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	<channel>		<title>RUWT? News</title>
		<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com</link>
		<description>RUWT? News for Detroit Lions</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<copyright>Copyright 2006-2007 areyouwatchingthis.com</copyright>
		<lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:55:05 GMT</lastBuildDate>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:55:05 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Lions beat Browns 38-37 in Bad Bowl thriller]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer

DETROIT(AP) -- Matthew Stafford threw his fifth touchdown pass
from 1 yard to Brandon Pettigrew, and Jason Hanson's extra point
with no time on the clock gave the Detroit Lions a stunning
38-37 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Detroit was given the untimed play because safety Hank Poteat
was called for pass interference in the end zone when Stafford
heaved a desperation attempt.

The Lions (2-8) started the winning drive with 1:46 remaining
and no timeouts. Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, did
just enough to rally them for the win - helped hugely by the
call that went against the Browns (1-9).

Brady Quinn threw four TDs, surpassing his previous career
total, and connected with Michael Gaines with 5:44 left to put
the Browns ahead after helping them score a franchise-record 24
points in the first quarter.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/136424-Lions-beat-Browns-38-37-in-Bad-Bowl-thriller</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/136424-Lions-beat-Browns-38-37-in-Bad-Bowl-thriller</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:35:20 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Lions place G Stephen Peterman on injured reserve]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ALLEN PARK, Mich.(AP) -- The Detroit Lions have placed guard
Stephen Peterman on the injured reserve list and signed wide
receiver Eric Fowler off the practice squad.

Peterman was Detroit's starting right guard in 2007 and 2008 and
was signed to a five-year contract in February. He played in two
games this season, including Sunday's 27-10 loss at Minnesota
where he injured an ankle during the third period.

His is among the latest of a long series of injuries that at one
point forced coach Jim Schwartz to install Peterman at defensive
end in a 26-0 loss to Green Bay on Oct. 18.

Fowler, a former Grand Valley State receiver, was cut during
training camp. He played on Pittsburgh's practice squad last
fall.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135775-Lions-place-G-Stephen-Peterman-on-injured-reserve</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135775-Lions-place-G-Stephen-Peterman-on-injured-reserve</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:17:41 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Browns-Lions Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By BRETT HUSTON
STATS Writer

The Detroit Lions have allowed more points than any other team
this season after nearly setting a modern era record for
defensive ineptitude during their winless 2008.

Keeping the Cleveland Browns out of the end zone hasn't been
much of a challenge for anyone.

The Browns are threatening to set a new mark for offensive
futility after a shutout loss, and the Lions will try to become
the latest defense to take advantage Sunday at Ford Field in a
matchup of one-win last-place teams.

Detroit (1-8) surrendered an average of 32.3 points during its
0-16 season, one point per game fewer than the 1981 Baltimore
Colts for the Super Bowl era record for defensive incompetence.

The Lions are again on pace to allow the most points in the NFL,
yielding 29.3 per game after a 27-10 loss to Minnesota last
Sunday, but their defensive assignment this week is far easier.

Cleveland (1-8) has scored five offensive touchdowns this season
after failing to find the end zone in its final six games of
2008. The Browns wasted a solid effort from their own
much-maligned defense in a 16-0 loss to Baltimore on Monday
night.

"We couldn't protect well enough, we couldn't sustain drives
well enough and we just missed some opportunities," coach Eric
Mangini said after his offense failed to cross the Ravens'
45-yard-line. "It's disappointing."

Mangini gave Brady Quinn his first start since Sept. 27 after
Derek Anderson averaged 80.0 yards passing and a 25.1
quarterback rating in his last four games, but Quinn didn't fare
any better. The former first-round pick was 13 of 31 for 99
yards and two interceptions.

Cleveland's quarterbacks have thrown three touchdowns and 28
interceptions as the team has gone 1-14 since Nov. 23, 2008.

The Browns are averaging 8.7 points, on pace for the third-worst
average in the modern era. The 1977 Buccaneers averaged 7.4 and
the '74 Falcons 7.9, but those came in 14-game schedules. The
'92 Seahawks have the lowest average in a 16-game season - 8.8.

That futility has Mangini looking for help anywhere he can find
it. A day after Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James - an
all-state wide receiver in high school - said he could be a good
football player if he committed to it, Mangini welcomed the
idea.

"I think he should come on down," Mangini said.

The '77 Bucs also hold the record for the fewest touchdowns with
11.

