Look at that everyone the Lions come out of week one with a 34-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. But not only was it a victory, it was a pretty convincing victory when it comes to standing in the NFC North. Essentially right off the bat it’s probably safe to assume that the Lions aren’t the worst team in the division. But things weren’t perfect so to put a wrap on Week 1 lets take a look at the Good, the Bad and the absolutely VILE from the Lions’ opener on Sunday.
The Good
Matthew Stafford
As much as fans want to bitch about Matthew Stafford, EVERY SINGLE SEASON the Lions’ signal caller looked pretty good despite those looking to use his meaningless preseason performance against him. Stafford went 28/43 for 357 yards, 2 touchdowns and just one interception coming off a pass deflection. He was making good decisions with the football, getting it off quick (which Jared Allen eluded to) and was moving around well in the pocket. Everything you want from an NFL QB.
The Running Game
I know it’s just the first week but the Lions look as though they have an NFL caliber running game anchored by a credible NFL running back. Reggie Bush was all the hype for Detroit this offseason something he certainly lived up to his first game as a Lion. In his debut Bush rushed for 90 yards while accumulating 101 receiving yards and a touchdown in a nice check down pass from Matthew Stafford. But it was that 77 yard touchdown from Bush that really let Lions fans in on the capabilities of having two legitimate weapons on offense. Despite being relatively quiet in yesterday’s match up, Calvin Johnson more times than not draws the double team (which he did yesterday) allowing the backfield to open up for Bush. I suspect as the season goes on opposing defenses will be scrambling to come up with solutions in containing the Megatron/Bush combo.
But it wasn’t just Bush who should get all the accolades in the running game. Joique Bell proved in Week 1 to be an excellent second option in the running attack, especially in goal line situations and short yardage situations. He ended his day with 25 yards, two touchdowns and a role on the team with Mikel Leshoure still delegated to the bench.
The Offensive Line
As a whole the offensive line did an excellent job opening up running lanes and providing excellent protection for Matthew Stafford. This can especially be said for second year offensive tackle Riley Reiff who essentially made Jared Allen nonexistent in this game. Sure this wasn’t the same Minnesota D-line last season considering they were without Kevin Williams but it’s something the team can build off of as the weeks progress.
The Defensive Line
Aside from the early slip up, the defensive line did a pretty good job containing Adrian Peterson and getting tons of pressure on Christian Ponder. Ziggy Ansah also looked very un rookie like as he was getting himself involved in plays and making things happen.
The Bad
Brandon Pettigrew
I’ve been one to preach patience with Pettigrew that couple of seasons despite his consistent case of dropsies through out the course of the game. However at this point you really have to begin to wonder what is Jim Schwartz and the team going to do regarding Pettigrew and his unreliability in the passing game? Not to mention his fumble and holding penalties that get magnified when he’s had yet another sub par outing. Pettigrew’s struggles on offense may be more tolerable if it wasn’t for the simple fact that he was taken in the first round and should be a game changer. Right now he only continues to be a hindrance.
The VILE
More undisciplined play
There’s penalties, bad penalties and then there’s stupid penalties something the Lions always seem to find themselves getting tagged with which was certainly the case yesterday. From the Suh low hit on John Sullivan that negated a touchdown to the Delmas personal foul on the sideline for head butting a Vikings player the lack of any sort of discipline continued Sunday. And yes I know the Lions ended up getting it turned around in the second half to eventually go on and win the game comfortably however is that something you’re going to be able to do week to week and against much better competition? Probably not.
Bottom line that lack of discipline is as much on the players as it is on Jim Schwartz who so far has shown zero ability to get that turned around. The Lions aren’t talented enough to conduct themselves like that and it will end up biting them in the ass when it matters most.