Detroit Lions Game Ball Week 1: Ameer Abdullah
By Erik Schlitt
The Detroit Lions visited the San Diego Chargers in week one of the 2015 season. The game started out with such hope and promise and ended in disappointment and doubt. The “Game Ball” is given to the Detroit Lions “most valuable player” in this week’s game.
Week 1 Game Ball goes to: Ameer Abdullah
Ameer Abdullah is as advertised. His first touch in the NFL will be one to remember. On a run that started right, he shifted gears and decisively cut it up the middle. Quickly finding space in the open field he was confronted by three-time pro bowl Safety Eric Weddle. Abdullah put a shake on Weddle that was so severe that Weddle was left grasping at nothing but air. One touch. One score.
Abdullah would finish the game with 50 yards rushing (7.1 yards per attempt) and a touchdown, with four receptions for 44 yards. He also made us quickly forget about Jeremy Ross as he averaged 35 yards per kickoff return. The Lions second half struggles limited Abdullah’s opportunities and left him with only 11 touches on 21 offensive plays but he made the most of them.
Other Detroit Lions players who were considered:
Ezekiel Ansah tackled Melvin Gordon for a 2 yard loss on his first career carry. He went on to sack Phillip Rivers in the 2nd quarter, and overall was the most disruptive pass rusher the Lions had in the game.
Glover Quin had an interception that he took for a touchdown in 2nd quarter. He continues to have a knack for being in right place right time.
With seconds left at the end of the first half, Darius Slay made an interception in the end zone that at the time looked to be the most critical play of the day.
Eric Ebron dropped his first opportunity for a catch but rebounded nicely catching the next four passes that came his way. His touchdown in the 2nd quarter showed his potential to be such a valuable mismatch in coverage. He finished his day with a stat line of 4 catches for 53 yards and a touchdown.