DETROIT — In the Lions’ preseason finale, quarterback Josh Dobbs delivered his most convincing performance yet, throwing two touchdown passes and guiding the team to a 25-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Coach Dan Campbell praised Dobbs’ composure and conviction, but stopped short of naming a permanent backup to starter Jared Goff.
Dobbs’ standout showing
Dobbs, who joined Detroit after Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement, played the second and fourth quarters, completing 15 of 19 passes for 128 yards with no turnovers or sacks. He capped the first half with a 35‑yard strike to Lucky Jackson and a 2‑yard touchdown to Tay Martin, giving the Lions a 19‑13 lead.
Altmyer, the other preseason quarterback, saw action in the first and third quarters, completing 7 of 11 passes for 55 yards and leading a 75‑yard drive that ended in a touchdown. He also threw an interception, lost a fumble and was sacked twice, prompting Campbell to note that some mistakes were due to protection breakdowns rather than the quarterback himself.
Team effort and other highlights
Detroit’s running game contributed with Jacob Saylors rushing 17 times for 100 yards and Traveyon Williams adding a 1‑yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, though Williams also lost a fumble, one of four turnovers for the Lions.
On the Colts side, rookie Anthony Richardson showed flashes of the talent that earned him the No. 4 overall pick in 2023, completing 7 of 10 passes for 80 yards and taking a sack while leading two field‑goal drives. Riley Leonard, in his second season, struggled with an interception in Detroit territory.
Special‑teams play was a bright spot for Indianapolis as kicker Spencer Shrader nailed a 60‑yard field goal, while rookie Blake Grupe was perfect on three attempts, including a 46‑yard field goal.
Looking ahead
With the preseason over, the Lions will open the regular season on September 13 against the New Orleans Saints. The quarterback competition remains open, and Campbell indicated that Dobbs’ performance has put him firmly in the conversation for the No. 2 spot.
Colts fans can look forward to a season‑opening matchup on the same day, when Indianapolis hosts the Baltimore Ravens.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
