Detroit Lions Going Through Growing Pains

Ouch.

That about sums up the Detroit Lions' first real game of the 2009 season against the New Orleans Saints.

Matthew Stafford made his debut, and it was, how shall we say, underwhelming? Sixteen for 37 for 205 yards and three interceptions.

It wasn't that Stafford was throwing bad-looking passes. They were tight spirals that just happened to end up in New Orleans Saints' arms.

Stafford's accuracy will be criticized for a long time until he starts hitting passes like the great looking hook-up with Calvin Johnson on a regular basis.

And just what did we all expect to have happen? All those who were in favor of starting Stafford, let me be the first to tell you, there will be more games like this until Stafford gets it.

But the 45-27 trouncing did have some bright spots:

* The aforementioned 64-yard completion to Calvin Johnson;

* Jason Hanson back and going a perfect 3-for-3 on his field goals, including a 47-yarder;

* Louis Delmas recovering a fumble and returning it 65 yards for a touchdown;

* And Stafford was sacked only once.

But where was the running game? Where was the offensive line that showed such promise in the preseason? Where was the defense?

Ah yes, the defense—an area that was largely ignored in the 2009 draft as the Lions decided to focus on offense.

No sacks on Drew Brees, which is not really surprising as he was only sacked 13 times last year, but cripes, I don't think they laid a hand on him the whole game.

The secondary was literally abused by Brees, most notably Eric King, who was in for the injured Phillip Buchanon. Granted, he is a backup, but to say that he was lit up is an understatement.

Allowing Brees to throw six touchdown passes indicates two very real and ongoing issues that are impeding the Lions from moving forward:

1. No pass rush—Despite upgrading the linebackers with Julian Peterson and Larry Foote, it made little difference. The Saints' offensive line had their way with the Lions' front four, and Brees had all kinds of time to find his receivers...and find them he did by going 26-of-34, 358 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception.

2. Weak secondary—With no pass rush to force bad or hurried throws, the secondary is exposed for what it is: weak.

There are many other areas, such as no run defense. Reggie Bush was held to seven yards, but Mike Bell rumbled for 143 yards.

But let's be clear. I doubt that even if Daunte Culpepper had started this game, the outcome would not have been any different. Oh, the Lions might not have lost by as much, but they still would have lost.

I know I had predicted the Lions winning between six to eight games this year...but now I'm not so sure. They won't go winless; at least I hope not.

The Lions are in a steep learning curve, and I believe Jim Schwartz, Scott Linehan, and Gunther Cunningham are the right coaches to get the Lions in the right direction.

I'm also pretty sure that due to this performance, the Lions are going to be doing wind sprints until they fall over.

But I'm not as worried about the offense as I am the defense. The Lions did score 27 points, and most of the time, that's going to win you some games.

But giving up 515 yards, 28 first downs, and six touchdown passes won't get you a seat at the Super Bowl unless you are buying a ticket.