Detroit Lions 2010 in Review: October
By author
Last Month: September
The Detroit Lions would enter October winless through three games of the 2010 season. Game No. 4 is October 3rd and it appears to be a tough test at Green Bay. The Lions struggled to run the ball and Shaun Hill had to air it out in this one. He would have a very nice day going 34 of 54 for 331 yards. He would also throw 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Calvin Johnson is dominant in this game catching 6 passes for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns.
There is a pattern emerging with the Lions and this game is no different. They are proving to be a very hard team to put away and the Lions stay in this game after being down 28-14. The Lions can’t capitalize on their chances and kick 4 field goals to close Green Bay’s lead to 2 points. Ultimately the fall short and stay winless on the season.
The Lions would host the St. Louis Rams on October 10th. St. Louis comes into this game with a 2-2 record. This game proves to be a blowout. The Lions score on special teams with a Stefan Logan 105 yard kickoff return. They also score on an Alphonso Smith 42 yard interception return and Shaun Hill throws for 3 touchdowns. He spreads the ball around all day and is very efficient.
Ndamukong Suh is a factor in this game and we all start to see special things from him as he records his first career interception. This win is sweet for Lions fans as it has been some time since there has been a rout in the Lions favor.
The October 17th game is a very tough challenge for the Detroit Lions. They have to go on the road and face the very tough New York Giants and their ferocious pass rush. The Giants enter week 6 with a 3-2 record. Speculation is rampant all week about a Matt Stafford return for this game but the Lions are wise about their upcoming bye and keep Stafford on the sidelines for this one.
That familiar pattern rears its ugly head once again as the Lions stay close, prove to be tough to put away and in the end they fall just short. Shaun Hill gets injured and is replaced by Drew Stanton. Stanton plays relatively well but the Lions have trouble turning over the ball. They also committed 11 penalties including 2 that kept Giant drives alive that resulted in touchdowns. Calvin Johnson scores on an 87 yard touchdown catch and he continues his assault on opposing defenses. The Detroit Lions tie a NFL record with their 24th consecutive road loss.
October 24th is a bye for the Detroit Lions and it comes at a good time as it allows Matt Stafford to get his shoulder ready. October 31st is the Lions 7th game and they get the Washington Redskins at home. The focus of the game is the return of Matt Stafford and he does not disappoint. Stafford throws 4 touchdowns, including 3 to Calvin Johnson who catches 9 balls for 101 yards.
This is the first time that we really get to see what a healthy Stafford can do, and how deadly that Stafford-Calvin connection can be. The Lions defense is all over Donovan McNabb and they record 6 sacks, 2 each going to Suh, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril. Detroit Lions fans are gushing about this win. The return of Matt Stafford is phenomenal and the defensive front is dominating. This is what we have been waiting for. The Detroit Lions finish October with a record of 2-5.
Next Month: November
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