The Lions jumped out to a 21-3 lead in San Diego this afternoon, and it looked like they’d cruise to an easy win. And then the Chargers started throwing the ball to Keenan Allen. Over and over and over again.
By the end of Sunday’s game, Philip Rivers had thrown 17 passes to Allen, and Allen had caught 15 of them, for 166 yards. Allen led the way as the Chargers scored 30 unanswered points on the way to a 33-28 win.
Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis was burned repeatedly by Allen, but it would be unfair to put all the blame on him. Detroit’s entire defense fell apart down the stretch, failing to put pressure on Rivers and allowing the Chargers to march down the field at will. If this is what the Lions’ defense looks like without Ndamukong Suh, it’s going to be a long year in Detroit.
The Lions’ offensive game plan also left a lot to be desired. Calvin Johnson was a total non-factor, getting only three passes thrown his way (and catching only one of them) before garbage time. It’s crazy to pay Johnson more than $20 million a year, by far the most of any receiver in the NFL, and not showcase him in the offense. But that’s what the Lions did today.
If there was a promising aspect of today’s game for the Lions, it was that rookie running back Ameer Abdullah looked great. He scored a 24-yard touchdown on his first carry, took his first kickoff return back 48 yards and was fast and explosive throughout the game. Abdullah became the first NFL player since at least 1960 to have 50 rushing yards, 40 receiving yards and 100 kickoff return yards in a game. The Lions got a keeper when they spent a second-round pick on Abdullah.
The Chargers, however, are the team that comes out of today’s game feeling good. After a miserable start, San Diego dominated.