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| photo via gridirongrit.com |
Detroit joins division rivals the Green Bay Packers, and the Buffalo Bills as the only teams to start the season undefeated; their latest victory coming over the Minnesota Vikings. It was the first time since 1997 that the Lions had beaten the Vikes in Minnesota.
The Lions are doing it on both sides of the ball. Offensively, QB Matthew Stafford is playing out of his mind. Many prognosticators predicted that if Stafford could stay healthy, he would put up some great numbers, and so far he's doing just that. Stafford has thrown for 977 yards and 9 TDs, with only 2 interceptions for a QB passer rating of 110.7.
Stafford is living up to the expectations the club had for him when they drafted him 1st overall in the 2009 draft.
Any quarterback would look great if they had the kind of top receiver Stafford has in Calvin Johnson. This dude is an absolute beast....if the ball's thrown in his vicinity, he's coming down with it every time. There is not a more physically gifted receiver in the league right now. To start the year, Johnson has 225 receiving yards to go along with 6 TD catches.
And I got him on my fantasy squad too ... so Calvin, keep doin' what you're doing, son.
Detroit's passing game is being complemented by a decent running game, thanks to 2nd-year running back Jahvid Best, who's playing a bit over his head so far this season, but has yet to turn the ball over.
The revamped offensive line is helping the cause as well, as they're giving Stafford more time in the pocket to make plays downfield.
Defensively, DT Ndamukong Suh is their undisputed leader. The reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is the heart and soul of the unit, and gives the Lions defense it's energy.
And wait until 2011 first round draft pick Nick Fairley finally suits up..... things should get even scarier. Fairley has yet to play in his first season, after he fractured his foot in training camp in August.
Overall, the Detroit Lions are doing everything right, and they're playing an inspired brand of football. We're only 3 weeks into the schedule, but don't be surprised if the Lions keep this momentum going throughout the regular season. Injuries will occur, so their fill-in pieces will need to contribute as well, and Stafford's ability to stay healthy will also be a key factor for continued success.
Let's see if these Lions can maul their way into the playoffs; if they can, it would be their first postseason appearance since 1999.
-Turnbull
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