Dobbs Makes His Case to Be Goff’s Backup in 25-16 Win
Bharatmorning.com – INDIANAPOLIS — The Lions’ backup quarterback competition received a decisive answer on Saturday afternoon when the veteran signal-thrower guided Detroit on three separate scoring drives, completed 15 of 19 passes for 128 yards, and committed zero turnovers en route to a 25-16 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Josh Dobbs, who slipped into the roster during training camp, accounted for two touchdown passes and executed a textbook two-minute drill at the half, leaving the coaching staff with little reason to look elsewhere for the No. 2 role behind Jared Goff.
The stakes behind the competition escalated sharply after Teddy Bridgewater announced his retirement earlier this month. That departure left rookie Luke Altmyer and the veteran as the primary candidates to back up Goff, who has not thrown a single pass across Detroit’s three preseason outings. Through the first two weeks of exhibition play the two rivals had split reps evenly, leaving the staff without a clear answer. Saturday’s performance tips the scales decisively.
Second-Half Dominance and the Two-Minute Drill
Assigned to the second and fourth quarters, the veteran completed his 15-of-19 line without surrendering the football or being brought down by a defender. The most consequential sequence arrived at the close of the first half: with 12 seconds remaining on the clock, he launched a 35-yard strike to Lucky Jackson, then immediately found Tay Martin for a two-yard score on the following snap, pushing Detroit ahead 19-13. Earlier in the half, a six-yard connection with Jackson Meeks midway through the second quarter had already given the Lions a 13-6 cushion, bringing the day’s total to three scoring drives — a number the rookie could not match.
Altmyer’s Mixed Afternoon
The rookie handled the first and third quarters, completing seven of 11 attempts for 55 yards. He did take Detroit on a 75-yard touchdown march, but the afternoon was marred by an interception, a lost fumble, and two sacks. The contrast between the two quarterbacks’ work was stark and will likely shape how the coaching staff allocates remaining camp reps.
Colts’ Quarterback Carousel Continues
On Indianapolis’ side, Anthony Richardson opened the game alongside the starting offensive line and offered brief flashes of the upside that earned him the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft. He finished seven of 10 for 80 yards with one sack while orchestrating two field goals that produced a 6-0 early lead. Riley Leonard, now in his second season, managed the second quarter and guided the Colts on their first touchdown drive since Week 1 of the preseason, though a costly interception at Detroit’s 24-yard line squandered a scoring opportunity. He finished three of seven for 48 yards. Easton Stick received his first action of the exhibition schedule in the second half, completing eight of 15 passes for 78 yards while absorbing one sack.
Ground Game and Special Teams
Jacob Saylors anchored Detroit’s rushing attack with 17 carries for 100 yards. Traveyon Williams added nine rushes for 57 yards and scored on one-yard plunges in both the first and fourth quarters, though he also lost a fumble, part of four total turnovers committed by the Lions. DJ Giddens punched in a six-yard touchdown run to tie the score at 13 before the late-half strike to Martin restored Detroit’s advantage. Lucky Jackson finished with five receptions and 94 yards, serving as the primary target on both touchdown throws.
Special teams played a role in both directions. Detroit’s Jake Bates missed two extra points and delivered an errant kickoff that allowed Indianapolis to begin a scoring drive from the 40-yard line. For the Colts, kicker competition between Spencer Shrader and Blake Grupe tightened further: Grupe converted field goals of 46 and 36 yards plus an extra point in the first half, while Shrader answered with a 60-yard kick in the third quarter that sealed the final margin on his only attempt of the day.
Looking Ahead
Indianapolis will look to extend its preseason momentum when it hosts Baltimore on September 13, aiming for a second consecutive season-opening victory. Detroit, meanwhile, enters the final stretch of camp with a far clearer picture of who will stand behind Goff when the regular season arrives. Three scoring drives, zero turnovers, and a flawless two-minute execution make the argument for the backup role in terms that are difficult to counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Lions-Colts preseason game and what was the final score? Detroit won 25-16. The Lions’ three scoring drives in the second half proved decisive after Indianapolis built an early lead.
Why is the backup quarterback competition significant right now? Ted