Final Score: New York Giants 14, Detroit Lions 3
MetLife Stadium • 75,108 attendance • Light rain conditions
Eric Gray scored both Giants touchdowns while Detroit settled for Jake Bates’ 53-yard field goal despite controlling possession for 31:49.
Table of Contents
Key Game Statistics
| Team Performance | Detroit Lions | New York Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 228 | 250 |
| Passing Yards | 110 | 95 |
| Rushing Yards | 118 | 155 |
| First Downs | 15 | 14 |
| 3rd Down Success | 5/17 (29%) | 2/11 (18%) |
| 4th Down Success | 0/4 (0%) | 1/1 (100%) |
| Red Zone Success | 0/3 (0%) | 1/1 (100%) |
| Time of Possession | 31:49 | 28:11 |
The efficiency gap in critical situations decided this contest. Detroit failed on all four fourth-down attempts and all three red zone trips.
Individual Performance Leaders
Offensive Stars
- Passing: Tommy DeVito (NYG) 8/15, 92 yards vs Nate Sudfeld (DET) 13/24, 96 yards, 1 INT
- Rushing: Eric Gray (NYG) 4 carries, 52 yards, 2 TDs vs Hendon Hooker (DET) 4 carries, 34 yards
- Receiving: Eric Gray (NYG) 4 catches, 46 yards vs Isaiah Williams (DET) 4 catches, 35 yards
Defensive Impact
- Tackles: Malik Jefferson (DET) 6 total vs Darrian Beavers (NYG) 5 total
- Sacks: Six players recorded 1.0 sack each
- Interceptions: Brandon Joseph (DET) 20-yard return, Tre Herndon (NYG) 35-yard return
Complete Quarterback Analysis
Four quarterbacks saw action with mixed results affecting depth chart evaluations.
| Quarterback | Team | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Rating | Sacks Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nate Sudfeld | DET | 13/24 | 96 | 0 | 1 | 46.5 | 4 for 22 yards |
| Tommy DeVito | NYG | 8/15 | 92 | 0 | 0 | 72.1 | 1 for 10 yards |
| Hendon Hooker | DET | 5/9 | 36 | 0 | 0 | 65.0 | 0 |
| Drew Lock | NYG | 4/10 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 8.3 | 1 for 4 yards |
Performance Context:
Nate Sudfeld struggled with pressure, taking four sacks that disrupted multiple scoring drives. His completion rate of 54% included several poor decisions.
Tommy DeVito entered after Lock’s hip injury and engineered both Giants touchdown drives with smart decision-making and accurate throws.
Hendon Hooker provided Detroit’s offensive spark, leading an 88-yard drive to the Giants’ 3-yard line before suffering a concussion that ended his night.
Drew Lock exited early with injury after throwing the interception that led to Detroit’s only points.
Running Back Performance Breakdown
New York’s ground game averaged 5.7 yards per carry compared to Detroit’s 3.9, creating the foundation for victory.
Primary Contributors
| Player | Team | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Gray | NYG | 4 | 52 | 13.0 | 2 | 48 | PFF Player of Week |
| Dante Miller | NYG | 12 | 63 | 5.3 | 0 | 19 | Consistent production |
| Hendon Hooker | DET | 4 | 34 | 8.5 | 0 | 16 | Team rushing leader |
| Sione Vaki | DET | 4 | 29 | 7.3 | 0 | 15 | Strong NFL debut |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr. | NYG | 5 | 26 | 5.2 | 0 | 12 | Solid backup work |
Secondary Options
| Player | Team | Carries | Yards | Average | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nate Sudfeld | DET | 3 | 14 | 4.7 | 8 |
| Drew Lock | NYG | 2 | 12 | 6.0 | 7 |
| Bam Knight | DET | 6 | 12 | 2.0 | 4 |
| Craig Reynolds | DET | 4 | 11 | 2.8 | 5 |
| Jake Funk | DET | 4 | 9 | 2.3 | 7 |
| Jermar Jefferson | DET | 5 | 9 | 1.8 | 6 |
| Tommy DeVito | NYG | 4 | 2 | 0.5 | 2 |
Eric Gray’s 48-yard touchdown run in the second quarter broke open a scoreless game. His performance earned Pro Football Focus Offensive Player of the Week honors after totaling 98 yards on eight touches.
