Chargers triumph over Lions in Hall of Fame Game, with promising performance by Trey Lance taking center stage.
In the opening game of the 2025 NFL preseason, the Los Angeles Chargers triumphed over the Detroit Lions with a resounding score of 34-7. The standout performer of the game was rookie quarterback Trey Lance, who delivered a strong performance that significantly boosted his standing in the competition for the backup quarterback position behind starter Justin Herbert.
Lance capitalised on a Detroit fumble early in the game, leading the Chargers to a quick touchdown. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his accuracy and decision-making in game situations. Notable connections were made with tight end Will Dissly and rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who scored on both of their receptions.
The Chargers' coaching staff, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, were impressed with Lance's command on the field and his ability to finish drives. This high-visibility performance in the Hall of Fame Game provided a clear statement to coaches that Lance is ready to step into a key support role if needed.
Meanwhile, the Chargers' offensive line remains an unresolved issue, with opponents expected to exploit any leaks if they are not patched. The interior of the line was a cause for concern in the game, with guard Zion Johnson experiencing problems with his snaps early on.
The Chargers' victory was also marked by the impressive debut of Lambert-Smith, a fifth-round pick, who had a 28-yard reception on third down and a 15-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. First-round pick Omarion Hampton also made an impact with two carries, one for an eight-yard gain.
In other news, the NFL officially unveiled its virtual-measurement system, which will be used in the regular season for the first time. The system, which relies on six 8K Sony Hawk-Eye cameras, aims to reduce delays and improve consistency on first-down rulings. While chain gangs will still be in place for backup measurements, if necessary, the average line-to-gain measurement time has been reduced from 75 seconds with human officials to just 30 seconds with the new system.
Interestingly, Antonio Gates, a Chargers great and Hall of Fame inductee for 2025, is the only Hall of Fame player to never play a snap of college football. He was a basketball star at Kent State before transitioning to football.
Finally, the Chargers' false start rate was impressive, with just 0.89 false starts per game in the 2024 season, tying them for fourth-fewest in the NFL.
[1] NFL.com
[2] ESPN
[3] Sports Illustrated
Trey Lance's impressive performance in the 2025 NFL preseason's Hall of Fame Game, where he played for the Los Angeles Chargers in California, was not limited to football; he also excelled in American-football, completing 13 of 20 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. The Chargers' victory against the Detroit Lions in Los Angeles also marked the debut of rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who scored on both of his receptions in the game. Despite the Chargers' impressive performances in sports, their offensive line remains a concern, particularly the interior line, where guard Zion Johnson experienced issues with his snaps early on.
