In a thrilling preseason contest, Sione Vaki delivered a performance that captured the attention of Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and the rest of the team. The rookie’s standout display in the Lions’ narrow 24-23 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday showcased his burgeoning offensive capabilities and underscored why he’s a player to watch this season.
Vaki, who transitioned from safety at the University of Utah to running back with the Lions, demonstrated his versatility and potential throughout the game. He concluded the matchup with 22 rushing yards on six carries and made a significant impact in the passing game with four receptions for 60 yards. His contributions were pivotal, especially during a crucial drive that began just before the two-minute warning in the first half.
During that drive, Vaki made a strong impression by hauling in all four of his catches. Two of these receptions were particularly noteworthy: he made back-to-back catches of 20 and 17 yards. The first catch was a critical conversion on third-and-7 at Detroit’s 15-yard line, which kept the drive alive and set up a short field goal as time expired in the half. This drive was a testament to Vaki’s ability to perform under pressure and make impactful plays when the team needed him most.
Following the game, Coach Dan Campbell offered a candid assessment of Vaki’s performance and potential. “I would say it is early right now to say ‘Here is what we are going to do for him,’” Campbell noted. “I would say the more you learn about a player and the faster you can figure out what they can do, the better off it is for everybody.” Campbell’s comments reflect the team’s cautious optimism as they continue to evaluate Vaki’s fit within the offensive scheme.
Campbell specifically highlighted Vaki’s progress in the passing game compared to his running game. “We already felt like this kid is going to have the ability to play special teams. Well, now it is like, can we use him on offense? He is a lot further along in that part of the game than carrying the football,” Campbell explained. He acknowledged that Vaki’s experience and understanding of the running game still need development, but his performance in the pass game was impressive. “The two-minute drive at the end of the (half), wow, that was huge,” Campbell added, praising Vaki’s resilience and work ethic.
Vaki’s performance wasn’t limited to the offensive side of the ball. Earlier in the game, he had a pair of carries for 11 yards during a touchdown drive in the second quarter. He also made a mark on special teams with a 19-yard kickoff return and a crucial tackle. This multifaceted performance came just a week after he was one of the few bright spots for Detroit in their 14-3 preseason-opening loss to the New York Giants, where he had four carries for 29 yards.
Backup quarterback Hendon Hooker, who observed Vaki’s growth firsthand, lauded his teammate’s skills and intelligence. “He’s amazing,” Hooker said. “And very smart as well to be a young guy coming in and making plays. You saw some different shifty moves, too. It’s very cool to see his growth.”
As the Lions continue to refine their roster and prepare for the regular season, Sione Vaki’s impressive showing has certainly made an impact. His ability to contribute in various roles and his visible growth on the field suggest that he could become a key player for Detroit as they look to build on their recent successes.
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