Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints: 1st quarter running diary

About 25 minutes before kickoff, I tune into NBC's MNF pre-game, only to see a midget interviewing Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. All I can say is...Stafford needs a hair cut.

Things might not be looking good for the Lions against the Saints, but every game involving the NFC wild card went their way. Giants, Falcons, Bears and Cowboys all lost. As things stand as of 8PM tonight, if the playoffs started now, the Lions are the first wild card team in.

I can only hope the trend of everything going the Lions' way continues in the final game of the day.

We join the insufferable Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth in the NBC booth. They are expecting a "track meet." As do I. With a banged up defense missing Ndamukong Suh not likely to slow down the Saints and Drew Brees, the Lions must score early, often and lots to make it a game.

While waiting for the game to start, the bowl games are being announced. Wolverines in the Sugar, Spartans in the Outback. Not bad, in the big scheme of things. But from all the bitching and moaning on the social networks, you'd think schools getting screwed over by the BCS and the bowl system in general is a new thing.

Saints start from their 20. Mark Ingram makes 3 Lions miss on a nice 12 yard run. Not a good omen. With or without Suh, the Lions can't stop the run.

But...the Lions stop the Saints on a 3rd and 2 pass. Whaaaat?

The penalty train starts early, as Rasheid Davis is called for a block in the back, nullifying a good return by Logan. Lions will start at the 7, instead of near the 30. Christ almighty, the Lions play such dumb fucking football at times.

Lions face 3rd and 14 from the 15...Stafford throws a screen pass, which skips off the hands of Kevin Smith, and into the hands of Johnathan Vilma...who drops a sure pick. Lions dodge a black and gold bullet.

Once again, the Lions offense starts a game with a thud. To call them slow starting is an insult to...well, slow starters.

NBC references Suh for the 50th time...

Suh mug shot
Sorry, NBC. Suh is in NFL prison.

Saints face 3rd and short, Ingram busts over center for a 1st down at the Lions' 49. Saints are being quite methodical at the moment. Not throwing anything vertical.

Lions' D playing well, Saints facing another 3rd and short...and Brees finally goes vertical, finding Jimmy Graham at the 31. Brees is going to get his, it's just a matter of keeping him between the 20's.

Colston has what should have been a 31 yard TD pass ripped out of his hands on a nice play by Eric Wright.

FLAG. You know it's on the Lions...Fairley encroachment.

flag fest

This is getting God damn OLD.

Overall, the Lions are getting solid play from the d-line, lots of penetration...but the defense can't get off the field on 3rd downs.

Speaking of which, it's 3rd and 11 from the 21. Brees overthrows Moore. Finally, a 3rd down stop.

Kasey drills the 39 yard FG, Saints up 3-0. 5:52 left in the quarter.

Collinsworth keeps saying Schwartz should be pleased with how his defense is playing. All well and good, but I don't think the Saints are going to settle for field goals all night long.

Logan in the backfield to start the Lions' drive...a pitch gets maybe a couple. The Lions trickeration on offense means Kevin Smith can play, but may not be capable of making cuts.

FUCK. A 20+yard completion to Megatron is waved off thanks to Young being in an illegal formation. As I said, it's GETTING FUCKING OLD.

Young makes up for the miscue, a crossing pattern getting 10 on 3rd and 8. Well, it doesn't make up for the penalty, but it's a start.

Lions facing another 3rd and long, as the running game is non-existent. Stafford finds Scheffler for a 1st...but FLAG.

Holding on Kevin Smith. Ridiculous. Replays show Smith didn't block a Saint, he tackled him.

shoot in the foot