Calvin Johnson scores early touchdown on the Vikings

Calvin Johnson put Detroit on the board early in Sunday’s game.

Matthew Stafford made a point to get Calvin Johnson rolling in the early going during Sunday’s home game against the Minnesota Vikings inside Ford Field . On the third play from scrimmage, a third-and-three, Stafford hit Johnson deep for 46 yards. Then, four plays later, it was Stafford to Johnson again for the one-yard touchdown grab (a nasty one, at that).

Given that Detroit’s running game has been anemic all season long, jumping out to the early lead was a major boon. Stafford started the game four-for-four for 57 yards on that surgical opening scoring drive. After downing the Bears last week, the once-hapless Lions are looking to make it consecutive wins in the division. Playing with the lead now, perhaps they can cobble together a more balanced offense.

As for Johnson, the touchdown was only his third of the season. It’s been a relatively quiet year for Megatron. Prior to last week’s game against the Bears he’d been bottled up and not recorded more than 83 yards in any contest. Turns out that the lackluster Bears are a salve for all ailments, as Johnson busted out against his rivals, ripping off 166 yards and one touchdown on six receptions.