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Here we go: the first game of the season. The Los Angeles Charg...whoops, San Diego Chargers are looking to start off the season with a win against a fairly talented Lions team. One of the most intriguing matchups in this game will be the Lions' wide receivers against the Chargers' two cornerbacks. Jason Verrett will most likely be tasked with controlling Golden Tate, while Brandon Flowers will be asked to try and keep up with Calvin Johnson. If Verrett and Flowers can at least contain those two and not surrender multiple huge plays, this game will be a huge confidence boost for the entire defense. The other matchup worth noting is the Lions defensive line versus the Chargers offensive line. Granted, the Lions no longer have Suh, but they are still physical up front. The Chargers O-line is much different than in years past; hopefully the new addition and the changes that have been can create a sturdier, more solidified pocket around Rivers; given time, he can make any throw. Lastly, Melvin Gordon makes his regular season debut. While slightly underwhelming in the preseason, Gordon may or may not get the majority of the carries this game. Woodhead might step in and take some, and even Oliver may see some action. Biggest thing for Gordon is to not turn the ball over. No fumbles, please. We've already experienced Ryan Mathews. However, this matchup could be a tad difficult for Gordon, but that can't continue to be an excuse. He needs to hit the hole with explosiveness and decisiveness and get to the second level.

It would be lovely to open the season 1-0, but this is a game that could go either way. As long as Calvin is kept in check and Philip gets decent protection, there is a good chance we can come away with the victory.

Go Bolts!

That was an awesome run by Gordon. It's too bad we didn't get a td there and then that it was a killer. I still think we can come back as long as we avoid turnovers.

I feel like we've left too many points on the table. I hate short fgs and the end of the first half hurt.

Couldn't watch this game, but from the highlights, it sure seemed like a better win than 33-28. Rivers' interception was kind of lucky for the lions in that it was underthrown and Keenan kind of dropped it. But our defense held them to three offensive touch downs other than that, which I think is actually pretty good. We kept Tate and Calvin in check, which was amazing. Three years ago, Calvin would have caught 25 balls for 400 yards against us lol. Love to see Rivers' amazing passing yardage, but hopefully the run game can steadily improve throughout the season.

KC looked scary good in the first half of their game. Denver looked beatable (well, judging from the score). Raiders score was pathetic (as usual).


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oh wow! just read we outscored the lions 30-7 over the final 28 minutes. That's amazing! I wish I could find a rebroadcast of this game. Either way, happy we won!

matt131 wrote:Couldn't watch this game, but from the highlights, it sure seemed like a better win than 33-28. Rivers' interception was kind of lucky for the lions in that it was underthrown and Keenan kind of dropped it. But our defense held them to three offensive touch downs other than that, which I think is actually pretty good. We kept Tate and Calvin in check, which was amazing. Three years ago, Calvin would have caught 25 balls for 400 yards against us lol. Love to see Rivers' amazing passing yardage, but hopefully the run game can steadily improve throughout the season.

KC looked scary good in the first half of their game. Denver looked beatable (well, judging from the score). Raiders score was pathetic (as usual).


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We went on a 30-0 run.

Basically some bad mistakes and clock management could have REALLY hurt us, but our offense was unstoppable and we just wore down the Lions D.

We had a drive look like Gordon scored a td, but then they said his elbow hit the ground and he was down (it was an awesome run..check the highlights) and so instead of tying it up, we only got 3 to make it 7-3. Then we stopped them, got the ball back, were driving again, and a tipped ball became an interception for a td. So we almost could have been driving to go up 14-7, but instead were down 14-3.

Then they scored again to make it 21-3.

Finally we got it going and drove to make it 21-10. It looked so easy and it was still so early that I thought we had plenty of time. But of course Rivers was in no hurry as usual and was using up 30 second of clock on every play (I hate when he does this when we are down two scores, regardless of what qtr we are in).

So we stop them again and have a couple of minutes to drive down and score. But of course Rivers appears to be in no hurry and wastes far too much time, that by the time we get a first and goal inside the 10, there is only 12 seconds left with no timeouts. So basically we had two options. Kick a fg or throw into end zone, and with this desperation, he throws an int in the end zone.

We had really outplayed them up to this point but were down 11.

So then we get the ball and drive right down the field to open the second half, and then when at the 15, run two plays up the middle, have a third and 9, and then for whatever reason throw an 8 yard pass. 4th and 1 on the 6. So we get a field goal. Yet another wasted opportunity.

Then we get the ball back AGAIN, drive right down the field, score a td, and for whatever reason, don't go for two. This was ridiculous. So still down, 21-20.

Then we stop them AGAIN, get the ball back, score a td, and now decide to go for two, but because Rivers likes to use up the whole play clock, we get a delay of game penalty, have to back up, decide to kick the extra point and missed it.

At this point we had made so many stupid decisions and coaching mistakes that we are lucky our defense stepped up and stopped Detroit again, and then we got the ball back and drove down the field to go up by 12 with a couple of minutes left. At that point I left the sports bar because it was pretty much over. I saw Detroit scored another td when I got home.

Dang thanks for the detailed recap, bwgood77! In the end, I'm glad we won, but I think we definitely made some 'first game of the season' type mistakes. Also, I'm not sure what Gordon's fumble was like, but I hope he doesn't have a tendency to fumble often. It's very nice to have Woodhead back as well; he's such a stable part of the offense.


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