Detroit Lions find a few bright spots in ugly loss to Cleveland Browns
By Bob Heyrman
Josh Johnson, on the other hand, performed very well for the Detroit Lions. Johnson used his mobility to his favor last night often rolling out away from the Browns rush. Unlike Savage, Johnson can make things happen with his legs, especially playing behind a bad O-line. Johnson completed 9/15 passing for 158 yards and a touchdown. Take note, a couple of the incompletions were spikes late to stop the clock. He carried it 4 times for 17 yards and a nifty rushing touchdown where he juked a pair of Browns defenders at the four-yard line on the option run.
It appears the Detroit Lions have already nominated Savage as their number two quarterback, but they should strongly consider Johnson instead. During the broadcast, general manager Bob Quinn mentioned they signed Luis Perez as a potential practice squad player meaning Johnson may be expendable.
Brandon Powell played exceptionally well last night for the Lions. Powell didn’t do anything as a pass catcher, but he performed very well as a return man. It was something a bit unexpected. Jamal Agnew will be the primary return man, but Powell opened some eyes. Powell accumulated 132 yards on 4 returns for an average of 33 yards per return. His versatility should land him as the team’s fifth receiver.
Rookie Travis Fulgham all but solidified himself as the Detroit Lions fourth wideout, stepping up for the injured Jermaine Kearse. Fulgham made a couple of really nice grabs throughout the night. He reeled in 3 grabs for 80 yards but also made a nice catch along the sideline that would be overturned because his heal landed out of bounds.
Although it wasn’t a completed catch, he was able to create separation while making a fantastic adjustment to the ball while it was in the midst of its flight — the difference between a veteran and rookie on that play. The vet finds a way to toe-tap along the sideline, getting both feet in bounds. Something Fulgham will learn as time goes on.
Last but not least, Mark Thompson ran very well last night. He commands a host of tacklers to get him to the ground. He’s a 240-pound back that runs North & South. He may not land on the active roster, but the Lions will hope to bury him on the practice squad to start the season. Don’t be surprised if he proved last night to other teams’ that he could be a valuable third back elsewhere.