Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions rally past winless Cleveland Browns
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions escaped Ford Field with a 38-24 victory against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
When you hear that the Detroit Lions have the easiest schedule moving forward, take that information with a grain of salt. Nothing is a given in the NFL, and the Lions’ 38-24 win over the Browns on Sunday was a prime example.
The Lions were put to the test early against the Browns, who came out of the gate with an aggressive game plan on offense and defense.
The Browns controlled the pace of the game with an efficient and successful rushing attack, limiting the Lions to just five possessions in the first half.
The Lions made it difficult for themselves from the start, as their opening drive resulted in a punt following three consecutive negative plays. The Browns kicked a field goal on the ensuing possession for an early 3-0 lead.
Matthew Stafford followed with an interception on the Lions’ next drive that the Browns turned into seven more points on a 19 yard touchdown by Kenny Britt.
The Lions responded with 17 consecutive points, beginning with a Matt Prater field goal, followed by an Ameer Abdullah touchdown run, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Nevin Lawson.
The second half featured more aggressiveness by the Browns, utilizing the running game en route to a pair of touchdowns to take a 24-17 lead.
Turning Point
Stafford and the Lions responded quickly on the ensuing possession, and never looked back.
Rookie Kenny Golladay, active for the first time since Week 3, hauled in a pair of catches for 64 yards on consecutive plays. After a three-yard pass to Abdullah, Stafford connected with Theo Riddick for an eight-yard game-tying score.
DeShone Kizer, who had his way with the Lions through the air and on the ground, was leveled by an unblocked Quandre Diggs on the next drive. The rookie quarterback left the game with a rib injury, and backup Cody Kessler was sacked by Cornelius Washington on his first play.
With the Browns against the ropes, Stafford connected with tight end Eric Ebron for a 29 yard touchdown to re-take a 31-24 lead.
The Lions’ harassment of Kessler continued on the next series, sacking him for the third time in as many drives and forcing the Browns to punt.
Stafford put the game out of reach three plays later, connecting with Golden Tate for a 40 yard catch-and-run touchdown for the game’s final score.
Next Up
The Lions (5-4) will take on the Chicago Bears (3-6) at Soldier Field next Sunday.