The Detroit Lions are licking their wounds after a rough night against the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game, held Thursday, July 31. The highly anticipated preseason kickoff didn’t go as hoped for Detroit, as they fell in a lopsided loss that exposed some early-season rust. However, as every seasoned football fan knows, the scoreboard in early August doesn’t always tell the full story.
While the Lions clearly struggled on both sides of the ball, it’s important to remember that the preseason is less about wins and losses and more about preparation, evaluation, and building toward the regular season. And no one understands that better than Jim Harbaugh.
In his debut as head coach of the Chargers, Harbaugh entered the Hall of Fame Game with a clear agenda. He wasn’t interested in simply blowing out the Lions — although that did happen. What Harbaugh really wanted were three specific things from his team. And as far as he’s concerned, mission accomplished.
1. Establish Physicality Up Front
Harbaugh is known for building teams that win in the trenches, and he made it clear going into the game that he wanted to see toughness from his offensive and defensive lines. Against the Lions, the Chargers’ front lines controlled the pace of the game. The offensive line created solid protection for the quarterbacks and opened running lanes, while the defensive line made life difficult for Detroit’s backfield all night.
This kind of dominance up front is vintage Harbaugh — and it’s exactly the kind of identity he wants to instill early in his Chargers tenure. Preseason or not, controlling the line of scrimmage was the first box on his checklist, and the team delivered.
2. Evaluate Depth Across the Roster
Another major priority for Harbaugh was evaluating the depth of his roster. The preseason is all about finding out who can contribute beyond the starting 22, and with the Hall of Fame Game giving the team an extra opportunity to see backups in action, this was a crucial moment.
Several young and lesser-known Chargers made the most of their reps, showing flashes of potential and giving coaches plenty of film to review. While the focus from fans is often on the score or big plays, Harbaugh was watching how players responded in the heat of live competition — who kept their cool, who executed the playbook, and who might be pushing for a final roster spot.
3. Set the Tone for the Season Ahead
Finally, Harbaugh wanted to send a message — not just to his own team, but to the rest of the league. After years away from the NFL, this was his return, and the Hall of Fame Game served as his statement of intent. He wanted to show that his teams will be prepared, physical, and smart. The Chargers’ energy, discipline, and execution stood out — especially compared to the Lions, who looked flat from the opening snap.
Yes, it’s just preseason. No, the wins don’t count yet. But for Jim Harbaugh, this game was never just about the result. It was about laying a foundation. And if what we saw against the Lions is any indication, the Chargers are buying in.
The Lions, meanwhile, have their own takeaways. While the loss stings, it’s part of the growing process — a reminder of how much work still needs to be done before Week 1 kicks off. For both teams, the Hall of Fame Game was just the beginning. But Harbaugh walked away with exactly what he wanted — and perhaps a little extra confidence, too.