DETROIT -- A few thoughts on the Detroit Lions' 19-7 win over the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field:
What it means: Detroit built its team around a dynamic offense, with the best receiver in the game (Calvin Johnson), a pair of explosive running backs (Reggie Bush and Joique Bell), a strong-armed quarterback (Matthew Stafford) and good complementary pieces.
But it was the Lions’ defense that again proved dominant. It held Green Bay to one touchdown, scored another touchdown, picked up a safety from DeAndre Levy in the first half and allowed the offense to work itself into the game.
Detroit’s defense held Green Bay to less than 4.4 yards per play and 3.5 yards per rushing attempt. The Lions also were good on third down, holding the Packers to 4-of-10.
Stock Watch: Rising -- the defensive line. More on this below, but the Lions’ defensive line was dominant again this week against the Packers. It rarely gave Eddie Lacy or James Starks much running room, making the Packers one-dimensional. Corey Fuller. The receiver had his first career catch -- a 52-yarder -- in a two-minute drill in the first half. DeAndre Levy. The linebacker had double-digit tackles again, defended two passes and had a tackle for loss. He also took over defensive calls when Stephen Tulloch was injured. Falling -- Nate Freese. More on this below, but Freese’s job is in major jeopardy. Don Carey. Tough for him as he scored a touchdown on the second play of the game but also reinjured his hamstring on the play, knocking him out of the game. Tulloch. His injury isn’t confirmed, but that he couldn’t return to the game is a bad sign for the middle linebacker. The right tackle spot. Detroit has some issues there, as both Garrett Reynolds and Cornelius Lucas were beaten badly by Julius Peppers.
Kicking issues: Detroit brought in kickers last week in case it had to eventually make a move on Freese. The Lions chose to stick with Freese another week -- and he missed another 40-plus-yard field goal, this one from 41 yards to end the first half. The Lions won anyway, but Detroit knows it needs more from the position in the NFL, where so many games are decided by one possession. Look for the Lions to again consider making a move this week.
Game ball: For the second straight week, this goes to the Detroit defensive line. Although the Lions had only one sack -- by Ndamukong Suh -- and two quarterback hits in the game, they were able to contain the Green Bay running game for the most part and pressure Aaron Rodgers. That pressure, along with three tackles for loss from the line, made Rodgers rush some throws to help an injury-depleted secondary.
What’s next: The Lions bookend the first month of the season with New York teams -- heading to East Rutherford, New Jersey, for a game against the New York Jets next Sunday. The Lions opened the season at home against the Giants.
