The Lion’s offense was humming again in their 35-to-27 pre-season win Saturday night over the Browns at Ford Field. However, Detroit’s defense was out of tune against Cleveland, especially in the first half when the first string squads for both teams were on field and the Browns took a 24-to-14 lead at the intermission.
Rookie running back Jahvid Best showed his flash, breaking free for a 51-yard run on the Lion’s first play from scrimmage. And second year quarterback Matthew Stafford was solid for the third straight exhibition game, completing 13 of 17 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown.
Detroit’s defense suffered a potentially serious blow when starting middle linebacker DeAndre Levy, who’s already been ailing with a sore back, had to leave on the game’s first snap with a pulled groin. Levy will undergo more tests before the team will say how long he’ll be out of action.
The Lions, now 2-and-1, play their fourth and final exhibition game Thursday night at home against Buffalo. The regular season opener is September 12th against the Bears in Chicago.
