Detroit Lions: 5 Things Fans Learned Friday vs. the Cleveland Browns

The Detroit Lions continued their preseason success Friday, beating the Cleveland Browns, 30-28.

It wasn't the prettiest of games, but the Lions found a way to win. The game will prove valuable as the coaching staff evaluates where the areas of concern are moving forward.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford once again impressed on offense and backups Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton played magnificently. Brandon McDonald did the same on defense. The three quarterbacks went 17-26 for 218 yards and three touchdowns while McDonald looked like a true competitor on defense.  

The team is now 2-0 in the 2011 preseason, with a real test coming next week against the New England Patriots. Fans will definitely get an idea of what the team is made of next week against the relentless New England squad.

Here are five things Detroit Lions fans learned Friday versus the Cleveland Browns. 

No. 5: The New NFL Touchdown Rule Is Annoying

Apparently, the NFL has made a new rule this year in which every touchdown will be reviewed.

This became very annoying Friday night against the Browns. 

What doesn't make sense about the rule is that the play is only reviewed if it is initially ruled a touchdown. For instance: If a team completes a catch that is initially ruled out of bounds, the offensive team has to use a challenge and risk a timeout.

In this case, why wouldn't the NFL challenge it both ways?

This rule only serves to slow the game and agitate fans.  

No. 4: Jahvid Best Is Injury Prone

Jahvid Best fumbled on the first drive of the game and was subsequently taken out of the game. Whether or not he suffered an injury remains to be seen, but he did not return. 

Perhaps head coach Jim Schwartz was simply sending a message to the second-year back; Best did take a trip to the locker room near the end of the first quarter, complaining of wooziness and later returned to the sidelines.

Chris McCosky of the Detroit News reports:

"

It was believed that part of the observation was a test for concussion symptoms, but the Lions would not confirm that.

"I am not concerned at all," Best said.

"

Best is coming off of an injury-plagued rookie campaign and whatever the issue, this was not a good sign for the Detroit Lions.

No. 3: The Receiving Corps Looks Solid

The Detroit Lions played without Calvin Johnson on Friday, and as a fan, it was interesting to see how the Lions would play without their biggest threat.

The receiving corps played exceptional as receiver Nate Burleson had an amazing touchdown catch for the second consecutive week. He also had a nice block and a good run on an end-around play for 26 yards.

Burleson ended up with 60 total yards on three touches. He looked like a field general on Friday. 

Along with Burleson, receiver Maurice Stovall had four catches for 67 yards and a touchdown and tight ends Brandon Pettigrew, Will Heller and Joe Jon Finley all proved to be of value on the field.

All in all, 12 receivers had a reception against the Browns. 

No. 2: There's Plenty of Room for Improvement

The game Friday night looked more like a normal preseason game—one of which is full of mishaps and marred with penalties. 

The game was an ugly mess for the most part. The teams combined for 26 penalties, 14 of which were from the Lions, hurting the team for 123 yards.

Cleveland also scored an 81-yard rushing touchdown on Detroit, which never looks good. 

The Lions were poor on third down, going just 2 of 12 in the situation and fumbled three times ( luckily only losing one).

These things will be harped on in practice this week and look for the team to improve the fundamentals before the season.

No. 1: The Lions Can Win an Ugly Game

If Lions fans learned one thing Friday, it was that the team can win an ugly game.

It was one of those games the Lions weren't supposed to win—one of those game the Lions used to always lose. 

Down 28-13 in the third quarter, the Lions scored 17 unanswered to seal the victory. 

Quarterback Drew Stanton led the comeback, going 6 of 8 for 80 yards and two touchdown tosses. In total, the Lions have three NFL-quality quarterbacks on the roster. This is reassuring to fans in constant fear of Matthew Stafford's return to the trainer's table.

Jason Hanson and Dave Raynor meanwhile, combined for three successful field goals.

In the end, Friday's game was not the best,  but it was a win. More importantly, it was a win on the road—albeit the preseason; Lions fans will take a road win any day. This was a victory the Lions needed to learn how to achieve. 

Expect head coach Jim Scwartz to have his team ready for a true test against the New England Patriots next week.