Cleveland should have Josh Cribbs in the lineup Sunday, as the
Pro Bowl returner said Friday that he expects to play. Cribbs,
who has returned a punt and a kick for TDs this season, was
briefly hospitalized with a possible neck injury and concussion
after being injured on the final play of the loss to Baltimore.

Cleveland is last in the league in total defense, allowing 394.1
yards per game despite the presence of nose tackle Shaun Rogers,
who returns to Detroit after spending his first seven seasons
with the Lions.

Detroit's defense gives up 386.2 yards per game to rank 31st and
was gouged for 492 last Sunday despite forcing two turnovers for
the third time in four games.

"You see the progress and see that we're improving," linebacker
Julian Peterson said. "We just can't get over that extra hump."

Matthew Stafford threw for 224 yards and a touchdown and was far
better than he'd been in the past two weeks, when he threw six
interceptions. Still, the rookie often had little time to throw
and was sacked three times.

"Matt's a tough player, and yes, he battled like crazy in that
game," said coach Jim Schwartz, an assistant with Mangini in
Baltimore in 1996 and a scout for Cleveland when Mangini was an
intern.

"The whole team battled, but that's not enough. It's about
production. It's about the score on the scoreboard. I don't want
to give people gold stars for someone playing tough."

Stafford's struggles and Detroit's protection issues also have
severely limited Calvin Johnson's production. Tied for the
league lead with 12 touchdown receptions last season, Johnson
has one TD in 2009, though that's one more than Cleveland's
wideouts.

The Browns haven't visited Detroit since 1995 and haven't won
there since 1983.

Detroit will be trying to avoid becoming the first team to lose
32 times in 34 games Sunday.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135120-Browns-Lions-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135120-Browns-Lions-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:46:39 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Bad Bowl 2009: Lions and Browns seeking win No. 2]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer

DETROIT(AP) -- A Cleveland Browns fan held up a sign that read "No
Fun Losing" during their latest loss.

Anyone rooting for the Detroit Lions who saw the forlorn-looking
woman delivering the message surely could relate.

The Lions (1-8) have won only once since becoming the first NFL
team to have an 0-16 season. If they get upset by Cleveland
(1-8) Sunday at home, they will be plunge to another league mark
of futility.

The Browns have endured a lot of bad football since returning to
Cleveland in 1999, winning just .325 percent of their games.

But it has been worse in Detroit, where the Lions have won an
NFL-low 29 percent since '99.

Cleveland laments that its football team hasn't won a title
since 1964. The Lions, though, have a championship drought that
dates to 1957 and they've only won one playoff game since.

Both teams are so bad now that Sunday's matchup at Ford Field
provides a rare opportunity for one of them to enjoy a victory.

The Lions found out earlier this month they have no business
expecting to win against any team. Detroit fell to the St. Louis
Rams, who lost their first seven games this year and 17 straight
in a Lions-like streak.

"We can't afford to overlook anybody," Detroit's Jon Jansen
said. "To think Cleveland is going to come in here and lay down
is inaccurate. We need to approach them as if they're the New
England Patriots."

Cleveland longs for the years when the Patriots' current coach,
Bill Belichick, was its coach. At least that team was average at
worse, and at best an 11-win club in 1994 that beat New England
in the playoffs.

Back in those days, current coach Eric Mangini was a ball boy
and a PR intern, and Jim Schwartz was getting his start in the
NFL.

Schwartz started off with an unpaid gig for Belichick, picking
up people at the airport as part of his duties, and moved up to
land a job with the player personnel department.

"A lot of us were in the same boat," Schwartz said. "Tom
Dimitroff was there, the GM for the Falcons (now), and we all
thought we were low, but Tom was on the grounds crew. He was
cutting grass and pulling tarps and covered in paint.

"There were a lot of young guys who weren't married and didn't
have any responsibilities other than learning football and
learning from a really good staff, learning from guys like Bill
Belichick, Nick Saban and Kirk Ferentz."

Mangini got to know Schwartz when he was a scouting intern, and
they both moved on to work for the Baltimore Ravens.

"We were all on the same pay grade, same status in life so we
would hang out at that point," Mangini recalled.

Mangini said they had a "pretty low" pay grade.

"My mom always had a tough time with that because I had gone to
school, had a bunch of student loans, and I took the job as a
ball boy," Mangini said. "She thought I'd lost my mind, but I
just wanted to get in the door."

