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The Lions Hold Off the Raiders and Win Opener

Jeremiah O. Sarkett |Sep 11,2007

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The Lions Hold Off the Raiders and Win Opener

The Detroit Lions had a commanding 17-point lead against Oakland Sunday that quickly turned into a one-point deficit. Last year, the Lions would have folded and the game would have been over with Oakland coming back to win. This year looks much different though. Jon Kitna and the Lions did not back down but roared back. Kitna backed up his off-season boasts by throwing 3 touchdowns including a 32-yard go-ahead strike to new Lion receiver, Shaun McDonald with 4:15 remaining.

Defensive end and another new addition to the Lions, Dewayne White had a fantastic game and helped seal the victory with two big take aways in the closing minutes. White showed that he is definitely worth the $13 million dollars as he wrecked havoc on Josh McCown and the Raiders all game. White had two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception and was the Lions most valuable player. "He's a playmaker," coach Rod Marinelli said. "He's always been that, and it's his time. He's got the keys to the car." Oakland had chances to win the game after they clawed their way back but the Lions roar was just too much for Oakland- give credit to Marinelli and Kinta for sticking to their game plan and for finding a way to get it done.

The matchup between the NFL's two worst teams from a year ago was entertaining and packed with offense. Kitna completed 27-of-36 attempts for 289 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. McCown also played inspired ball for the Raiders has he completed 30-of-40 for 313 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions and nearly led Oakland back from down 17-0 despite the annoying cheers from the Oakland Raiders faithful for Daunte Culpepper.

Tatum Bell led the way on the ground for the Lions and added a big touchdown late to help seal the deal. Bell finished with 87 yards and helped Detroit control the clock late in the game. Rookie Calvin Johnson also made his presence felt as he added his first NFL touchdown to go along with 70 receiving yards.

From My Note Pad

•   The Lion receivers looked impressive. Roy Williams , McDonald and Johnson all had touchdowns and McDonald continues to thrive in the Mike Martz system. Fantasy football sleeper- I think so.
•   Tatum Bell looked good against a formidable Oakland defense- let's see if he can continue to play consistently without turning the ball over.
•   Dewayne White was a beast and should be on his way to the Pro Bowl if he can keep this up. White had two forced fumbles, a sack and an interception to go along with six tackles- all in a days work.
•   Paris Lenon led the Lions with 9 tackles and played exceptionally well late in the game.
•   Oakland got terrific play from receiver Ronald Curry who had 10 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown.
•   Lamont Jordan played inspired and looks to be back to his 2005 form. He had 70 rushing yards and a score while adding 9 catches and 89 yards receiving.
•   Oakland's Sebastian Janikowski missed three field goals in the first half. This is only the third time in his career that he has missed three kicks in one game. Sea Bass has not been kicking the ball well dating back to last year and really to 2005- let's see if this trend continues.

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