving Highlights

Detroit’s receivers showed flashes. However, they lacked explosive finishing power.

• Lions receivers combined for over 150 passing yards.

• They failed to score through the air.

The Lions moved the ball between the 20s but stalled near the goal line. That pattern defined their night.

Defensive Impact: Chargers Dominate the Trenches

Defense wins games, even in preseason. The Chargers proved that point clearly.

They pressured quarterbacks relentlessly. They collapsed pockets and forced hurried throws. They controlled the line of scrimmage.

• The Chargers defense forced turnovers.

• They recorded multiple sacks.

• They limited Detroit to just 7 total points.

Detroit’s defense had moments early. They contained drives in the first quarter. However, fatigue and depth rotations exposed weaknesses.

When you give up 34 points in any game, preseason or not, defensive adjustments demand attention.

Special Teams: Hidden Yardage Matters

Special teams often decide close games. This one did not stay close, but special teams still influenced field position.

The Chargers kicker converted field goals efficiently. He extended drives into points and kept momentum alive.

The Lions struggled with return yardage. They failed to flip field position consistently.

Small margins stack up quickly. The Chargers won those margins.

Detroit Lions vs Los Angeles Chargers Match Player Stats (Full Summary Table)

Below you will find a complete statistical breakdown from the matchup.

This table captures the flow of the game in one glance. The Chargers outperformed the Lions in nearly every category.

Key Turning Points That Shifted Momentum

Early Red Zone Efficiency

The Chargers converted early red zone trips into touchdowns. That built confidence.

The Lions reached scoring range but settled for fewer points. That difference snowballed.

Defensive Pressure in the Second Quarter

The Chargers defensive front overwhelmed Detroit’s protection schemes. They forced hurried decisions and disrupted timing routes.

Momentum shifted fully before halftime.

Explosive Plays in the Third Quarter

The Chargers executed big passing plays that extended the lead. Once they widened the gap, the Lions could not recover.

Individual Player Performances Worth Noticing

Hendon Hooker’s Development Curve

Hooker showed composure at times. He stepped into throws and delivered accurate passes in short windows.

However, he hesitated under pressure. He missed a few deep reads that could have shifted the narrative.

Preseason reps matter. Hooker gained valuable experience.

Easton Stick’s Composure

Stick managed the game smartly. He attacked when opportunities appeared.

He did not force unnecessary risks. That maturity impressed.

Jaret Patterson’s Efficiency

Patterson ran decisively and protected the football. He capitalized on goal-line opportunities.

He strengthened his case for depth chart consideration.

What This Game Means for the Lions

Preseason results do not define seasons. However, patterns reveal truths.

The Lions must improve pass protection. They must create balance on offense. They must execute in the red zone.

If they fix those areas, they compete strongly when starters return.

If they ignore them, regular season struggles follow.

What This Game Means for the Chargers

The Chargers showcased depth. They demonstrated organized execution. They displayed defensive intensity.

Backup players stepped up and delivered production.

That matters across a long season.

Comparing Offensive Philosophies

The Chargers attacked with rhythm and confidence. They mixed short passes with calculated runs.

The Lions attempted vertical shots but lacked protection consistency.

The Chargers played proactive football. The Lions reacted.

You cannot win many games while reacting.

Defensive Schemes and Adjustments

The Chargers blitzed strategically and disguised coverage well. They forced quarterbacks into uncomfortable positions.

The Lions rotated defenders but failed to generate consistent pressure.

Aggressive defense wins preseason evaluations.

Coaching Decisions and Game Management

The Chargers coaching staff maintained offensive tempo. They managed substitutions effectively.

The Lions coaching staff experimented with personnel groupings. Some combinations worked briefly, but others stalled.

Preseason coaching focuses on evaluation more than winning. Still, strong execution reflects preparation.

Final Thoughts on Detroit Lions vs Los Angeles Chargers Match Player Stats

This game delivered a clear message. The Chargers entered prepared. They executed sharply. They capitalized on opportunities.

The Lions showed flashes but lacked sustained consistency.

Numbers never lie. 34–7 tells the story quickly.

You might shrug and say preseason does not count. Sure, standings ignore it. But development, depth, and discipline count every snap.

The Chargers walked away with confidence and clarity. The Lions walked away with homework.

And if you love football, you know one thing. Even a preseason matchup can reveal future storylines before September even begins.