The Los Angeles Chargers opened the NFL preseason with a commanding 34-7 victory over the Detroit Lions in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio.
Game Summary
The Chargers took control early and never looked back, scoring 14 unanswered points in the first quarter and capitalizing on five total turnovers by the Lions. Los Angeles led 21-7 at halftime and extended their lead with disciplined defense and efficient offense throughout the second half.
Standout Performances
Trey Lance, quarterback for the Chargers, delivered one of the most notable performances of the night. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, earning a 114.6 passer rating. He connected on scoring plays with tight end Will Dissly and rookie wide receiver KeAndre Lambert‑Smith.
Kimani Vidal contributed two rushing touchdowns on nine carries for 37 yards, providing early red zone success that helped set the tone for the Chargers’ offense.
KeAndre Lambert‑Smith led all receivers with 43 yards and a touchdown, while Dissly’s fourth-down reception for a score highlighted his effectiveness in short-yardage situations.
On defense, the Chargers were opportunistic. Interceptions were recorded by Nikko Reed, Tony Jefferson, and Myles Purchase, with Reed returning his pick for a 60-yard touchdown. The defensive unit consistently pressured Detroit’s quarterbacks, forcing hurried throws and disrupting rhythm.
Lions’ Struggles
The Lions failed to find consistency on offense, turning the ball over five times without generating a takeaway. Quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker each struggled—Allen threw two interceptions, while Hooker was unable to gain traction during limited action.
Detroit’s special teams also contributed to their miscues. Returner Grant Stuard lost a fumble on the opening kickoff, setting up a short field for the Chargers’ first score. Jakobie Keeney‑James also fumbled a punt return, further tilting field position in the Chargers’ favor.
Wide receiver Dominic Lovett was a bright spot for the Lions, recording five catches for 31 yards.
Statistical Snapshot
| Category | Chargers | Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Passing | Trey Lance: 13/20, 120 yds, 2 TD | Allen/Hooker: 3 INTs |
| Rushing | Vidal: 9 carries, 37 yds, 2 TD | Reynolds: 6 yds |
| Receiving | Lambert‑Smith: 43 yds, TD | Lovett: 31 yds |
| Turnovers | Forced: 5 | Forced: 0 |
Key Takeaways
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Trey Lance’s Poise: Lance made a strong impression in his Chargers debut, showing growth, accuracy, and command of the offense.
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Chargers’ Depth: Both offensively and defensively, Los Angeles demonstrated the kind of roster depth that bodes well for the preseason.
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Lions’ Concerns: With poor ball security and limited production from their quarterback rotation, Detroit will need significant improvement before the regular season.
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Impact of Turnovers: The Chargers turned five Lions turnovers into 27 points, highlighting the critical importance of ball control in preseason evaluation.
While the result does not count toward the regular season, the performance of Trey Lance and the dominance of the Chargers’ defense were important early signals in the lead-up to roster decisions and Week 1 preparations.
