You've got to love Jon Kitna's enthusiasm -- all summer long he went on a fruitless attempt to convince the nation that the Lions were for real and put his money where his mouth is today, returning from a concussion to rescue Detroit from J.T. O'Sullivan's best attempts at sabotage with a 20-17 overtime win.And when Jason Hanson booted a 37-yard field goal in extras to win the game, Kitna's exaggerated enthusiasm got me amped, even though I realized today that my favorite team may very well suck. You could say that he's having fun out there, although I think that phrase is restricted to Brett Favre usage.
The Lions rush attack fell back to Earth, as Tatum Bell remembered that he's Tatum Bell. But it didn't stop the Lions passing game, which went for almost 400 yards between the two quarterbacks. Roy Williams went for 111 large and a score, and Calvin Johnson (61 yards and a touchdown) outshined Adrian Peterson in the rookie matchup. Peterson ran for just 66 yards on 20 carries.
But as great as this is for the Lions, it's not exactly time to annoint them the class of the NFC North. Intercepting Tarvaris Jackson four times is as difficult as persuading Brady Quinn to drink mimosas. The Lions also turned the ball over five times. So there's work to be done. And both teams did what they could to lose the game, each missing field goals late.
Still, winning just feels good, doesn't it Detroit? Ignore the cynicism and disbelief for now -- if history is any indicator, there will be plenty of time for that -- and revel in the unknown. This Lions team may not be the best, and they may or may not sniff 8-8 -- this remains to be seen -- but they genuinely appear to care. When was the last time that's been the case?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-16-2007 @ 9:23PM
jokendaved said...
Lets face it childress can't coach. How else do you expain not useing a proven quarterback instead using a proven loser like bolinger. He should be third string or practice squad. Vikes could have beaten the lions if we had any kind of coaching. Not using AP like last week more often. Not using you recievers like Your in the nfl. instead useing a west coast offense in the midwest black and blue division. Getting top name players and then not useing them. and only playing football in the fourth quarter.because"thats when the games are won" And the rest of the leauge is playing 4 quarters. I can't wait for this loser coach to leave. then maybe we can win some games instead of giving them away. hats of to detroit, they read our coaching like a book. Wilf please fire this loser or you will lose it in the seats. Trying to win in the last seconds are why we had the season like last year and he's looking to repeat.
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9-16-2007 @ 10:17PM
dammad said...
MINNESOTA NEEDS SOME QBS. THEY ARE NOW HIRING, APPLY WITHIN. HOTS OFF TO THE LIONS, THEY DID WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE. THEY WANTED TO WIN THE GAME. IM VERY DISSAPPOINTED BY THE VIKINGS COACHING STAFF, SOMETIME I WONDER" WHAT ARE THEY THINKING?????"
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9-17-2007 @ 8:38AM
Purple People said...
I was really disappointed in the way Minnesotas offense played. I was really hoping they would take a few steps forward in the passing game, but they were just flat out horrible on Sunday. Jackson in my eyes really lost the game for us though. He was not sharp and threw the ball up for grabs way to much. For there to be any hope this season Jackson has to manage the game with very few turn overs because the deffense is more than capable to keep most games close. Jackson looks to have alot of upside so it doesn't bother me if we stick with him. T-Jack's just a rookie after all. But if things go bad and he gets yanked, for the love of Minnesota, don't put Bollinger in!!!! I'm ok with Bollinger being 3rd, but 2cd string is beyond comprehension!!!!
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9-17-2007 @ 10:57AM
mluck said...
How does the L.A vikings sound.with this knuckle head as head coach..i see them winning maybe two games this year with this offense.
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9-17-2007 @ 5:01PM
geers9 said...
You guys are forgetting that Jon Kitna didnt play for 2 and a half quarters, we played a guy who never took an nfl snap and he did horrible, when kitna was in he dove the ball down every single time cept for the fumbe that was forced by williams. If anything blame your oline, vikes oline were simply overmatched and jackson was rushed all day forcing him to make dumb decisions.
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9-19-2007 @ 12:14AM
George B Vieto said...
The last time the Lions were playoff contenders was in the days of Barry Sanders.
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9-19-2007 @ 12:23AM
Sam said...
The Lions didn't look very convincing as usual.
Don;t get too excited they started 2-0 in 2004.
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