Three Takeaways From Lions Vs. Chargers Hall Of Fame Game

CANTON, OHIO – JULY 31: Trey Lance #5 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws a pass during the second quarter of the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on July 31, 2025 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Getty Images

While there’s not too much to take away from an NFL preseason game in terms of team schemes and understanding a team’s identity, there’s always room to analyze players competing for roster spots or the chance to land a starting position for their team.

In last night’s preseason Hall of Fame Game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers, quite a few NFL prospects were competing for the chance to make an NFL roster. While the game resulted in an uncompetitive 34-7 blowout, there were three takeaways from the matchup that highlighted NFL talent either making a name for themselves or willowing under the pressure.

Trey Lance Leaves His Mark On The Chargers’ Backup Quarterback Position Battle

With Justin Herbert being the undisputed starting quarterback for the Chargers, the backup role is up for grabs between journeyman Trey Lance and veteran Taylor Heinicke.

Lance received most of the reps by playing three quarters for the Chargers and throwing for 120 yards to go with two scores on 13 of 20 passing. He took part in leading five scoring drives for Los Angeles and showed off improved accuracy on intermediate throws along with a phenomenal touch pass on a deep ball to rookie wideout KeAndre Lambert-Smith.

It’s likely that Henicke will get the requisite reps in the Chargers remaining three preseason games, but for the time being, Lance has shown the first dose of promise during in-game competition for the backup role.

Omarion Hampton Pulls Ahead In The Starting Running Back Competition

In just one drive and two carries, Omarrion Hampton showcased his upside as a rusher that has many feeling he could be the Chargers’ starting running back come opening week.

Hampton dashed for eight yards on his first official carry before bearing the brunt of a powerful tackle by Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin that resulted in him gaining a yard on his second carry during a third and three. The Chargers would convert the upcoming fourth down into a touchdown from a Lance pass to tight end Will Dissly.

With Najee Harris’ availability for the upcoming season unknown as he manages an eye injury from an offseason fireworks accident, Hampton has the chance to be Los Angeles’s lead back with a continuous stretch of strong moments from preseason play.

Detroit Lions Backup Quarterback Position Battle Remains In Flux

Like the Chargers, the Detroit Lions have their starting quarterback position solidified with the presence of Jared Goff. They do however have a need at the backup quarterback position and veteran Kyle Allen along with Detroit’s third-year mid-round selection Hendon Hooker are battling it out for the spot.

Allen was given the start and through two quarters was pretty underwhelming. He did lead a 15-play 60-yard scoring drive in the second quarter that saw him complete all four of his pass attempts for 19 yards.

That drive was off the heels of consecutive interceptions from Allen which killed first quarter momentum for the Lions offense when they were somewhat moving the ball.

In half two, Hendon Hooker took over the reins and led Detroit to a three-and-out, a turnover on downs, a punt and an interception. The Lions offense recorded just three first downs that entire second-half offensive stretch.

Both quarterbacks combined for just over 100 yards passing with no touchdowns and three interceptions. Each will need better moments of play to have a chance at obtaining the QB2 role.