Fansided

Four and Out: NFL Week 1 surprises

By Dani Bostick

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls the play in the huddle in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts by the score of 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls the play in the huddle in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts by the score of 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Lions
Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls the play in the huddle in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts by the score of 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Detroit Lions won.

Without Calvin Johnson. I say again, without Calvin Johnson. Matthew Stafford completed 31 of 39 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns. Did I mention this was without Calvin Johnson, who had 1,214 receiving yards in 2015?

Who was Stafford’s go-to instead of Johnson? Relying primarily on a no-huddle offense, Stafford threw to eight different targets, six of whom had multiple receptions for at least 35 yards. Also surprising, the Lions ground game wasn’t nearly as horrendous as last year. In fact, it was good! The Lions defense gave up 35 points, but did just enough to ensure a victory.

In 2015, the Lions had only one victory in the first nine weeks of the season, and didn’t notch a win until Week 6 against the Chicago Bears. The Lions face the Tennessee Titans in their Week 2 home opener. A weak Titans squad, home field advantage, and momentum from last weak’s game could mean back-to-back wins for the Lions to start the 2016 season.

They also have momentum from strong play at the end of the end of last season to propel them forward.

The Minnesota Vikings have a quarterback crisis, while the Bears started their season with a sad loss to the Houston Texans. Could the Lions put up a serious fight in their division? Only time will tell. If they keep playing like they did in their season opener, the Lions could make the city of Detroit very happy.

Next: 2. No Bell, No Bryant? No problem.

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