The NFL is officially back, and the preseason kicked off with the Hall of Fame Game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers, featuring a blowout win for Los Angeles over last season’s NFC No. 1 seed, highlighted by a standout performance from Trey Lance leading the team.
Even though it was just a preseason game, losing 34-7 is never fun, especially when it raises concerns about the depth behind the starters. Commentator Cris Collinsworth addressed the loss and shared a message with Detroit fans.
Is It Time For Panic in Detroit Following a Blowout Loss to Los Angeles?
The wait for NFL football is finally over. While the preseason officially begins next week, the Hall of Fame Game offers a sneak peek of what’s to come and a chance to watch players who rarely get opportunities showcase their potential.
This year’s game was all Los Angeles. The team dominated Detroit on both sides of the ball, moving it effectively through the air and on the ground while forcing three interceptions from Detroit’s quarterbacks, one of them on a highlight-reel play by Myles Purchase.
Myles Purchase caps off the night with a wild INT for the @Chargers!@ProFootballHOF Game on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/O0uWNaKqvr— NFL (@NFL) August 1, 2025
Still, Collinsworth urged fans not to overreact to the blowout loss, reminding them that this game doesn’t carry much weight.
“Don’t panic,” he said with a laugh. “You have not seen any stars on a football field yet.”
The Hall of Fame Game is a low-intensity matchup, even compared to other preseason games, and it shouldn’t be a strong indicator of what’s to come in the regular season. It’s more of a ceremonial event to honor the Hall of Fame inductees, with the game serving as a symbolic kickoff to football’s return.
That said, there were a few takeaways worth noting, especially the struggles of Detroit backup quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Random Hooker, who combined for three interceptions and zero touchdowns against Los Angeles’ reserve defense. Detroit’s run game also failed to impress, totaling just 93 yards and a single touchdown.
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On Los Angeles’s side, seeing Lance look more composed and confident under center was encouraging. Even though he was facing backups, the quarterback managed the game well, showed better touch on his throws, and tossed two short touchdown passes that relied on precise timing and execution.
The preseason officially resumes next Thursday, Aug. 7, with three matchups. The Baltimore Ravens take on the Indianapolis Colts, the Philadelphia Eagles face the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Seattle Seahawks close out the night against the Las Vegas Raiders. The regular season kicks off on Sept. 4, when the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys.
