Buffalo 17
Detroit 20

SCORING

Buffalo 17Detroit 20
 Final1234T
 Bills0100717
 Lions1070320
  
October 15, 2006Ford Field-Attendance: 60,704 (65,000) Time: 3:03
Scoring Summary
 FIRST QUARTERBUFDET
 DET FG 7:05 Jason Hanson 43 yard field goal attempt is good.03
 DET TD 3:23 Kevin Jones rush to the right for 7 yards for a touchdown.09
 DET PAT 3:23 Jason Hanson extra point attempt is good.010
 SECOND QUARTERBUFDET
 BUF TD 14:11 J.P. Losman pass completion to the right to Roscoe Parrish for 44 yards for a touchdown.610
 BUF PAT 14:11 Rian Lindell extra point attempt is good.710
 DET TD 0:40 Jon Kitna pass completion to the middle to Roy Williams for 28 yards for a touchdown.716
 DET PAT 0:40 Jason Hanson extra point attempt is good.717
 BUF FG 0:00 Rian Lindell 53 yard field goal attempt is good.1017
 FOURTH QUARTERBUFDET
 DET FG 14:10 Jason Hanson 29 yard field goal attempt is good.1020
 BUF TD 9:23 J.P. Losman pass completion to the middle to Ryan Neufeld for 4 yards for a touchdown.1620
 BUF PAT 9:23 Rian Lindell extra point attempt is good.1720

Statistics
 Buffalo Passing
 C/ATTYDSAVGTDINT
 J. Losman21/342076.121
 Team21/342076.121
 Detroit Passing
 C/ATTYDSAVGTDINT
 J. Kitna24/362787.711
 Team24/362787.711
 Buffalo Rushing
 CARYDSAVGTDLG
 W. McGahee17663.9021
 J. Losman3165.308
 A. Thomas133.003
 Team21854.0021
 Detroit Rushing
 CARYDSAVGTDLG
 K. Jones231275.5152
 J. Kitna200.003
 B. Calhoun252.503
 Team271324.9152
 Buffalo Receiving
 RECYDSAVGTDLG
 L. Evans88210.3023
 P. Price4276.8010
 J. Reed3248.0011
 R. Parrish24824.0144
 W. McGahee2147.008
 R. Royal188.008
 R. Neufeld144.014
 Team21/342076.121
 Detroit Receiving
 RECYDSAVGTDLG
 R. Williams1016116.1128
 K. Jones6366.0010
 M. Furrey33913.0019
 A. Hakim3144.707
 C. Schlesinger166.006
 M. Pollard12222.0022
 Team24/362787.711
 Buffalo Tackles
 TKLSOLASTSK-YD
 T. McGee7700-0
 D. Whitner8620-0
 L. Fletcher7611-2
 A. Schobel4401-6
 C. Kelsay6331-8
 N. Clements4310-0
 A. Crowell4310-0
 K. Simpson4310-0
 T. Spikes4310-0
 K. Williams5320-0
 J. Stamer2200-0
 A. Thomas2200-0
 S. Aiken2200-0
 A. Davis2200-0
 K. Thomas1100-0
 R. Denney2110-0
 D. Preston1100-0
 L. Tripplett2020-0
 Team6752153-16
 Detroit Tackles
 TKLSOLASTSK-YD
 F. Bryant8620-0
 B. Bailey6510-0
 J. Hall7433.5-31
 S. Rogers3301-15
 L. Woods3300-0
 K. Smith3300-0
 A. Cannon2200-0
 E. Sims6240-0
 D. Bullocks6240-0
 J. McGraw3210-0
 P. Lenon3210-0
 T. Holt2110-0
 D. Bly2110-0
 C. Schlesinger1100-0
 J. Fletcher2110-0
 K. Edwards2110-0
 C. Redding3120.5-5
 J. DeVries1100-0
 M. Pollard1100-0
 T. Jackson1010-0
 Team6542235-50
 Buffalo Interceptions
 INTYDSAVGLGTD
 K. Simpson10000
 Team10000
 Detroit Interceptions
 INTYDSAVGLGTD
 T. Holt177.070
 Team177.070
 Buffalo Punting
 TOTYDSAVG-20
 B. Moorman728941.33
 Team 728941.33
 Detroit Punting
 TOTYDSAVG-20
 N. Harris522144.21
 Team 522144.21
 Buffalo Punt Returns
 TOTYDSAVGLGTD
 R. Parrish22110.5150
 J. Leonhard2147120
 Team4358.8150
 Detroit Punt Returns
 TOTYDSAVGLGTD
 E. Drummond11616160
 Team11616160
 Buffalo Kickoff Returns
 TOTYDSAVGLGTD
 T. McGee515230.4720
 Team515230.4720
 Detroit Kickoff Returns
 TOTYDSAVGLGTD
 E. Drummond35518.3190
 Team35518.3190
 Buffalo Fumbles
 FUMLOSTRECYDS
 J. Losman1100
 P. Price1100
 Team2200
 Detroit Fumbles
 FUMLOSTRECYDS
 J. Kitna1000
 E. Drummond1000
 Team2020
 Buffalo Missed Field Goals
 YDS/MFG
 NONE        -
 Detroit Missed Field Goals
 YDS/MFG
 J. Hanson56

