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| Carlos Osorio / Associated Press |
| Lions rookie QB Matthew Stafford played three series in his NFL debut. |
What we learned ...
The Lions chose wisely: In his first series, No. 1 overall draft pick Matthew Stafford proved that he has an NFL arm, but Detroit's receivers dropped several of his passes. Then in the third quarter, the former Georgia standout threw a pick-six. But he regrouped, and on the next series, Stafford threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Williams. Stafford finished with 114 yards on 7-of-14 passing.
Re-air on NFL Network: Atlanta Falcons at
Detroit Lions,
Monday, 10 a.m. ET
(Tape delayed)
» NFL Network preseason schedule
Jim Schwartz's team has work to do: The Lions, who were penalized nine times for 113 yards, have three more preseason games to work out their timing and rhythm issues.
The Falcons already have speed to burn: Michael Turner picked up right where he left off in 2008, running 40 yards through Detroit's defense for a touchdown in the first quarter. The NFL's second-leading rusher last season finished with 63 yards on six carries.
The Lions could have a new weapon: Rookie RB Aaron Brown might have secured a roster spot after showing amazing speed in his first NFL game. The sixth-round draft pick ran 32 yards for one touchdown in the third quarter, then caught a 45-yard TD pass in the fourth, after which he did an end-zone back flip that resulted in a 15-yard penalty. (see Jim Schwartz's team has work to do)
