ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — At this time last season, the Detroit Lions were smarting from a controversial loss in the season opener — and wondering when their franchise quarterback might play again.
The mood is different this year after Detroit held on for a 27-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, but Lions coach Jim Schwartz found plenty of errors to dwell on after the game.
Detroit outplayed Tampa Bay and controlled the ball for more than 36 minutes, but the Lions still had to withstand a late rally to win.
Matthew Stafford, who was injured in a season-opening loss at Chicago last year, looked impressive against Tampa Bay, throwing for 305 yards and three touchdowns.
