Less than a week after putting up 35 points against the New York Giants, the Lions were brought back down to Earth as they fell to the Carolina Panthers 24-7 in week two action perhaps putting some perspective on that week one win.
Matthew Stafford was 27/48 for 291 yards, an interception and a touchdown to open up the second half when he connected with Jed Collins briefly putting the Lions up 7-6. However Carolina responded with 18 unanswered points after the Detroit score while Cam Newton — who missed week one with a rib injury — quickly shook off the first half rust to finish the game 22/34 for 281 yards and a TD.
Despite going up against one of the best defenses in the League, the Lions still have plenty of work to do on both sides of the ball. Detroit ended up getting shut out in the first half but it certainly didn’t have work itself out that way. Rookie kicker Nate Freese continued to struggle missing two field goals at 40-plus yards out while the Lions proceeded to turn the ball over three times including once in Carolina territory courtesy of Joique Bell.
Oh yeah… then there was Stafford getting sacked four times and Calvin Johnson dropping a pass in the end zone.
At least the penalties were kept in check but if it’s not one thing it’s something totally different with the Lions… still.