Detroit Lions Monday Morning Quarterback: Fangs out Against Kansas City

The Game

The Lions registered their largest margin of victory in franchise history, 48-3, Sunday at Ford Field.  Kansas City has now lost their first two games by a combined score of 89-10. 

The defense started off shaky against the run, but was able to adjust to what the Chiefs were doing. 

Matthew Stafford and company were good, not great, on offense, but when you score 48 points that does not leave much room for criticism.

 

The Good

Matthew Stafford

Just as he was last week, Stafford was the standout performer for the Lions.  Other than a horrible decision early in the game that led to an interception, Stafford looked like a chiseled veteran.

His quarterback rating so far is a robust 112.0.

Even though he had a better overall game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1, I thought he was more impressive against the Chiefs because he was under much more duress.

Justin Durant

He was all over the field, registering 11 tackles. He also blew up a screen pass.  The Chiefs stopped running to his side.

Calvin Johnson

Another day at the office for Megatron, two touchdowns a week is something Lions fans can get used to.

Titus Young

Welcome to the NFL Mr. Young, where were you last week?

Everybody wanted to compare him to Randall Cobb of the Green Bay Packers last week when Cobb burst on the scene with a very impressive game, so I think it is only fair that we compare them this week. Young had five receptions for 89 yards and also drew a personal foul penalty, Cobb had two catches for 25 yards and a lost fumble. 

Score one for Titus.

 

The Secondary

Three interceptions and a forced fumble for the Lions’ supposed shakiest unit.

Chris Houston has now had an interception in both games.  He has taken it upon himself to prove he is a worthy No. 1 corner in the NFL.

 

The Bad

The Run Defense

Early on the Chiefs were using the Lions’ aggressiveness against them with a slew of misdirection plays. 

This was a concern of mine going into the season, but I was more worried about teams going up the middle against the Lions. What I did not expect,  was teams going wide with such ease.

The bright spot here is that once the Lions figured out what KC was doing, they were able to adjust and take away the long runs.

I Got Nothing Else

Typically I like to have at least three things in this section, but how much bad can come out of a 45-point win?

 

The Ugly

Kansas City Turnovers

Although normally I reserve this section for something the Lions did, the amount of turnovers committed by Kansas City deserves special mention. Six turnovers in one game are not acceptable at any level, never mind the NFL.

I cant help but think about how many people, including myself, that wanted Chiefs GM Scott Pioli for the Lions GM job. We got Martin Mayhew instead. I think that turned out well for the Lions, don’t you?

Misleading Stat of the Day:

64.1 Percent of Teams That Start 2-0 Make the Playoffs

The last time the Lions started 2-0 was 2007, they finished 7-9 and missed the playoffs.

Come back next week for more doom and gloom as I remind you that the last time the Lions started 3-0 in 1980, they finished 9-7 and also missed the playoffs.

Play of the Day

The Titus Young Catch

Facing a third and 24 while protecting an 11-point lead, Matthew Stafford unloaded a bomb to Titus Young who laid out for a 43-yard catch.  Young momentarily lost the ball but used his legs to make sure the ball never touched the ground.

The nice thing is that Stafford rushed the Lions to the line for a quick snap in order to avoid any possibility of a challenge from the Kansas City bench.

Quote of the Day

“We got an aggressive coaching staff, we’re gonna stay fangs out” – Center Dominic Raiola. 

You have to feel good for a guy like Raiola, who went through all the garbage of the Millen years and is now finally getting a taste of success.

Random Thoughts

When will the Lions lose their first game?

What a crowd at Ford Field, loud as I have heard it in a long time

However, when will they learn to be quiet when the Lions are on offense?

I think Lions fans have a love/hate relationship with Brandon Pettigrew

Is Tony Scheffler going to hide a Viking horn in his apparel to use if he scores next week?

I am going to lose all three of my fantasy games this week, I know you don’t care but I am sad about it.

 

 Overall Impression

The Lions took advantage of their opportunities.  Let’s hope the Chiefs didn’t give other teams the formula to beat the Lions' aggressiveness on defense.

I am starting to like the Lions’ secondary, if they can keep this up they are going to win a lot more games.

 

Next Week

Bring on the house of horrors known as the Metrodome, nothing seems to scare these cats. The Vikings are 0-2 and just got beat by Tampa Bay. Yes, that is the same Buccaneers team the Lions dominated in Week 1.