Detroit Lions-Washington Redskins: Quick Recap of Lions Victory

The Detroit Lions held off the Washington Redskins, 37-25 in an exciting back-and-forth game. 

This game belonged to the Lions’ defensive line, as they harassed Donovan McNabb by sacking him five times.  McNabb was 17-for-30 for 209 with a touchdown and an interception.  He was inexplicably removed with two minutes remaining and replaced by Rex Grossman. 

Grossman was met by another Lion sack.  He fumbled the ball, and Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite Ndamukong Suh returned it for his first NFL touchdown.

No word yet on any possible injury that McNabb may have suffered.

The coverage units for both teams struggled mightily.  The Lions allowed two touchdowns on kickoff returns, but were bailed out on a block in the back penalty against the Redskins on the first one.

Not to be outdone, Stefan Logan set up a Lions touchdown by returning a punt 71 yards.

Matthew Stafford started slowly, but rebounded nicely and ended up throwing four touchdown passes.  Three of the touchdowns went to Calvin Johnson, who ended the day with 101 receiving yards.

Neither team was able to get much going on the ground.  Late in the game, the Lions decided to go with Kevin Smith instead of rookie Jahvid Best, and started to get better production from the RB spot.

It was fitting that this game was iced by the defensive line.  Three lineman—Suh, Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch—finished with two sacks apiece. 

Look for a more complete recap of the game tomorrow in my weekly Monday Morning Quarterback feature.