While preseason performance is in no way an indicator for future success — the 2008 Detroit Lions famously went 4-0 before delivering the first 0-16 regular season in NFL history — the New England Patriots can feel cautiously optimistic about the result from today’s game. The team defeated the Lions 31-3 in Detroit and dominated from start to finish and in all three phases of the game.
The first drive of the game already set the tone for the rest of the night, as defensive tackle Danny Shelton was able to take down quarterback Tom Savage on the Lions’ fourth offensive play of the day:
Shelton, who is fighting for a roster spot on a crowded defensive line, sacked Savage for a loss of four yards — the first of nine sacks New England’s defense registered on the day.