Yes, it was a loss. Yes, the Lions have plenty of work to do before the season opener on Sept. 12 at Chicago. However, now there’s a better idea of what this team is all about with all the new faces including eight new starters on defense.

The offensive starters played just into the second quarter in the Lions 23-7 loss at Pittsburgh on Saturday night in the preseason opener.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford looked comfortable, as expected, and threw a touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson that looked too easy. He also threw an interception, but that was not his fault. Rookie Jahvid Best let the ball sail through his fingers. He’s a rookie, but he should have caught the ball.

The starting defensive line was solid with Cliff Avril notching a sack and Kyle Vanden Bosch making his mark pressuring the quarterback.

The weak spot was the secondary which is not surprising. They were playing without injured safety Louis Delmas. The starters were more solid than the depth guys who saw time in the second half after the 73-minute weather delay.

The Lions will go back to work this week in preparation for their next preseason contest, next Saturday at Denver.

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