Kevin Smith: The Detroit Lions' Prodigal Son Key in Victory.

As Kevin Smith scampered for his third touchdown of the day, leading the Detroit Lions to victory over the Carolina Panthers, I sat and stared at my TV screen in giddy disbelief.

The NFL gods are a surprising bunch, aren't they?

Three weeks ago, Smith was sitting on his couch every Sunday watching NFL games. 

Last March, the Lions declined to tender him an offer.  So, entering his fourth year, Smith became an unrestricted free agent.  He was free to sign with any team that would have him.

Funny thing was, nobody wanted him.

So he sat and waited.  He worked. He trained. He got healthy.

Instead of pouting and crying "Poor me!", Smith got better, and waited for the opportunity that he hoped and prayed would eventually come.

When the Lions came calling during their bye week, Smith jumped at the opportunity. The Lions worked out a number of people, but Smith separated himself from the pack.

The Lions desperately needed help in their running game.

Smith desperately needed a team.

After today, I think it is safe to call it a win/win situation.

Last week against the Chicago Bears, and in limited action, Smith impressed.  He had a renewed focus. I guess eight months out of football will do that.

He finished with 19 yards on only four carries.

Jim Schwartz did not need to make an announcement that Smith would see more carries against Carolina.  Everyone sensed it.

The question was how would he respond.

Smith responded by putting the Lions on his back and keeping them in a game they were doing their best to lose. Smith played with a fire that he had never previously shown. 

With all due respect to Jahvid Best, Smith played with a fire that no Detroit running back has shown recently.

He had his best game as a pro, rushing 16 times for 140 yards and two touchdowns.  He also caught four passes for 61 yards and another touchdown.

The sportscasters and talking heads will no doubt focus on Matthew Stafford's performance of 335 yards and five TDs.  But it was Smith's that was more important. 

He came up with key runs when the Lions desperately needed it.  He kept them in the game when the offense was going nowhere and Stafford couldn't complete a pass.

For once, the Lions rush may have really opened things up for the pass.

The parable of the Prodigal Son may not fit Smith to a tee.  Smith did not squander away anything.  There were factors beyond his control that caused his fall from grace.

However, themes of returning from one's lowest point, seeking redemption and ultimately achieving it are the same.

Like the prodigal son's father, Detroit fans welcome Smith back with open arms and celebrate his success.

Lets hope that Detroit's prodigal son has a couple more of these performances in him.