Team Stat Comparison
 BUFDET
 1st Downs16 21 
   3rd down efficiency3-11 3-12 
   4th down efficiency0-0 0-1 
 Total Yards242 394 
 Passing157 262 
   Comp-Att21-34 24-36 
   Yards per pass4.0 6.7 
 Rushing85 132 
   Rushing Attempts21 27 
   Yards per rush4.0 4.9 
 Penalties2-20 6-40 
 Sacks against5-50 3-16 
   Turnovers
     Fumbles-lost2-2 2-0 
     Interceptions thrown
 Possession28:19 31:41 

RECAP:

Roy Williams and Kevin Jones ended Rod Marinelli's long wait for a win.

Williams had 10 receptions for 161 yards - both career highs - and scored a touchdown while Jones ran for a season-high 127 yards and a score to lead the Detroit Lions to a 20-17 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

''I'm glad we got this because the coaching staff has really been under the microscope and they don't deserve that,'' Jones said.

Instead of the late mistakes that have cost the Lions in four of five opening losses, they made clutch plays on both sides of the ball to give Marinelli victory No. 1 as an NFL head coach. Marinelli had to bide his time for more than three decades to be a head coach at any level, and the Lions made him wait just a little longer for his first victory.

When the former Tampa Bay defensive line coach saw the final seconds tick off the clock, he smiled and walked across the field to shake Dick Jauron's hand, the Buffalo coach, who ended last season as the interim coach in Detroit.

''It's been a long time coming for him, but it's the first of many,'' Williams said.

Marinelli wouldn't even acknowledge that he enjoyed the moment for a fleeting second.

''It's the process,'' he said - repeatedly.

The Vietnam veteran, whose passion has been well received by his team, said he would probably put his first game ball in his locker.

''Those things are nice, but it's not why I'm in it,'' Marinelli said.

The Lions led 17-10 at halftime, wishing they had a bigger lead after outgaining Buffalo by nearly 200 yards. Detroit (1-5) outscored the Bills (2-4) by four points in the fourth quarter after being outscored 47-14 in the final quarter of their previous five games.

''These things are big because every week it comes down to this,'' Marinelli said.

Jason Hanson's 29-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter put the Lions ahead by 10. Detroit had to cling to the slim lead after J.P. Losman's 4-yard TD pass to Ryan Neufeld made it 20-17 on the next drive.

Jones helped seal the victory with a shifty move on a third-down reception, which helped Detroit hold onto the ball long enough to punt it with 22 seconds left.

''Really with the way the stats were in the first half, it was hard to believe we were in the game right until the end,'' Jauron said. ''So I guess if there's one good thing it's for our guys finding a way to stay in it and have a chance.''

Detroit's Jon Kitna was 24-of-36 for 278 yards with a TD and an interception.

Losman was 21-of-34 for 207 yards with two TDs and an interception. He lost one of his top targets, Roscoe Parrish, to a hamstring injury after he scored a second-quarter TD.

Willis McGahee, who began the day with an AFC-high 439 yards rushing, was held to 66 yards on 17 carries.

