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High-scoring Lions hope to end road skid vs Giants
ALLEN PARK, Mich. – The Detroit Lions are leading the NFC in something and, for a nice change, it's nothing to cringe about.
Detroit has scored a conference-high 126 points this season despite playing without franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford since Week 1 and missing wide receiver Nate Burleson for two-plus games.
"Without sounding too cocky, it's somewhat of a confirmation of what we believed would happen," Burleson said Thursday, the same day he was fined $15,000 for excessively celebrating a touchdown. "I just knew with the talent and depth that we have that we could do something special. I didn't think it would happen this season. Now, it gives us motivation to keep that title."
It won't be easy.
Detroit will play Sunday on the road against the New York Giants, who are No. 1 in the NFL in total defense and are the top-ranked team against the pass.
The Lions may have receiver Calvin Johnson in the lineup because he seemed to be able to do more Thursday than he did in Wednesday's workout.
"It's real encouraging, but it's not the telltale to whether I play or not on Sunday," said Johnson, who hurt his right shoulder in a 44-6 win Sunday over St. Louis.
Stafford is expected to miss his fifth straight game with a separated right shoulder and insisted he doesn't know when he will be able to practice.
"I'm feeling pretty good," Stafford said. "I'm getting better."
The Lions have gotten better, too, playing closely contested games after routinely getting routed last year. They have a potent offense, stout defensive line and good special teams.
They will need everything clicking to upset the double-digit favorite Giants. Coach Jim Schwartz will be watching one facet of the game in particular for an indicator of their success.
ALLEN PARK, Mich. – The Detroit Lions are leading the NFC in something and, for a nice change, it's nothing to cringe about.
Detroit has scored a conference-high 126 points this season despite playing without franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford since Week 1 and missing wide receiver Nate Burleson for two-plus games.
"Without sounding too cocky, it's somewhat of a confirmation of what we believed would happen," Burleson said Thursday, the same day he was fined $15,000 for excessively celebrating a touchdown. "I just knew with the talent and depth that we have that we could do something special. I didn't think it would happen this season. Now, it gives us motivation to keep that title."
It won't be easy.
Detroit will play Sunday on the road against the New York Giants, who are No. 1 in the NFL in total defense and are the top-ranked team against the pass.
The Lions may have receiver Calvin Johnson in the lineup because he seemed to be able to do more Thursday than he did in Wednesday's workout.
"It's real encouraging, but it's not the telltale to whether I play or not on Sunday," said Johnson, who hurt his right shoulder in a 44-6 win Sunday over St. Louis.
Stafford is expected to miss his fifth straight game with a separated right shoulder and insisted he doesn't know when he will be able to practice.
"I'm feeling pretty good," Stafford said. "I'm getting better."
The Lions have gotten better, too, playing closely contested games after routinely getting routed last year. They have a potent offense, stout defensive line and good special teams.
They will need everything clicking to upset the double-digit favorite Giants. Coach Jim Schwartz will be watching one facet of the game in particular for an indicator of their success.
