Detroit Lions: 5 Things Fans Learned vs. the New England Patriots

The Detroit Lions sent a warning to the NFL on Saturday night. The Lions beat the New England Patriots, 34-10. Given, this is the preseason, but the Patriots are one of the NFL's best and the Lions beat them handily. Everyone knows that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick doesn't like to lose. Period.

The game was nationally televised as the Lions shined.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford looked like a No. 1 overall pick with a 12-for-14, 200 yards and two-touchdown performance. Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton also threw a touchdown on the night.

Kicker Jason Hanson converted both field-goal attempts.

The offense scored an impressive 5-out-of-7 possessions in the first half.

On the negative side, the Lions were plagued by seven penalties for 59 yards. This cuts last week's number in half, but everyone knows that one penalty is one too many.

In the end, the good outweighed the bad, as the Detroit Lions racked up 468 yards and won the game.

Needless to say, it was fun to be a Detroit Lions fan Saturday night. With two weeks left before the regular season kicks off, the team looks on-point.

Here are the top five things Detroit Lions fans learned versus the New England Patriots.

5. The Lions Agitated the Patriots, Proving They Can Play with Any Team

The Lions frustrated the Patriots all evening long.

A prime example was after Jason Hanson's second field goal.

Up 20-10, the Lions intercepted New England quarterback Tom Brady with :33 to go in the first half. The reigning NFL MVP only threw four interceptions all of last year.

Saturday night's interception stunned the Patriots' two-minute drill.

The Lions then drove the field, scoring with a nine-yard Aaron Brown touchdown catch from Shaun Hill with :07 left in the half. The Lions ran the two-minute drill to perfection.

They led 27-10 going into half. This is not what the New England Patriots had in mind heading into Detroit.

4. The Defensive Line Proved Their Dominance

The Detroit Lions defensive line lived in the New England backfield on Saturday night.

The Lions were nothing but a nuisance to Tom Brady, as he was hurried seven times, knocked down five times and sacked twice.

The consistent pressure contained Tom Brady for a 12-for-22, 145-yard night. He also coughed up a fumble caused by Cliff Avril and was picked off by rookie Ricardo Silva.

The defensive line wasn't perfect, but all-in-all they were tenacious. Opposing coaches will have fits trying to devise a plan to stop the Lions' front four this season.

3. The Lions Need to Work on Defending Third Down

The New England Patriots were only 5-for-16 converting third downs, but they absolutely carved up the Lions defense on one at the end of the first quarter.

The Patriots were 4-for-4 on third down on the drive before the Lions stopped them in the red zone on their fifth attempt. This forced the Patriots to settle for a field goal.

While it was good to see that the Lions denied the Patriots the end zone, the sequence of events brought up bad memories for a moment.

This is something defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham will have to work on immediately.

2. Aaron Brown and Jerome Harrison Can Carry the Load

With the Lions playing without Jahvid Best, there are roles to be filled at the running back position.

Combined, Aaron Brown and Jerome Harrison proved they can carry the load in the backfield.

Brown had nine rushes for 30 yards to go with four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. He also converted a fourth down.

Harrison ran the ball eight times for 24 yards. He also had a nice 52-yard catch and run.

While the yards per carry weren't spectacular, both men showed versatility. Together, the two men teamed up for 154 total yards.

As a fan, this was somewhat of a pleasant surprise.

1. Matthew Stafford Can Take a Hit

Well, the question looming on the mind of every Lions fan has been answered. Quarterback Matthew Stafford took a massive blow from Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo and survived. What a relief.

Stafford stepped up in the pocket and completed a 30-yard pass to Calvin Johnson. He then popped up with a fist pump, and Ford Field exhaled.

Matthew Stafford looks 100 percent. He is now 24-for-31 for 356 yards. He has yet to throw an interception while throwing for five touchdowns.

This was the most important thing taken from Saturday night's game in Detroit. With that question put to bed, the Lions can continue their path to prominence.