38 points the Lions won by. The 44 - 6 victory over the St.Louis Rams was the largest victory margin since 1995 for the Detroit Lions.
The Rams tried a little trickery to start the game off as they went for the on-side kick on the first kick-off of the game. The Lions rookie, Amari Spievey skied for the ball and came down with it. The Lions converted the good field position into only a field goal. For the rest of the first quarter, both teams looked lethargic until Detroit allowed the Rams to drive 62 yards and kick a field goal as the first quarter came to a close to tie the score. The ensuing kick-off to start the 2nd quarter was returned by Logan for 105 yards and a touchdown. After that, other than one more field goal by the Rams, it was all Lions.
Shaun Hill completed 65.6% of his passes for 224 yards and 3 touchdowns to Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, and Brandon Pettigrew. Jahvid Best had 67 yards on 18 carries and added another 4 catches for 37 yards.
Ndamukong Suh tipped one pass up and caught it himself then scrambled across the field while gaining 20 yards. There was one other interception, by Alphonso Smith, who ran it back for 42 yards and a touchdown. Smith also had a fumble recovery.
Even long time veteran, Jason Hanson, got in on the fun by connecting for 3 field goals and 5 extra points.
It was the most exciting Detroit Lions game I have seen in years, but it came at a price. Late in the fourth quarter, Calvin Johnson was slow to get up and once on the sideline, they removed his pads and wrapped his right shoulder. It is not known yet how bad the injury is.
The question is however, are the Lions as good as they played, or did the Rams just play a very bad game? Likely the Rams did play below their abilities, however, the Lions still had to play very well to win so dominantly. A 38 point victory margin is a good example of how improved the Lions are from previous years.
10/10/10
Lions vs Rams Pregame Week-5
They were labeled the worst in the league before the season started. After a couple wins the Rams have shown they are better than most thought. After coming just a little short of winning three of their games, the last being the Packers, the Lions have shown they can compete with even the good teams. Now the Rams and Lions will face off and see who is the better team.
If not for bad play calling, Hill having to come in with little practice time with the first unit and a bad call in the last minute, the Lions would have beaten the Bears. With better play calling, or if the refs would have called the push-off against Philadelphia on one of their touchdowns, the Lions would have beaten the Eagles. If not for a no-call on a pass interference, the Lions could have beaten the Packers. I am not blaming the losses on those things right now, but just pointing out how close the lowly Detroit Lions are to being 3-1. Yet even if they were 3-1, the Rams would be no push over this week.
The Rams have won their games with defense more than anything. If the Lions open their playbook and play like they did against the Packers and not the three previous games, they have the talent to beat the Rams defense. The Rams do not have a cornerback who can match up to Calvin Johnson and the Speed of Jahvid Best will give them fits. Yet even if the Rams focus on those two, they still have two strong pass catching tight ends and Nate Burleson to worry about this week.
The Lions biggest problem is giving up the big plays. However well he has improved, Bradford is still a rookie and will make mistakes if the Lions put enough pressure on him. With the Wrecking Crew the Lions have up front, they have the ability to put a rush on Bradford that he has not seen the likes of yet in the NFL. However, while going after Bradford, the Lions absolutely must keep close tabs on Steven Jackson.
After coming so close to winning three of their four games, this should be the week the Lions bust through that barrier and get their first win. If the Lions do not win this week, they are in for a very very long season indeed. They cannot afford another loss. Especially against a team they should beat.
Detroit Lions 24
St.Louis Rams 13
If not for bad play calling, Hill having to come in with little practice time with the first unit and a bad call in the last minute, the Lions would have beaten the Bears. With better play calling, or if the refs would have called the push-off against Philadelphia on one of their touchdowns, the Lions would have beaten the Eagles. If not for a no-call on a pass interference, the Lions could have beaten the Packers. I am not blaming the losses on those things right now, but just pointing out how close the lowly Detroit Lions are to being 3-1. Yet even if they were 3-1, the Rams would be no push over this week.
The Rams have won their games with defense more than anything. If the Lions open their playbook and play like they did against the Packers and not the three previous games, they have the talent to beat the Rams defense. The Rams do not have a cornerback who can match up to Calvin Johnson and the Speed of Jahvid Best will give them fits. Yet even if the Rams focus on those two, they still have two strong pass catching tight ends and Nate Burleson to worry about this week.
The Lions biggest problem is giving up the big plays. However well he has improved, Bradford is still a rookie and will make mistakes if the Lions put enough pressure on him. With the Wrecking Crew the Lions have up front, they have the ability to put a rush on Bradford that he has not seen the likes of yet in the NFL. However, while going after Bradford, the Lions absolutely must keep close tabs on Steven Jackson.
After coming so close to winning three of their four games, this should be the week the Lions bust through that barrier and get their first win. If the Lions do not win this week, they are in for a very very long season indeed. They cannot afford another loss. Especially against a team they should beat.
Detroit Lions 24
St.Louis Rams 13
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