- Matthew Stafford has made up for his rocky early start in this game. He has made throwing four touchdowns passes or more in a game rather routine. He has warmed up. His accuracy has been very good since the early interceptions.

- The noise level at Ford Field had been quelled by the Lions' early mistakes. Not any more.

- It does help so much when you can mix an effective running play in. In that way, Kevin Smith has helped the Lions immensely today.

- Some consider Jordan Goss, the Panthers left offense tackle, the best in the league. I've been watching closely today. He is not overrated.

- When the Panthers didn't double-team Ndamukong Suh, he got through. Also, that was an athletic interception by DeAndre Levy, who has played well today. He has also been the Lions' leading tackler in this game.