Giants Beaten Black and Honolulu Blue Monday Night

Monday Night Football headliners are screaming just what Detroit Lions fans have been wanting to see all offseason.

The Lions defeated the New York Giants 35-14 on the first Monday Night Football matchup of the 2014 NFL regular season.

The Lions started off the new season in a strong fashion putting up 35 points on the Giants’ defense.

Matthew Stafford threw the ball 32 times completing 22 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns. Stafford also ran one in for a touchdown as well. Calvin Johnson still seems to be Stafford’s favorite target, as he hauled in both of the passing touchdowns.

The run game paled in comparison to the passing game. The dynamic duo of Joique Bell and Reggie Bush failed to reach the 100-yard mark combined. The Giants showed stellar run defense in this season opener, holding the running back duo to 76 rushing yards and only one touchdown. Bell pulled away with the bulk of the load and the single touchdown.

The Lions’ defense played well, only allowing 14 points and intercepting two passes from Eli Manning. DeAndre Levy and Glover Quin were on the receiving end of those passes. Remember, last season Levy led the league in interceptions at one point.

Aside from a minor lack of a run game, the Lions had a great game, except for those darn penalties.

The Lions kicked off the first half of the game with eight penalties for 85 yards. New head coach Caldwell ironed that wrinkle quickly after the half and the Lions had an almost perfect second half. Whatever Jim Caldwell said is exactly the reason he was brought in to replace former head coach Jim Schwartz.

Missed field goal aside, the offense put up the exact numbers they were expected to put up and continue to show sincere promise in the offensive weapons department.

The Lions are going to have to head into Carolina with the momentum from this game and then some if they want to win against Ron Rivera’s Panthers.


Chris Boggus is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports.