Week 2 Lions Grades Vs. Chiefs

Defense:  The Lions struggled in the first quarter especially with the run, but they got dominant from about the second quarter on.   The D also had 5 turnovers - 3 int., 2 Fumble recoveries.  One thing they didn't do enough of is pressure Cassel.  They managed to hold the Chiefs to a FG.  I'll give them an A.

Offense:  The Lions offense also struggled in the first quarter, but they took over the game from the second quarter on.   They took advantage of 5 Chiefs turnovers and scored on all 5.  The o-line wasn't too good.  Stafford took quite a beating, but he had a great game - 4 TDs, 1 int.  The passing game got things going and the running game did the job in the end.  Rookie Titus Young had two beautiful catches.  Even Shaun Hill did a nice job filling in for a resting Stafford.  48 points is worthy of an A.

Special Teams:   Other than run kickoff run by the Chiefs, the special teams were phenomal.  Hanson was money on a 21 and 51 yd FGs, he also had a tackle.   Donahue did a nice job on punts and specials teams was good on coverage.  I'll give them an A.

Coaching:   Much better coached game this week.  Didn't care for the play calling early in the game, but it improved from the second quarter on.  I liked that they went for it on 2 4ths and 1.   The team was also much more disciplined this week.  Only 4 penalties.  I'll give them an A.

Overall:  A much better game for the Lions.  A great team effort from all 3 units.   Only problems were early in the game.  From the second quarter on the Lions completely dominated.  I'll give them an A.

Expert's Grades:

CBS' Week 2 grades (Lions get an A):  http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/prisco/grades/week2

Grading the Lions:  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/09/grading_the_lions_offensive_pu.html

Grading the Lions in blowout win over Chiefs:  http://www.freep.com/article/20110918/SPORTS01/110918021/Grading-Lions-blowout-win-over-Chiefs

BVO grades the Lions:  http://www.hollandsentinel.com/sports/x1406676208/Grading-the-Detroit-Lions-The-Huge-Shows-Brian-VanOchten