Chargers Dominate Lions in 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game: A Preseason Opener to Remember

July 31, 2025 – The 2025 NFL preseason kicked off with a resounding statement from the Los Angeles Chargers, who dismantled the Detroit Lions 34-7 in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The game, marking the start of Enshrinement Week, showcased a stark contrast in execution, with the Chargers capitalizing on Detroit’s miscues while displaying offensive and defensive prowess in a one-sided affair.

Game Overview

The Chargers, led by quarterback Trey Lance, seized control early and never relinquished it, exploiting five Lions turnovers to secure a commanding victory. The Lions, playing without their starters and top rookies, struggled across all three phases of the game, marking a rough start to their 2025 preseason campaign. Despite the lopsided score, the game offered valuable insights into both teams’ depth and emerging talent, setting the stage for the upcoming NFL season.

First Quarter: A Disastrous Start for Detroit

The tone was set on the opening kickoff when Lions linebacker Grant Stuard fumbled, handing the Chargers prime field position. Los Angeles wasted no time, with Trey Lance connecting with tight end Will Dissly for a 5-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring. The Chargers’ defense continued to apply pressure, forcing a three-and-out on Detroit’s first offensive possession. Later in the quarter, Lions quarterback Kyle Allen’s pass was intercepted by Chargers cornerback Nikko Reed, setting up a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Kimani Vidal, pushing the lead to 14-0.

Second Quarter: Lions Show Signs of Life, But Turnovers Persist

Detroit found some offensive rhythm in the second quarter, largely thanks to third-round rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, who connected with Allen for 46 yards across two passes. The Lions capitalized on a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Craig Reynolds, cutting the deficit to 14-7. However, the momentum was short-lived. Allen’s next drive ended with an interception by Chargers safety Tony Jefferson in the end zone, halting a promising Lions possession. A missed 52-yard field goal by Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker kept the score at 14-7 at halftime, but Detroit’s inability to protect the ball foreshadowed further struggles.

Third Quarter: Chargers Pull Away

The Chargers extended their lead in the third quarter with another strong offensive series. Lance delivered a 28-yard pass to rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith, showcasing his arm strength and precision. This set up another touchdown run by Vidal, pushing the score to 21-7. Detroit’s offense, now led by backup quarterback Hendon Hooker, struggled to find a rhythm, with a fourth-and-3 attempt falling short when Hooker was stopped just shy of the first-down marker. The Chargers added a field goal late in the quarter, further solidifying their dominance at 24-7.

Fourth Quarter: Chargers Seal the Deal

The final quarter saw the Chargers put the game out of reach. A late interception by undrafted rookie Myles Purchase, who returned a pass intended for Lions receiver Dominic Lovett 49 yards, set up a final touchdown run by Vidal, his second of the night. Kicker Cameron Dicker’s extra point made it 34-7, and Los Angeles knelt out the clock to secure the victory. Detroit’s offense failed to generate any significant threats in the final frame, hampered by penalties and poor execution.

Key Performances

Los Angeles Chargers

Trey Lance (QB): In his Chargers debut, Lance played the first three quarters, completing 13 of 20 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. His performance solidified his case as a reliable backup to Justin Herbert, displaying improved accuracy and poise.
Kimani Vidal (RB): The rookie running back was a standout, scoring two touchdowns, including a 2-yard run in the fourth quarter that capped the Chargers’ scoring.
Myles Purchase (CB): The undrafted rookie sealed the game with a 49-yard interception return, highlighting the Chargers’ defensive depth.
Will Dissly (TE): Caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Lance in the first quarter, contributing to the early lead.

Detroit Lions

Craig Reynolds (RB): Led the Lions with 38 yards on 10 carries and scored their lone touchdown, providing a rare bright spot.
Isaac TeSlaa (WR): The rookie flashed potential with two receptions for 46 yards, showing promise despite the team’s struggles.
Kyle Allen (QB): Completed 9 of 14 passes for 91 yards but threw two costly interceptions, hampering Detroit’s chances.
Ahmed Hassanein (DL): One of the few defensive highlights for Detroit, the rookie showed flashes of disruption.

Turning Points and Key Moments

Opening Fumble: Grant Stuard’s fumble on the opening kickoff set the tone for Detroit’s sloppy performance, giving the Chargers an early scoring opportunity.
Turnover Differential: Detroit’s five turnovers (two fumbles, two interceptions, and a muffed punt by Jakobie Keeney-James) directly led to 17 points for the Chargers, proving to be the game’s defining factor.
Virtual Measurement System: The NFL debuted a new virtual measurement system during the game, used to confirm a first down by Craig Reynolds in the second quarter. While a minor moment, it marked a technological advancement for the league.
Lance’s Downfield Passing: Trey Lance’s 28-yard pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the third quarter highlighted his potential and shifted momentum further in the Chargers’ favor.

Team Context and Takeaways

Los Angeles Chargers

Under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, the Chargers showcased a disciplined and opportunistic performance. Their defense, which led the NFL in scoring defense in 2024 (17.7 points per game), forced five turnovers, while the offense capitalized on short fields. Trey Lance’s strong showing as the backup quarterback suggests he could be a valuable asset behind Justin Herbert, who did not play. Rookies like Vidal and Purchase also made compelling cases for roster spots, taking advantage of the extra preseason game to impress.

Detroit Lions

The Lions, coming off a 15-2 season and an NFC North title, opted to rest their starters and top rookies like Tate Ratledge and Tyleik Williams, prioritizing health for the regular season. However, the team’s backups struggled mightily, with turnovers and penalties (eight for 68 yards) derailing any chance of a competitive game. New offensive coordinator John Morton and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard faced their first test, but the vanilla play-calling and lack of rhythm suggested a focus on evaluation over execution. While the loss is not indicative of Detroit’s regular-season potential, special teams coordinator Dave Fipp will likely address the unit’s costly mistakes.

Broadcast and Atmosphere

The game, broadcast on NBC and Peacock with Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, and Brent Musburger in the booth, drew a festive crowd in Canton. The event coincided with Enshrinement Week, with Hall of Fame inductees Antonio Gates, Eric Allen, Jared Allen, and Sterling Sharpe introduced before kickoff. The lively atmosphere and the presence of Lions legend Barry Sanders added to the occasion, though Detroit fans were left disappointed by the team’s performance.

Looking Ahead

For the Chargers, this dominant performance sets a positive tone for their preseason, with their next game against New Orleans on August 17. The Lions, meanwhile, will look to rebound in their second preseason game against Atlanta on August 8, where starters and top rookies may see action. Both teams, considered Super Bowl contenders after strong 2024 campaigns, will use these early games to fine-tune their rosters and strategies.

Final Thoughts

While the Hall of Fame Game is a preseason contest that doesn’t count in the standings, the Chargers’ 34-7 rout highlighted their depth and readiness, while the Lions’ backups exposed areas for improvement. As the NFL season looms, both teams will shift focus to their regular-season openers, with the Lions facing Green Bay on September 7 and the Chargers preparing for their Week 1 matchup. For now, Los Angeles can celebrate a strong start to 2025, while Detroit will aim to clean up their mistakes and build on the flashes of potential shown by their young players.