Lions relieved after holding on in season opener
Posted: 09.12.2011 at 11:53 PM
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      ALLEN PARK, Mich.  - 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.