Lions take step forward, finally beat Rodgers

DETROIT – If the Lions were ever going to convince fans that they were getting better, they were going to have to start accomplishing things not previously done.

In Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field, the Lions had a golden opportunity to do that. They had a chance to finally beat Aaron Rodgers. Coming into the game, the Lions were 0-9 in games started and finished by Rodgers.

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That's right -- Detroit had never beaten Rodgers here, there or anywhere, for that matter.

The Lions' 19-7 suitable-for-framing victory over the Rodgers and the Packers proved that no one is a perfect 10 -- except Bo Derek, of course.

"You don't get caught up in last year or the year before," Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy said. "Each week, each year is a new year. But we knew the player that he is and we knew the kind of trouble that we have had with him in the past."

Levy's defense didn't buckle this time; they never let Rodgers get comfortable or get big plays down the field. For sure, the defense showed up this time around. It really was impressive when you realize they lost LB Stephen Tulloch to a knee injury in the first half.

"We played a complete game," Levy said. "We kind of rose to the challenge. That can propel us going forward if we don't get too caught up in it next week."

Before they can worry about their next game, they should take in and learn from this accomplishment. The Lions (2-1) made Rodgers, one of the best quarterbacks in the league, look like a mere mortal. Rodgers completed just 16 of 27 passes for a measly 162 yards and a touchdown.

In the biggest play of the game, on a fourth and five at the Lions' 20, Rodgers threw an incomplete pass to Jordy Nelson, who finished with five catches for just 59 yards.

"That was our game plan, take away their best players," Lions' cornerback Darius Slay said. "We already knew they had a great quarterback, but our thing was to stop Jordy. We did that and made the other people beat us."

The crazy part is that some thought the Lions' season could be over if they lost this game, especially since their schedule only gets tougher.

Next week, the Lions take on the surprising New York Jets on the road. The Jets' defense is much-improved and considered a factor.

The Lions had a chance last week to beat a good defense and good quarterback on the road. But they lost to the Carolina Panthers, 24-7.

The first reaction from fans was to be expected.

Fans said, "SOL." You know, Same Old Lions. Translation? They shot themselves in the foot, making bad plays and turnovers. And yes, they lost to yet another good team -- on the road, no less.

Here was another test -- beating the team most picked to win the NFC North again.

The Packers (1-2) were even picked by some NFL experts to make it to the Super Bowl. But they made too many mistakes early on and the Lions made them pay.

The funny thing is that Matthew Stafford struggled big time as well. In all, he had 246 yards with no TDs and two interceptions.

In the first half, the Lions had 12 points. But the offense was only able to muster a field goal.

The first nine points were scored by the defense -- a 40-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown and a safety.

Still, the main story was about how the Lions were finally able to beat a great quarterback who has owned them for years.

"This is a real fine victory," Lions coach Jim Caldwell said.

You never want to make too much of one game, but it was a step forward for the organization.

Rodgers has been a Lion-killer, a puzzle they could never solved until now.

"He looked flustered back there," said Lions' center, Dominic Raiola, about Rodgers. "I don't know what to say. He's still one of the best. It was one of those days for him."

One day most fans never thought was possible. The Lions finally beat Rodgers. Yes, that isn't a typo.