The Lions’ second preseason game Sunday was intriguing.
Calvin Johnson was sensational for the second week in a row. He can’t be defended one-on-one in press coverage by anyone. That much is evident. That means opposing teams are going to have to roll coverage his way, which should make for a field day for Roy Williams.
Kevin Smith is clearly the Lions’ best running back. He has decent size and some explosiveness through the hole. But he is about it in the backfield. Makes you wonder - again - why the Lions didn’t sign a veteran running back. The offensive line play was inconsistent, both in the run game and pass protection. It must get better.
As for Drew Stanton, I thought he was terrific Sunday. Great play-action throw for a touchdown. Excellent touchdown run. His other run was a good example of athleticism, but it seemed like he baled out of the pocket too soon. I would have liked to have seen more of Stanton. Dan Orlovsky was OK.. He doesn’t have mobility, which is a weakness. He has good arm strength and accuracy, and did have a couple passes dropped, so his statistics should have been better.
Gosder Cherilus was better in Game 2 as opposed to Game 1. Didn’t see much from Jordan Dizon, though. The Lions’ first-team secondary played well.
Wonder what the third preseason will bring in terms of playing time for the backup QBs? Jon Kitna will likely play the entire first half, which is necessary for preparing for the season. The fourth preseason game is played mostly by backups. It would be interesting to see how Stanton would do running the first-team offense, but that’s not going to happen during the preseason.

Random Thoughts

- The medal count certainly suggests Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympic athlete of all-time, but I’d still take Jesse Owens and Carl Lewis over him. Owens because the circumstances were so compelling, and because in a different era, he would have been able to compete - and dominate - in multiple Olympic games. Lewis because the competition in track and field seems more difficult to fight through than in swimming. Not what Phelps has done isn’t utterly sensational...

- So what will happen Saturday? Will Shaun Rogers be booed or cheered upon his return to Ford Field with the Browns? He was the Lions’ best player in recent years. He was also a distracting element. Hmmm.

- What amazes me about the Tigers is that there are actually nine teams in the major leagues with worst pitching than they have displayed. That includes the Rangers, the club the Tigers play this week. That is going to be some series, isn’t it? Doubt it will be pretty.

- What happen to the Pistons’ off season? Thought they were going to be so active?