There is a long-established formula for success in football. Have a big play on offense. Score on defense. The Lions have followed that today. The one missing part of the equation is the special teams. The missed field goals and Micheal Spurlock's returns are a concern. If the Lions were doing a better job with field position today, this game might be over. Instead, it's very tight.
- You have to wonder if the NFL will fine Ndamukong Suh for hitting Cardinals' running back Andre Ellington too hard. Just kidding. I think.
- One of the more underrated, but wise decisions, the Lions made during the off season was re-signing DeAndre Levy. He has played well for them in the past, often under difficult circumstances, but at 26 and with experience under his belt, Levy is starting to shine.
- The Lions' defense has been solid today. Holding Arizona to a field goal after Reggie Bush's fumble was huge. They have, for the most part, done of terrific job in the scoring zone.
- It's a misnomer the Cardinals have been single-covering Calvin Johnson most of this game with Patrick Peterson. They have still been bracketing him with coverage by safety rolling his way deep.
- Ziggy Ansah did a terrific job of stripping the ball from Arizona QB Carson Palmer. Too bad Willie Young negated it with his bad judgment. Mistakes from the Lions' defensive line, as talented as it is, remains a constant.