When the Lions opened their preseason schedule with a 23-3 win over the N.Y. Jets on Thursday, we got a glimpse at the possibilities for this season.

Here are five things we learned:

1. Ameer Abdullah is the real deal. We’d seen flashes at training camp, but in pads and against another opponent, Abdullah had a jaw-dropping 45-yard run. Where did he get those moves? Afterward he said he was excited to get into his first NFL game even though it was preseason. He also thanked the offensive line and the receivers for their blocks. Two things: His runs were against the Jets’ defense and it’s too early to draw comparisons to Barry Sanders, a Hall of Famer.
   
   
2. Caraun Reid made his case to start at defensive tackle. It’s tough to judge defensive and offensive lines until they see game action. He passed. His half a sack (he could have gotten there on his own) was impressive. He is not Ndamukong Suh but his play can help people forget about losing Suh.
   
   
   
3. Laken Tomlinson didn’t start at left guard but was solid once he got in. Right guard Larry Warford was impressed especially when Tomlinson “destroyed” a defensive end. It’s a tight competition with Manny Ramirez and is fun to watch. These coaches don’t hand out starting jobs based on draft position.
   
   
4. Special teams is blocking better on returns than last season which was an issue. Jeremy Ross started it with a 26-yard kickoff return. Abdullah had one for 25 yards and TJ Jones had three solid punt returns.
   
   
5. Wide receiver Greg Salas’ five catches for 92 yards was impressive even though against the third-team defense. He’s got to be in conversation for that final wide receiver spot.
   
   

PHOTO GALLERY FROM WIN OVER JETS

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Pre-order her new book “Game of My Life Detroit Lions” which will be be published in October on Amazon.com. Also order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here.)