A lot of fans were probably waiting for it and expecting it. But the Lions shooting themselves in the foot late in a game to cost them a victory never game.
But it was a little too close for comfort for Jim Schwartz and the rest of the Lions coaching staff.
Detroit was able to weather a late surge by Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win the regular season opener 27-20 from Raymond James Stadium.
Lions QB Matthew Stafford was spectacular in today’s game going 24/33 with 305 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. That interception came when a pass went off Will Heller’s hands and into the arms of Tampa Bay’s Aqib Talib who returned it for a touchdown.
Lions fans were holding their breath however when Stafford appeared to be limping during the game however that was due to mild cramping in his legs due to the extreme Tampa Bay heat.
Any doubts about a Matthew Stafford/Calvin Johnson connection can also probably be laid to rest. Stafford connected with Megatron for three touchdowns, including one on a fourth down where Stafford was able to thread the needle.
On the ground Lions RB Jahvid Best rushed for 72 yards on 21 carries, his longest going for 9 yards. Better yet for Best though was he remained healthy the entire game.
Despite beating Tampa Bay in almost every single statistical category the Buccaneers kept it close, including a stupid an unnecessary roughness penalty towards the end of the game by Gosder Cherilus that gave the Buccaneers new life. The Lions only had 68 yards in total penalties, a far better number than the amount they took last season however it’s still unacceptable when it can cost you the game.
Overall though it was a nice opener against a Tampa Bay team that is very talented.
The Lions now head home 1-0 to face the Kansas City Chiefs next weekend.
The Majors Detroit’s Player of the Game: Matthew Stafford
Source: Detroit Free Press
