Head coach Dan Campbell got pretty much what he hoped for from the Detroit Lions in their preseason opener against the New York Giants.
Performance on the field was more important than what showed up on the scoreboard.
That's what we learned from the Lions' 21-16 win.
"We kept the plan simple," Campbell said. "They knew what we were facing because we had faced them for two days now.
"It always feels good to win. We've got a lot to clean up, but that's a good first start."
Among the other things we learned include the following:
The Lions were the better team on defense, which helped them outscore the Giants, 18-3 in the second half to win the game. Wide receiver Jameson Williams was a primary target in the Lions' passing game; and Ford Field was a hot spot Friday night.
Lions' D a winner: The Lions had five sacks – three by Julian Okwara and one by his brother, Romeo Okwara, 11 tackles for loss and six quarterback hits.
The Giants had one sack, three tackles for loss and six quarterback hits. They also had two interceptions. The Lions had one.
On offense, the Lions had a 69-55 advantage in plays run, and 327-216 in yards gained.
Snap count: Williams had seven targets, tied with Chase Cota for the most of any Lions' receiver. Williams had two catches for 18 yards. He also had one catch for a two-point conversion.
Williams gets credit statistically for the points, but not the catch. Cota had four catches for 60 yards. Williams played 51 snaps (71 percent), tied with three Lions for second most snaps by an offensive player.
As the stats show, opportunity is coming.
View photos from the New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions preseason Week 1 game at Ford Field on Friday, Aug. 11 in Detroit, MI.
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell before a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson before a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris (25) before a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dylan Drummond (83) gets ready in the locker room before a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) warms up before a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) warms up before a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) gets ready in the locker room before a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) warms up before a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (10) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) and Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris (25) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) and Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (10) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman John Cominsky (79) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (15) returns a kick during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), Detroit Lions guard Ross Pierschbacher (66), during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Dylan Drummond (83) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates getting a first down during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (41) and Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Antoine Green (80) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Germain Ifedi (70), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal (75), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Brad Cecil (64) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Germain Ifedi (70) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) punts during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions long snapper Scott Daly (47), Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57), and Detroit Lions safety Brady Breeze (35) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Brady Breeze (35) and Detroit Lions fullback Jason Cabinda (45) celebrate during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Starling Thomas (49) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (95) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Starling Thomas (49) and Detroit Lions defensive back Saivion Smith (23) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Devin Ozigbo (30) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Devin Ozigbo (30) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions fullback Jason Cabinda (45) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions fullback Jason Cabinda (45) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Chase Cota (88) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal (75), Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (10), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Brad Cecil (64) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (15) returns a punt for a touchdown during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (15) returns a punt for a touchdown during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (15) returns a punt for a touchdown during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (15) returns a punt for a touchdown during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) scores on a two-point conversion during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) scores on a two-point conversion during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Brandon Joseph (40) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Saivion Smith (23) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (10) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Chase Cota (88) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Chase Cota (88) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Daniel Helm (43), Detroit Lions tackle Germain Ifedi (70), and Detroit Lions running back Devin Ozigbo (30) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (10) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Devin Ozigbo (30) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Brady Breeze (35) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions kicker Parker Romo (24) kicks a field goal during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Julian Okwara (99) sacks New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (5) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Adrian Martinez (18) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Adrian Martinez (18) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (95) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Chase Lucas (27) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (95) sacks New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (5) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (95) sacks New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (5) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Julian Okwara (99) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (95) celebrate after a sack during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Tae Hayes (24) breaks up a pass during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Benny Snell (38) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Adrian Martinez (18) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Adrian Martinez (18) rushes for a touchdown during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Obinna Eze (65) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Chase Cota (88) celebrate after a touchdown during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (59) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Julian Okwara (99) sacks New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (5) during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Julian Okwara (99) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (95) celebrate after a sack during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Brandon Joseph (40) intercepts a pass during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30), Detroit Lions safety Brandon Joseph (40), Detroit Lions cornerback Tae Hayes (24), and Detroit Lions cornerback Chase Lucas (27) celebrate after an interception during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Ford Field: The stadium was rocking the way it would be in the regular season. Attendance was 48,872 compared to 40,521 for the first home preseason game last year.
The noise level was considerably higher too.