Sione Vaki impressed in his professional debut, averaging 7.3 yards per carry with physical running that caught coaches’ attention.
Pass Catching Statistics
Target distribution varied significantly between teams, with Detroit spreading opportunities wider than New York.
Leading Pass Catchers
| Player | Team | Rec | Yards | Avg | Long | Targets | Catch % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Gray | NYG | 4 | 46 | 11.5 | 24 | 4 | 100% |
| Isaiah Williams | DET | 4 | 35 | 8.8 | 13 | 4 | 100% |
| Tyree Jackson | NYG | 2 | 34 | 17.0 | 18 | 4 | 50% |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones | DET | 1 | 26 | 26.0 | 26 | 2 | 50% |
| Antoine Green | DET | 3 | 13 | 4.3 | 7 | 3 | 100% |
Additional Reception Contributors
| Player | Team | Rec | Yards | Targets | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Mitchell | DET | 1 | 11 | 1 | Perfect connection |
| Bam Knight | DET | 2 | 10 | 3 | Reliable checkdown |
| Allen Robinson | NYG | 1 | 9 | 2 | Limited opportunities |
| Parker Hesse | DET | 1 | 8 | 1 | Tight end target |
| Shane Zylstra | DET | 1 | 7 | 1 | One reception |
| Daniel Bellinger | NYG | 1 | 7 | 2 | One reception |
| Dante Miller | NYG | 2 | 7 | 2 | Dual-threat back |
| Maurice Alexander | DET | 1 | 6 | 3 | 33% catch rate |
| Bryce Ford-Wheaton | NYG | 1 | 6 | 2 | 50% catch rate |
| Sean McKeon | DET | 1 | 5 | 1 | Perfect connection |
| Kaden Davis | DET | 1 | 5 | 4 | 25% catch rate |
| Tom Kennedy | DET | 1 | 4 | 2 | 50% catch rate |
| Jalon Calhoun | DET | 1 | 2 | 2 | 50% catch rate |
Unsuccessful Targets
Seven players received targets without catching passes:
- Daurice Fountain (DET): 3 targets, 0 catches – multiple drops hurt drive continuity
- Isaiah McKenzie (NYG): 2 targets, 0 catches
- Isaiah Hodgins (NYG): 2 targets, 0 catches
- Jake Funk (DET): 2 targets, 0 catches
- Craig Reynolds (DET): 1 target, 0 catches
- Jalin Hyatt (NYG): 1 target, caught for 0 yards
- John Jiles (NYG): 1 target, 0 catches
Isaiah Williams caught all four targets, earning postgame praise from Lions head coach Dan Campbell for his reliable hands. Eric Gray’s receiving ability complemented his rushing success, catching all targets for first downs on key third-down situations.
Defensive Performance
Both backup units made crucial stops, with fourth-down and red zone execution separating the teams.
Tackle Leaders and Impact Players
| Player | Team | Total | Solo | Sacks | TFL | PD | QB Hits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malik Jefferson | DET | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Darrian Beavers | NYG | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| DaRon Gilbert | DET | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Brodric Martin | DET | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Mitchell Agude | DET | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ovie Oghoufo | NYG | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Christian Holmes | NYG | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Matthew Adams | NYG | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pass Rush Production
| Player | Team | Sacks | TFL | QB Hits | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isaac Ukwu | DET | 1.0 | 1 | 1 | Consistent pressure |
| Nate Lynn | DET | 1.0 | 1 | 2 | Beat protection |
| Boogie Basham | NYG | 1.0 | 1 | 1 | Interior rush |
| Benton Whitley | NYG | 1.0 | 1 | 2 | Game-sealing sack |
| Dyontae Johnson | NYG | 1.0 | 2 | 1 | Multiple TFL |
| Elijah Chatman | NYG | 1.0 | 1 | 1 | Inside pressure |
Darrian Beavers anchored New York’s defense with multiple fourth-down stops. Benton Whitley’s fourth-quarter sack of Sudfeld ended Detroit’s final scoring threat.
