Nov. 7, 2010; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith (27) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

The Lions left Philadelphia as winners but did so awfully thin at cornerback. With just Chris Houston and rookie Jonte Green left as the healthy members of that group, the Lions brought Alphonso Smith and Justin Miller in for workouts yesterday and signEd Smith this morning.

To make room on the roster, the Lions waived running back Keiland Williams who contributed on special teams but carried the ball just twice through five games.

Smith spent the previous two season with the Lions but was cut during training camp prior to this season. With an immediate need at cornerback it makes sense that he has returned. Smith’s familiarity with the team and coaches make him a prime candidate to step in and contribute immediately. In fact, it was somewhat surprising that the Lions didn’t turn to Smith when Bill Bentley suffered a concussion earlier in the year. Instead they claimed Jerome Murphy off waivers from the New Orleans Saints.

August 10, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Keiland Williams (34) runs for 1st down during the first half between the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE

2. Where did that running game come from? Keiland Williams and Joique Bell looked inspiring against the Browns and it will be interesting to see if Mikel Leshoure and Jahvid Best can produce just as well.

3. The Lions clearly made a mistake letting punter Nick Harris go last year. For the Panthers Saturday, Harris made a couple of kicks against the Texans that prove teams shouldn’t cut a kicker after one lousy preseason showing. Not to mention, Harris was the MVP of Jacksonville’s special teams last season because he kept the Jaguars in most games and set opposing offenses up with bad field position.

4. Barring any future injuries to the Lions’ secondary, the Mike Jenkins-to-Detroit trade rumors should be put to bed. Chris Houston, Bill Bentley and Alphonso Smith played well as a group against the Browns. Jenkins appears to be unneeded and now the spot where the Lions need added depth is at the safety position.

5. The biggest weakness on defense is going to be at the safety position this season, especially after the injury to Louis Delmas. The defensive line looks solid and improved, and the play from Everette Brown against Cleveland was surprising. The linebackers maintain its core from last season and the cornerbacks appear to be much more talented this year. The Lions will struggle to keep its safeties healthy and the position will continue to look patchwork at best.

August 10, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Kellen Moore (17) hands off to Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) during the second half between the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Lions have experienced great success in terms of winning preseason games in recent years but their quest for another NFL Preseason Championship hit a snag in game number one last night.

Cleveland Browns 19, Detroit Lions 17 (box score)

I would caution anyone not to take too much away, good or bad, from any preseason game but there were a few things that stuck out to me.

• The most effective part of the Lions offense all night was their running game. Kevin Smith didn’t exactly look explosive out of the gate but he was effective. Keiland Williams was able to find success that he didn’t have last year and Joique Bell kept it going when he saw extended playing time in the second half. In total, the Lions churned out 198 yards on a 6.0 yard per carry average. The backs finally had some room to run and they were decisive in making the read and taking what was there. Good job by all involved.
• Bill Bentley was able to put on display the flashes of very good play that put him in position to start last night’s game but he also looked like a rookie at times, particularly in getting beat on a long first quarter pass. Jim Schwartz called it a 50/50 performance and therefore not good enough in his post game comments but it is clear that the Lions may have found something in their third round pick.
• After one game it looks like the punter battle will come down to who loses the battle rather than who wins it. Neither Ryan Donahue or Ben Graham punted very well at all. With a potent offense, let’s hope the Lions simply don’t need to punt much in 2012.
• It’s no secret that the Lions have made building their defensive line the hallmark of their strategy but last night showed just how legit the unit is. Regular starters Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch did not start yet the replacements of Lawrence Jackson and Willie Young, particularly Young, did more than fit in up against the Browns’ starters. It didn’t stop there. Everette Brown made an impact with 1.5 sacks when he got his chance. Needless to say, things are looking good at defensive end.
• I was really looking forward to seeing what Kellen Moore could do last night but came away disappointed. I didn’t have any particular expectations, especially after seeing him struggle in training camp practice last weekend, but it would have been nice to him show something that suggested he would be worth investing some effort into his development. All the knocks on Moore coming out of Boise State were on display and he couldn’t make up for it with the kind of accuracy he showed in college.