The Detroit Lions (1-1) took the loss against the Carolina Panthers (2-0) on Sunday. There was no scoring in the first quarter in what turned out to be a defensive battle. In the second quarter, the Panthers kicked two field goals to take a 6-0 lead heading into the third quarter.
The Lions finally struck with a one yard touchdown catch from Matthew Stafford to Jed Collins. After that, it was all Panthers till the end. Newton threw a touchdown to Jason Avant to give them a 13-7 lead. In the fourth quarter, Jonathan Stewart took a two yard rush into the end zone. The Panthers went for two and converted. Carolina put the game away on a 38-yard field goal from Graham Gano to seal the game 24-7.
The Lions offense was led by Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. Stafford passed for 291 yards and a touchdown. However, he also forced quite a few deep throws, which to an interception. Johnson had six receptions for 83 yards, but he dropped a pass in the end zone. The Lions struggled running the ball once again this week. Reggie Bush rushed six times for 26 yards. The defense looked good early, but the run game from the Panthers wore them out.
The Panthers quarterback Cam Newton appeared in his first game after being out with injury. He was 22 for 34, 281 yards and one touchdown. He did not throw an interceptions. Tight end Greg Olsen had six catches for 72 yards. Jason Avant caught five passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. Jonathan Stewart ran 15 times for 37 yards and a touchdown to seal the game against the Lions.
Detroit (1-1) faces NFC North rival Green Bay (0-1 as of this article) next week at home. Carolina (2-0) will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) next week.