Both teams generated consistent pressure from backup units. Pro Football Focus classified the Giants’ sacks allowed as coverage sacks, indicating solid offensive line protection.
Turnover Impact and Field Position
Ball security decisions created scoring opportunities throughout the contest.
Interception Returns
| Player | Team | Returns | Yards | Game Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Joseph | DET | 1 | 20 | Set up Lions’ only score |
| Tre Herndon | NYG | 1 | 35 | Stopped Lions drive |
Joseph’s first-quarter pick of Drew Lock gave Detroit field position at the Giants’ 35, leading directly to Bates’ field goal. Herndon answered later, intercepting Sudfeld and returning it 35 yards.
Fumble Recovery Statistics
| Team | Fumbles | Lost | Recovered | Key Contributors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | 1 | 0 | 2 | M. Alexander, S. Gilmore |
| New York | 2 | 1 | 1 | T. Herndon lost, I. McKenzie recovered |
Detroit recovered more fumbles than they lost but failed to convert extra possessions into points.
Special Teams and Field Position
Return game phases and kicking units affected field position significantly.
Kick and Punt Returns
| Return Type | Player | Team | Att | Yards | Avg | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kick Returns | Isaiah Williams | DET | 2 | 56 | 28.0 | 28 |
| Kick Returns | Maurice Alexander | DET | 1 | 20 | 20.0 | 20 |
| Kick Returns | Isaiah McKenzie | NYG | 1 | 26 | 26.0 | 26 |
| Punt Returns | Gunner Olszewski | NYG | 3 | 15 | 5.0 | 8 |
| Punt Returns | Isaiah McKenzie | NYG | 2 | 13 | 6.5 | 13 |
| Punt Returns | Ayir Asante | NYG | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 4 |
| Punt Returns | Maurice Alexander | DET | 2 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
Team Return Totals:
- Detroit kick returns: 3 for 76 yards
- New York kick returns: 1 for 26 yards
- Detroit punt returns: 2 for 0 yards
- New York punt returns: 6 for 32 yards
The Giants gained consistent field position advantages through punt returns while Detroit produced zero punt return yardage.
Kicking Game Performance
| Category | Detroit Lions | New York Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | Jake Bates 1/1 (53 yards) | No attempts |
| Extra Points | No attempts | G. Gano 1/1, J. McAtamney 1/1 |
| Punting | Jack Fox 49.7 avg (7 punts) | Jamie Gillan 45.6 avg (7 punts) |
| Punts Inside 20 | 2 of 7 attempts | 4 of 7 attempts |
| Longest Punt | 62 yards | 60 yards |
Jake Bates connected on his 53-yard attempt in rainy conditions, providing Detroit’s only points. Jack Fox averaged 49.7 yards per punt with two inside the 20. Jamie Gillan placed four punts inside Detroit’s 20-yard line.
Critical Situation Analysis
Execution in high-leverage moments separated these teams despite similar overall production.
Down and Distance Performance
| Situation | Detroit Success/Attempts | New York Success/Attempts | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third Down | 5/17 (29.4%) | 2/11 (18.2%) | DET faced more situations |
| Fourth Down | 0/4 (0.0%) | 1/1 (100.0%) | Critical difference |
| Red Zone | 0/3 (0.0%) | 1/1 (100.0%) | Perfect execution vs failure |
Advanced Efficiency Metrics
| Category | Detroit Lions | New York Giants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yards Per Play | 3.4 | 4.6 | +1.2 NYG |
| Points Per Drive | 0.25 | 1.27 | +1.02 NYG |
| Drive Success Rate | 8.3% | 18.2% | +9.9% NYG |
| Explosive Plays (15+ yards) | 3 | 5 | +2 NYG |
| Plays Per Drive | 5.6 | 4.9 | +0.7 DET |
New York’s efficiency advantages in yards per play and scoring rate explain their victory despite Detroit’s possession time edge.
Standout Individual Performances
Several players strengthened their roster positions with notable preseason opener showings.
Breakthrough Games
Eric Gray (New York Giants)
Combined 98 total yards on eight touches with two touchdowns. His dual-threat capability earned Pro Football Focus Offensive Player of the Week recognition and potentially altered the Giants’ backfield depth chart.
