Three out of five news sources I went to immediately after the game had some type of tired, teetering the edge of annoying, play off of Drew Brees name. Something like, “Saints Brees Past Detroit,” and so I figured I would come up with something of my own and have the whole idea fall off the aforementioned cliff into annoyance-ville. I thought I’d also do a weak play off of a women’s makeup slogan in the process. You’re welcome.
Drew Brees threw six, (SIX!) touchdown passes today and had 358 yards passing. The record for the most touchdown passes is seven and that was 40 years ago. Six is the most touchdown passes in Week 1 in NFL history.
It was pretty much automatic every time the Saints got the ball that I got that same pang in my stomach that I would get last year while watching the Lions defense jog uninspired onto the field. Yeah, the Saints offense has more weapons than some countries’ military units, but there was nothing good to take from that game on the defensive side of the ball.
Jim Schwartz even said as much.
“Good gracious. What wouldn’t disappoint me? Points allowed, third-down defense, red zone defense, rushing,” he said. “There’s no silver lining in that performance.”
No, Gym Shorts, there wasn’t.
Offensively, I feel a little differently. It wasn’t the prettiest display, but there were definitely some good things to take from it. For example, executing on a 4th and one from the Saints four yard line led to Detroit’s first touchdown of the season (a four yard run by Kevin Smith on a redirection). That’s something the old Lions would have never converted, let alone actually have the marbles to attempt.
Then the Leos persevered after a controversial call brought back Calvin Johnson’s touchdown to start the 2nd half because the stupid ref said he stepped out of bounds. Again, something the old Lions would not have overcome, and Detroit tried their hardest not to score, but they wound up pushing it across the goalline.
The offensive line was atrocious, giving Stafford barely any time to feel comfortable in the pocket. A couple of his INTs were clearly a result of him hurrying throws because he felt the pressure, which are still in a way rookie mistakes. I think it’s far too early to start jumping down his neck and tabbing him as a failure. It’s Week 1 for crying out loud.
The best part about the Lions on Sunday was a pleasant surprise — the special teams! And no, I’m not talking about Jason Hanson and Nick Harris, who are always good, I’m talking about the return teams and kick coverage. Aside from allowing a good return on the opening kickoff, the Lions did a fairly good job covering kicks and punts, forcing a couple fumbles, and blocking a FG. Northcutt had a great punt return to set up the Lions first TD of the day and Aaron Brown had an 87 yard return to put the Lions in great position to get back into the game, but they had to settle for three. One thing the Lions fans haven’t had in years is actually having the thought in our minds that the kick returner or punt returner could potentially bring it back. Usually it’s, I just hope he gets it to the 20 or I hope he doesn’t fumble this punt. Kudos Kwan.
It’s just one game to the new season with a rookie quarterback under the helm. The Lions will continue to climb that very very very very steep hill … to win No. 1 in years. That zero in the win column might be settled in with all its bags unpacked now, but I don’t see it re-newing it’s one year lease. It’ll be gone sooner than later. And by sooner, I mean by like Week 9. Go Lions!
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