| 21 August 2010
The Lions beat the Broncos 25-20 in thanks to a Drew Stanton led final drive, ending on Stanton's 25 yard quarterback draw for the game-winning touchdown. It was a fun game to watch...and not just when the starters were on the field.
It's late, but I wanted to get a few thoughts before I call it an evening.
Kyle Vanden Bosch: The Lions only had two sacks, but were swarming the Broncos' quarterbacks all night. Vanden Bosch is playing like he has something to prove; surprising considering he's an established Pro Bowl player with a new contact worth a large fortune. You'd think he has a chip on his shoulder. Other than hustling his way into a late hit personal foul, I have no complaints with his play. Vanden Bosch just needs to remember to keep his head...but if that's his only problem, it's one the Lions are happy to have.
Ndamukong Suh: Suh is a big reason why the Lions can pressure the passer. Once again, the big rookie was being double teamed, allowing Vanden Bosch to wreak havoc behind the line of scrimmage. Suh only got credit for one tackle, but was in on several plays, and also batted down a pass. The kid can play.
Jahvid Best: The starting running back job is his to lose. Best was a dominant offensive presence while in the game, averaging 6.1 yards a carry. There were a couple rookie mistakes, the most obvious being his juking instead of running north/south near the Broncos' goal line. Best is a home run threat every time he touches the ball, something the Lions have been missing since...you know where I'm going. My eyes are telling me Best is already the 3rd best Lions' running back in my lifetime, only behind you-know-who and Billy Sims. It's going to be damn exciting watching Best blossom into a big time back.
Willie Young: The rookie defensive end stopped the Broncos' final drive, knocking the ball loose when he sacked Broncos' quarterback Brady Quinn in the final seconds. I'm seeing why the Lions felt comfortable in releasing Jason Hunter. It's the second week in a row Young has shown a knack for making plays. The Lions have long needed playmakers on the roster...and even depth guys can make plays too.
Derrick Williams: Williams caught one pass for 14 yards. But I didn't being him up for his receiving prowess. It was quite telling that Mr. Irrelevant, 7th round pick Tim Toone, handled ALL of the return duties against the Broncos. Unless he wins the return job, methinks the clock may be ticking on Williams' career with the Lions.
Eric King: Orton picked on King whenever he got the chance. He was the weak link in a secondary that played surprisingly well.
Dre Bly: He picked off a deflected pass deep in Lions' territory, and looked as if he was going to take it to the house for a 70+ yard touchdown return. But this isn't the 2003 Bly. The 2010 Bly has visibly lost a step or three, and was caught from behind after 52 yards. Bly doesn't have the speed he once had, but he still knows how to play the cornerback position.
Matthew Stafford: Stafford's quarterback rating on the night was 110.9. He completed 72.9% of his passes, and did not turn the ball over. Stafford's touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson was a thing of beauty, perfectly placed. The only player who could have caught the ball...did.
I'll say one more thing. The Lions were a fun team to watch Saturday night...and I'm not being sarcastic.
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