Kitna Leads the Lions to a 2-0 Start
Jeremiah O. Sarkett |Sep 17,2007
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 Kitna Leads the Lions to a 2-0 Start
Kitna was knocked out of the game with a concussion, but returned in the second half to loud cheers from the Lion faithful. Kitna played possessed and heroic - he drove the Lions down the field and set up Jason Hanson's 37-yard field goal in overtime that lifted the Detroit Lions past the Vikings, 20-17.
Kitna said it was the worst concussion of his 11-year career, and the first since 2000. "I only know one thing, and it's to play as hard as I can," he said. "I don't think he knew where he was," said Detroit Lion standout receiver Roy Williams. "He might've thought he was back at Central Washington, but he led this team to a victory."
Kitna added electricity to the already jazzed-up Detroit Lion crowd. But the game itself was essentially one of the sloppiest games from Sunday that turned into one of the best finishes of the day. Detroit and Minnesota took turns blowing chances to win the game as they combined for nine turnovers in regulation and two missed field goal attempts in the last 45 seconds.
When Kitna returned, he instantly took the team on his shoulders - he made some nice reads in the passing game, but ended up winning the game for the Lions not with his arm, but with his legs. Kitna had an impressive 15-yard scamper off a batted ball that resulted in a huge first down and helped set up Hanson's winning kick.
Detroit has opened with two wins for the first time in three seasons, thanks to the hard-noised play from Kitna. He was knocked out of the game in the second quarter and it did not appear as if he was going to come back, but he did return, helping the Lions take another step toward backing up his expectation of at least ten wins this season.
"I've seen a lot in this league, but that was special," Lions coach Rod Marinelli said. "You saw toughness. This is a tough town and their football team has a leader that's tough." Kitna finished the day 22-of-33 for 245 yards with one touchdown and an interception.
Minnesota had recently owned the Lions winning the last ten games, so the win is even more important for this budding franchise. "It feels good, but it's just a start," said offensive tackle Jeff Backus who has been a part of each of Detroit's NFL-high 72 losses the past six-plus seasons. "We have to keep it going."
From My Note Pad
• Kitna played just terrific and ended the game to a standing ovation from the Lions fans at Ford Field.
• Roy Williams had an impressive game with seven receptions for 111 yards and touchdown.
• Rookie Calvin Johnson added his second touchdown of the year and finished the game with four catches and 61 yards.
• The Lions running game was shut down by the Minnesota defense. Detroit managed just 56 yards on the ground.
• J.T. O'Suullivan completed his first pass and later added his first NFL touchdown Sunday - he filled in admirably for Kitna.
• Detroit forced five Minnesota turnovers, four interceptions and a fumble recovery.
• Detroit contained rookie star Adrian Peterson to just 66 yards on 20 carries.
• Darren Sharper had two interceptions for the Vikings and has an NFL-high 46 since 2000.
• Travaris Jackson tied a Viking team record as he tossed four interceptions Sunday.
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