Sione Vaki (Detroit Lions)
Averaged 7.3 yards per carry in his NFL debut, displaying power and vision that impressed evaluators during his four-carry performance.
Isaiah Williams (Detroit Lions)
Perfect 4-for-4 receiving performance earned specific postgame recognition from head coach Dan Campbell for reliable hands and route-running consistency.
Position Battle Implications
Detroit’s backup quarterback situation remains unresolved following Hooker’s concussion and Sudfeld’s inconsistent performance. The competition behind Jared Goff required continued evaluation in subsequent preseason games.
Gray’s versatility as both runner and receiver addressed multiple offensive needs for New York, creating competition for touches behind starter Devin Singletary during the remainder of training camp.
Multiple Giants defensive players made strong arguments for roster spots through their fourth-down and red zone performance.
Rookie Class Evaluation
First-year players made varied impressions during their professional debuts.
Detroit Rookie Performance
Terrion Arnold & Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (Cornerbacks)
Both earned starting positions and performed well, demonstrating the coverage skills that made them high draft selections.
Sione Vaki (Running Back)
Explosive debut with 29 yards on four carries, showing the physical style that attracted scouts.
New York Rookie Performance
Malik Nabers (Wide Receiver)
The sixth overall pick saw limited action without statistical production as the Giants focused on depth player evaluation.
Dru Phillips (Cornerback)
Made the game’s most crucial defensive play, stopping Nate Sudfeld on fourth-and-one to preserve field position.
Environmental Factors and Injuries
Weather conditions and player health issues affected game flow and evaluation opportunities.
Weather Conditions
Light rain throughout the first half created slippery conditions that contributed to early turnovers and passing difficulties.
Key Injuries
Drew Lock’s hip injury altered New York’s quarterback plans, while Hendon Hooker’s concussion ended his promising performance and complicated Detroit’s evaluation.
Evaluation Context
The preseason format provided extensive opportunities to assess roster bubble players, particularly during the second half.
Immediate Post-Game Implications
Eric Gray’s breakout performance immediately elevated his standing within the Giants organization. His ability to impact both the running and passing games in limited touches demonstrated the versatility coaches seek in backup players.
Detroit’s quarterback evaluation became more complex following Hooker’s concussion and Sudfeld’s struggles. The competition for the primary backup role behind Jared Goff required continued assessment through remaining preseason games.
Both teams found encouraging depth in their defensive units, with multiple players making strong initial impressions for roster consideration.
Complete Game Information
Date & Time: August 8, 2024 at 8:00 PM ET
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 75,108
Television: Fox 5 New York
Weather: Light rain during first half
Game Officials
- Referee: Alex Kemp
- Umpire: Mike Morton
- Line Judge: Rusty Baynes
- Field Judge: Sean Petty
- Side Judge: Lo van Pham
- Back Judge: Scott Helverson
- Down Judge: Robert Richeson
Final Statistical Summary
New York’s 14-3 victory came through superior execution when opportunities arose rather than statistical dominance across all categories. The Giants converted their only red zone attempt and fourth-down situation while Detroit failed in both areas despite moving the ball effectively.
Eric Gray’s 98-yard, two-touchdown performance on eight touches earned Pro Football Focus recognition and established him as a legitimate option in the Giants’ backfield rotation. His combination of rushing explosiveness and receiving reliability addressed multiple offensive needs.
Detroit’s struggles in high-leverage situations – 0-for-4 on fourth down, 0-for-3 in the red zone – highlight execution issues that must improve as the season approaches. Despite controlling time of possession and generating more first downs, the Lions could not convert opportunities into points.
The quarterback evaluations for both teams remained ongoing. New York found stability with DeVito after Lock’s injury, while Detroit faced continued uncertainty between Hooker’s health and Sudfeld’s consistency.
Both defensive units demonstrated adequate depth talent through their situational performance, with multiple players strengthening their roster positions through fourth-down stops and coverage consistency.
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Statistical Sources:
New York Giants Official • Detroit Lions Official • CBS Sports Game Center • Pro Football Focus
