DETROIT — Matthew Stafford threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Golden Tate, and rookie running back Ameer Abdullah ran for 67 yards — 45 on one play — to lift the Detroit Lions to a 23-3 preseason victory over the New York Jets on Thursday night.
Stafford played only one possession in Detroit's exhibition opener. He threw for 57 yards, completing his only two pass attempts — both to Tate. The touchdown came on a throw over the middle, and Tate slipped between three defenders after the catch and ran to the end zone.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Jets' new starting quarterback, played one drive, going 2 of 3 for 16 yards and guiding New York to a field goal.