Calvin Johnson makes a reception during the Lions 35-14 victory over the Giants Monday night. Photos/Detroit Lions
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]atthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson have been responsible for more than their fare share of top ten plays featured on SportsCenter.
Then there have been the times over the last five years where they seem like complete strangers on the field, resulting in perennial heartbreak.
With a new look offense and coaching staff, the Detroit Lions put the world on notice of a new era in its franchise on the way to a 35-14 victory over the New York Giants at Ford Field Monday.
Stafford found Johnson for two highlight touchdowns and 164 receiving yards, while going 22-32 for 346 yards, adding a rushing touchdown with no interceptions.
“I’m just trying to be as smart as I possibly can. Our defense was playing outstanding tonight,” Stafford expressed when talking about the progress he has made in decision making. “They were getting us the ball back and stopping New York. I knew if we just played smart, still aggressive without question by making some big plays by throwing the ball down the field.”
The sixth year quarterback looked nimble and light, keeping plays alive with good footwork and displaying elusiveness on several plays, including both scores to Johnson.
“I know when Matt breaks that pocket you’ve got to continue to work because he can put it anywhere on field for you,” Johnson said. “The first one I just saw an opening in the middle of the field, I believe the safety and corner collided and easy touchdown there. He’ll throw that thing back shoulder for me if he sees a hole out there like he did on the second one.”
After New York scored early in the period to pull within 27-14, the Lions killed more than seven minutes on the clock, before finally scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run by Joique Bell, completed by a two-point conversion to go up 35-12 with four minutes remaining.
“Yeah, I think the drive before our last was seven minutes, which is incredible four-minute offense right there,” new Lions receiver Golden Tate said. “Just getting first downs, that’s something this team hasn’t been the best at lately. I think it was key that we came in and ran the ball effectively. We kept the clock going and didn’t give them any opportunities.”
Tate finished with six catches and 93 yards, providing the perfect complement to Johnson in a offense expected to produce video game like numbers on offense.
The Lions defense managed to contain and dominate the Giants offense.
The defense also showed a sense of rejuvenation, led by Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley getting pressure on the quarterback and making Eli Manning uncomfortable in the pocket.
That paired with numerous blitzes included in new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s scheme, the Lions defense recorded two sacks and forced two interceptions, both leading to offensive touchdowns.
“That’s one of the things we wanted to do. Sometimes pressure isn’t all about getting the sacks,” linebacker Deandre Levy said. “ It’s about moving (the quarterback) off his spot and throwing his timing off. I think that was one of our goals, get him rattled a little bit early and make him get rid of the ball quick.”
Levy finished with 10 tackles and one of two interceptions on Manning. The Giants quarterback finished 18 for 33 for 163 yards passing with a touchdown and two interceptions.
Stephen Tulloch also added eight tackles for the Lions defense.
The Lions also played well on special teams, including a blocked punt that led to another Lions score.
However signs of the old Lions were on display at one times. After committing eight penalties including five on the defense, the Lions cleaned it up at halftime to finish with zero in the second half.
“Often times, I think nowadays people get a notion as if there was fire and brimstone or something going on at halftime, but those don’t happen in this league,” Lions coach Jim Caldwell said. “I think our coaches did a great job. Teryl Austin did a great job putting together a defensive game plan that certainly gave them some issues and problems, and Joe Lombardi did a nice job as well in terms of calling plays.”
They were also hit with the often present injury bug, with tackle LaAdrian Waddle and Bill Bentley went down with a calf and knee injuries respectively.
Waddle is day to day while Bentley was lost for the season, and further depleting a already mediocre defensive unit.
This leaves the team, with four everyday defensive backs and will be looking within the organization or free agency to fill the hole.
Last week Detroit brought in 12-time Pro Bowler Champ Bailey in for a workout.
While the change in philosophy and new found energy as a whole was exhibited, it was against a downtrodden New York Giants team that touts a revamped offensive line and sub par defense lacking a pass rush.
This weekend on short rest, they will travel to Carolina to take on a playoff team in 2013 in the Panthers.
Stafford looked much improved, more athletic and seems to have made the adjustment to taking care of the ball. But with a 1-23 record versus teams with a plus .500 win percentage, Stafford must show consistency and prove that the first game performance wasn’t a fallacy.
The Panthers boast a top ten defense with one of the games premier pass rushers in defensive end Greg Hardy and Pro Bowl quarterback Cam Newton returning from a rib injury.
A mistake free Stafford, fierce pass rush and efficiency on special teams will be tested yet again against Carolina.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Caldwell said. “We certainly haven’t arrived. It was our first game, it’s a great start.”
The game balls were awarded to Martha Firestone, widow of former Lions owner William Clay Ford Sr., who died back in March.
“We just felt it was to honor Mr. (William Clay) Ford and his passing,” Caldwell expressed. “The guys certainly wanted to go out and do a great job for the family, so we presented a game ball to Mrs. Ford and her children because of the way in which they support us. Obviously, they do a tremendous job operating this organization.”
