Chargers dominate Lions 34–7 in 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game

Photo Courtesy of Mike Nowak - Los Angeles Chargers

By Nate McCray

The Los Angeles Chargers opened the 2025 preseason with a commanding 34–7 victory over the Detroit Lions in Thursday night's NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in front of 18,144 fans at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Neither team played their starting quarterbacks, as the Chargers Justin Herbert, and Lions, Jared Goff, both sat out of the first preseason game.  Fueled by early defensive takeaways and sharp quarterback play from backup Trey Lance, the Chargers never trailed, setting the tone for what they hope becomes a promising season.

The Lions' misfortunes began immediately. On the opening kickoff, returner Grant Stuard mishandled catching the kick, and the Chargers' Kendall Williamson pounced on the fumble at the Detroit 28-yard line. Wasting no time, Los Angeles capitalized on the turnover. Just five plays later, quarterback Trey Lance found tight end Will Dissly for a touchdown, giving the Chargers a 7–0 lead less than three minutes into the contest.

Detroit's offense, led by back up veteran Kyle Allen, sputtered from the outset. A holding penalty and a dropped slant by rookie receiver Dominic Lovett led to a quick three-and-out. Meanwhile, the Chargers offense struck again with Lance completing a deep strike to KeAndre Lambert-Smith for 28 yards on 3rd-and-4, though the drive ultimately stalled. Kicker Cameron Dicker missed a 52-yard field goal attempt wide left, keeping Detroit within reach.

However, Lions quarterback Kyle Allen’s woes only grew. On the ensuing drive, he was intercepted by Chargers rookie Nikko Reed, who returned the pick 60 yards to the Lions’ 6-yard line. Two plays later, rookie running back Kimani Vidal powered into the end zone from two yards out, extending the lead to 14–0 with 5:13 left in the first quarter. Detroit’s offensive line struggled mightily to hold its ground, surrendering pressure and committing repeated holding penalties by Kingsley Eguakun, Jamarco Jones and Dan Skipper, as well as Netane Muit and Kayode Awosika.

Kyle Allen’s night went from bad to worse when he threw his second interception late in the first quarter, this time picked off in the back corner of the end zone by a Chargers defensive back Tony Jefferson.

The Lions responded with their lone bright spot late in the second quarter. Running back Craig Reynolds capped a grueling 15-play, 60-yard drive that consumed over nine minutes with a 3-yard touchdown plunge, trimming the deficit to 14–7. But just before halftime, the Chargers answered again. Lance orchestrated an 8-play, 60-yard drive, highlighted by a series of play-action calls, and capped it with a 15-yard touchdown pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith with 1:51 remaining in the first half. The Chargers took a 21–7 lead into the break.

Special team’s mishaps continued to haunt Detroit after halftime. Jakobie Keeney-James muffed a punt deep inside Lions territory, and the Chargers' Dez Fitzpatrick recovered the loose ball at the 5-yard line. Though Detroit’s defense stiffened, Dicker connected on a 23-yard field goal to make it 24–7.

Lions’ backup quarterback Hendon Hooker took over in the third quarter, but the offense failed to generate momentum against a swarming Chargers defense that disguised coverages and attacked gaps with speed and physicality. Hooker showed flashes of mobility and poise but often faced long-yardage situations behind an offensive line that couldn't sustain protection.

In the fourth quarter, former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei entered the game for the Chargers and continued the team's efficient night under center. Though mostly managing the clock, the Chargers tacked on 10 more points, sealing a statement 34–7 victory.

As the preseason progresses, Los Angeles walks away with a confidence-boosting win fueled by turnovers, quarterback depth, and a balanced run game. Detroit, meanwhile, will head back to The Motor City with plenty of film to dissect, particularly regarding offensive line discipline, limiting turnovers, better quarterback play, and special team’s miscues. The Lions hope to regroup quickly, as the coaching staff evaluates positional battles, especially at the backup quarterback spot between Allen and Hooker, and along the offensive front.

Final assessment - Trey Lance led the way for the Chargers with an efficient outing, completing 13-of-20 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns while commanding the offense with poise and confidence. The Chargers’ backfield proved just as potent. Kimani Vidal scored twice on the ground, while Hassan Haskins and Nyheim Miller-Hines provided steady production in a balanced rushing attack. Defensively, safety Emany Johnson led the team with 7 tackles, helping hold Detroit in check and keeping the Chargers on top in the physical battle.

The Chargers won the night with mistake-free football, superior execution, and a visibly more physical edge at the point of attack, especially along the offensive and defensive lines. Their ability to dominate in all three phases sent a clear message about the depth and discipline of this year’s roster.

For Detroit, turnovers proved to be their downfall. The Lions turned the ball over five times, three from the quarterback position and two more on special teams, making it nearly impossible to find a rhythm. Still, there were flashes of promise from the defensive unit. Linebacker Ezekiel Turner led the Lions with 7 tackles, and rookie safety Ian Kennelly introduced himself to the league with six physical stops, including several hits that echoed through the press box.

Following the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the media with a straightforward assessment: “We’ll learn from tonight. We’re going to watch the tape, coach up these guys, and get better,” Campbell said. “I expect us to play better next week, and we will.”

As the preseason rolls on, both teams will shift focus to roster evaluation and position battles, but it was the Chargers who walked away from Canton with momentum and a reminder that clean football, from start to finish, is the fastest way to win, preseason or not.