By Nick Hopson
Many Lions fans didn’t know what to expect when Ziggy Ansah was drafted with the 5th pick. Everyone knew he was a physical freak but his lack of experience was cause for concern. The former BYU walk on showed his skills early Friday with a 14 yard interception return for a touchdown. The defensive line looks to be the strength of the defense for the Lions once again. The Jets’ offensive line had trouble keeping up. It is imperative that the Lions are able to pressure the Quarterback this season to take the pressure off of the largely unproven secondary. The other standout for the Lions was kicker Harvard Rugland. The 28 year old kicker from Norway made his professional debut against the Jets. Better known as “Kickalicious,” Rugland attempted two field goals against the Jets.
His first attempt was from 49 yards. The kick sailed well over the crossbar and through the uprights even with a little curve. The second one was from 50 yards. You could tell on the 50 yarder he didn’t get all of it as just made it over the bar. Initially, it looked like it wouldn’t have enough distance but Rugland had enough leg strength even on a miss kick to make his second field goal.
It is not likely that Rugland will end up making the roster. The much more proven David Akers is almost a lock to start. However, if injury strikes the 38 year old Akers we could very well be seeing the Norwegian phenomenon on Sundays. Besides Ansah and Rugland, another player got the crowd excited. On his first carry, Reggie Bush hurtled corner back Kyle Wilson for a gain of six yards.
Bush’s impact is summed up by Matthew Stafford when he said “Nobody ever drops Calvin for anybody.” The Jets did exactly that and Stafford hit Johnson for a 28 yard gain. Bush gives this offense the firepower that they lost with Javid Best. The Lions are going to be hard to stop.With the back of the receiving core being a question mark, receiver Matt Willis is taking advantage of his time. The 6th year receiver out of UCLA had three catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. He has a chance to make the team as the fifth or sixth receiver.
On the injury front, the Lions didn’t take any chances. They sat Ron Bartell, Jonte Green, Chris Greenwood, Israel Idonije, Ryan Broyles and Louis Delmas. It is best not to aggravate these injuries in a game that doesn’t matter.
This was a much more depressing game for Jets fans. Mark Sanchez showed his classic inconsistencies when he was put under pressure. Then when Geno Smith had his chance, he exited with an ankle injury after seven pass attempts. The Jets have a lot of unanswered questions.
Running back Chris Ivory was held out of the games for the Jets. Ivory is expected to be the primary ball carrier for the Jets. If he can stay healthy he may be the one of the only players that has value in Fantasy Football for the Jets.The Lions continue Preseason action on Thursday against the Cleveland Browns.
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