Hall of Fame Game Recap: Chargers Dominate Lions Behind Trey Lance

By Oliver Wiener August 04, 2025 12:56

The Los Angeles Chargers opened the 2025 NFL preseason with a commanding 34-7 victory over the Detroit Lions in the annual Hall of Fame Game, powered by a poised and impressive performance from quarterback Trey Lance. The game, played on July 31, set an assertive tone for the Chargers’ offseason and gave fans an early glimpse of key players shining in a competitive setting.

Trey Lance, in his first NFL action since joining the Chargers, demonstrated remarkable composure and accuracy, completing 13 of 20 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns over the first three quarters. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh praised Lance’s calm and controlled approach, noting, “Big night for Trey. Just played calm, cool, collected, ran the operation, threw the ball really well.” Lance’s ability to make the right reads, even on the move, and deliver precise throws, including a sideline throw and a perfect slant route for a touchdown, showcased his growth and readiness to compete for the team’s quarterback depth chart alongside Justin Herbert and others .

The Chargers capitalized on the Lions’ struggles, particularly their turnovers, forcing five miscues that handed Los Angeles advantageous field position repeatedly. This opportunistic defense and special teams play helped the Chargers maintain control throughout the game and keep the Lions’ scoring opportunities limited. The Lions’ performance was marred by mental errors and inconsistent execution, a point emphasized by analysts who noted that despite Coach Dan Campbell’s usually disciplined teams, the Lions looked uncharacteristically sloppy, contributing to the wide margin of defeat.

Offensively, besides Lance’s solid showing, the Chargers’ offense functioned efficiently, leveraging short fields to score points steadily. Lance’s connections with rookie wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith were particularly notable, evidencing a developing rapport that could prove fruitful in the regular season. The Chargers’ defense also stood strong, shutting out the Lions for most of the game and allowing only a late touchdown in garbage time.

Chargers coach Harbaugh expressed optimism about his quarterback room depth, stating that Lance received “the Justin Herbert treatment” in preparation, highlighting the organization’s confidence in his potential. This preseason statement game positions Lance strongly as a candidate to challenge for more snaps in the season’s second half.

On the other side, the Lions endured a difficult night, with their backup quarterbacks Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen unable to generate sustained offense. The five turnovers significantly hampered Detroit’s efforts, with the team managing only one touchdown against a dominant Chargers defense. The loss marked one of the Lions’ worst preseason defeats since 2019, underscoring the need for improvements as they head deeper into the preseason and regular season preparations.

In summary, the 2025 Hall of Fame Game was a showcase for the Los Angeles Chargers’ emerging talent and defensive prowess. Trey Lance’s confident and efficient performance, combined with a defense that forced frequent turnovers, led to a convincing 34-7 victory over the Detroit Lions. As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will remain on Lance’s development and how effectively the Chargers can build on this dominant start to their campaign.