Five Detroit Lions Who’ve Turned Heads During The First Half Of The Season

Oct 26, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) runs in for a touchdown during the second half of the game between the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

5. Golden Tate

Most people knew the type of gamer the Lions were getting when they signed Tate in the offseason, but few figured that Tate would start matching his huge contract within the first handful of games he played. Without Johnson in the fold, though, that has happened for Tate and Detroit.

Last year’s Super Bowl champion has been missed in Seattle, and has carried the Lions’ offense through the first part of the season. What he’s done as both a speed and possession receiver for Matthew Stafford has provided a huge boost for the offense. The longer Johnson is out, the more Tate will step up and carry the baton.