DETROIT — Every time danger knocked, the Lions answered. Every time the opponent struck, the Lions struck back. Every time you wondered if they’d run out of offensive linemen, or out of energy, someone else raised his hand.
This was the team fans have craved to see and Dan Campbell has pledged to produce, playing with composure, discipline and creativity. The star players did star-like things and the role players rolled. The first half was about dominance, the second half was about persistence, and in the end the Lions crafted one of their more impressive, complete performances in a 36-27 victory against Washington.
They’re only 1-1 with plenty of tests ahead, but at the risk of overstating it, I’d say the Lions did things Sunday we rarely see. They got the ball in their playmakers’ hands, but they didn’t force it. They didn’t throw an interception, didn’t lose a fumble and committed only one penalty. Hamstrung by injuries — minus three starters on the offensive line — they plugged and played.