By stunting Buffalo's running game, the Lions put pressure on Losman when he had to throw in third-and-long situations. They had five sacks, including James Hall's career-high 3 1/2.

''They did a good job of mixing it up,'' Losman said. ''They gave us multiple looks - taking away the run, taking away the pass.''

The Lions had four chances to score in the first - gaining 117 yards to the Bills' minus-4 - only to come away with 10 points. Detroit was impressive on the opening drive until Jones was stopped on two straight runs from the 1 on third and fourth down.

Hanson's field goal and Jones' TD run on the third drive put the Lions ahead 10-0.

After Losman's pass was intercepted by Terrence Holt and returned to Detroit's 30, Hanson was just short on a 56-yard field goal.

The Bills took advantage of having good field position for the first time. Losman scrambled and threw a perfect pass on the run, a 44-yard connection with Parrish that made it 10-7.

The Lions went ahead 17-7 on Kitna's 28-yard pass to Williams with 1:52 left in the half.

Terrence McGee's 72-yard return on the ensuing kickoff set up Rian Lindell's 53-yard field goal on the final play of the half.

Scott's Game Commentary:

It only took six tries, but the Lions finally got their first win of the season. Unlike several fourth quarter melt downs, they made the plays at the end of the game to give Ron Marinelli his first NFL victory. I was still recovering from celebrating the Tigers win the American League Pennant so no matter what the honolulu blue and silver did against Buffalo - it was not going to upset me. Comerica Park was electifying on Saturday night while Ford Field felt like a morgue most of the game. Yes, the Lions got their first victory, but at least 50% of the fans left midway through the fourth. It was the first time all year Roy Williams and Kevin Jones both had stellar games in the same week. The Bills defense got shredded last week in Chicago and gave up 20 points against the Lions, although it could have been a lot more. The Defense had another stellar effort as they forced three turnovers and had five sacks on Losman. Although they once again gave up a fourth quarter touchdown, they did their job most of the day. It was the Lions first home win in almost 11 months!

Grades:

*Offense: --- B. The Offense had a great first quarter even when they failed to get a touchdown after botching a 4th and goal at the one. It was good to see Roy Williams and Kevin Jones have great games. The only problem with both of them is inconsistency! If either one of them could perform week in and week out, the Offense would be in much better shape. The injury riddled offensive line gave up three sacks but for the most park gave Kitna enough protection. The Offense did a great job running the time down to only a few seconds in the 4th quarter. With Mike Williams inactive, it is quite clear he is the next player who has punched his bus ticket out of Detroit.

*Defense: --- B+. James Hall had a personal best 3 1/2 sacks and the Defense had 5 for the game! Creating three turnovers also helped a ton. What has been most impressive with the Defense is their ability to stop the run. Once again they held a great running back in check. This time it was Willis McGahee who had only 66 yards. Boss Bailey played a great game, which we haven't seen in a long time. Shaun Rogers had his best game since week one. He had a sack and recovered a fumble. Hopefully the Defense can continue to play like they have the past few games.

*Special Teams: --- B. Eddie Drummond had one long run back, but was quiet for most of the game. Hanson barely missed a 56 yard field goal, but nailed two others. Coverage was better than what it has been this year. For once, no glaring mistakes for the special teams.

*Coaching: --- C. I did not like some of the play calling at times. The 4th and goal run the ball up the middle was way too conservative. Trying a 56 yard field goal in the 1st half with the Defense playing so well, was too risky. That led to a Bills touchdown. In the 4th quarter with the Offense trying to put the game away, Martz elected for a deep pass that was intercepted - wrong call! Still, it was good to see Marinelli get his first win as a head coach.

*Overall: --- B. This was a game the Lions had to win and they did. Starting 0-6 would have been a nightmare. At 1-5, they are still only playing for pride but at least they had a shot in every game except for the Bears debacle. Up next is a trip to New York to face a young and inexperienced Jets team. Although I don't think the Lions will win, they still have a great chance of getting their first road win of the year if they do not make mistakes. Next week the Lions will be an after thought with the start of the World Series at Comerica Park! As crazy the euphoria was downtown after the Tigers won the pennant, I can only imagine what it would be like if the Lions ever could make the playoffs and win a game, something they have not done since 1991.

*Click HERE to go back to my LIONS page!!