Now, both coaches are paid well and are desperate for a second
win of the season.

The Lions have lost six straight games since beating Washington
and snapping their 19-game skid. If Detroit loses to the Browns,
it will be the first team in NFL history to have a 2-32 stretch,
according to STATS LLC.

Cleveland has dropped four straight games since squeaking by
Buffalo 6-3. And the Browns had a short week to prepare after
losing 16-0 to Baltimore on Monday Night Football.

Schwartz was asked if he watched that game with a drink.

"I can't remember if I had an adult beverage - I'm thinking
about starting," Schwartz joked. "I'm going to start smoking,
too."

Seriously, though, Schwartz has seemed to do all he could this
year to help Detroit become a winner.

Matt Millen is gone, but the former general manager turned a
lackluster franchise into a laughingstock and the damage
couldn't be fixed by any coach in one season.

As unwatchable as Sunday's matchup appears to be, Mangini is
confident the loyal following both franchises have will tune in
- not counting those in the blacked-out markets near the Motor
City.

"Both teams have fans that are committed to their teams,"
Mangini said. "Both teams have a group of players and coaches
that are committed to their fans and they're working extremely
hard to improve, and that's a process.

"There are short-term gains and there are long-term gains, but
the goal is to continue to improve. Jim will keep making that
team better and better and that's my goal here as well."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135486-Bad-Bowl-2009-Lions-and-Browns-seeking-win-No-2</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135486-Bad-Bowl-2009-Lions-and-Browns-seeking-win-No-2</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:55:56 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Browns-Lions game to be blacked out in Motor City]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[DETROIT(AP) -- The Detroit Lions' home game against the Cleveland
Browns will be blacked out on local TV.

Lions spokesman Bill Keenist confirmed Thursday the team did not
sell 7,000-plus tickets that were available the previous day.

The game featuring two 1-8 teams will be not be shown on TV in
the Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw-Flint and Toledo, Ohio, markets.

Detroit has sold out two of its five games at Ford Field this
season: its home opener and a game against Pittsburgh in which
Steelers fans might've outnumbered Lions fans.

The Lions drew just 40,857 fans the last time they were at home
- their smallest crowd in two decades - and had just 40,896 fans
watch their lone win against Washington.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135381-Browns-Lions-game-to-be-blacked-out-in-Motor-City</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135381-Browns-Lions-game-to-be-blacked-out-in-Motor-City</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:10:10 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Lions sign CB Smith, put S Manuel on IR]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ALLEN PARK, Mich.(AP) -- The Detroit Lions put safety Marquand
Manuel on injured reserve Wednesday because of a shoulder injury
and signed defensive back DeAngelo Smith.

The Lions also placed cornerback Jack Williams on injured
reserve on Wednesday due to a knee injury and signed center
Melvin Fowler.

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Smith in the fifth round of this
year's draft and released him. He was also cut by Cleveland and
Chicago. Fowler has started in 60 of 88 career games. He was
released by Arizona Cardinals this year after starting 37 games
the previous three seasons for Buffalo.

Manuel made 35 tackles in nine games this season. Williams was
hurt in his only game for the Lions after playing for Denver.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135232-Lions-sign-CB-Smith-put-S-Manuel-on-IR</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135232-Lions-sign-CB-Smith-put-S-Manuel-on-IR</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:03:52 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Lions QB survived Vikings]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ALLEN PARK, Mich.(AP) -- The Detroit Lions came out of the 27-10
loss at Minnesota with several injuries. Rookie quarterback Matt
Stafford wasn't one of them.

Stafford was sacked three times and hit several more times
Sunday as Minnesota's highly rated defensive line overran
Detroit's pass protection. Lions coach Jim Schwartz said it is a
concern.

"Our quarterback got hit on the very first play of the game, and
I don't think we responded very well to making that mistake,"
Schwartz said Monday. "We have to give Minnesota a lot of
credit, because those are all very good players, but we also had
issues with communication. We had guys coming completely free
and walking in on our quarterback and forcing him to throw the
ball away. We can't allow that to keep happening."

Schwartz said that he was happy with Jeff Backus' performance
against Jared Allen, but left tackle Gosder Cherilus struggled.

"We've gotten our quarterback hit way too often, particularly in
this game, and that unsettled Gos," Schwartz said. "Gos battled
in this game, and he came back after a knee injury, which a lot
of guys might not have done, but he's had some lapses that he
needs to put behind him."

Detroit has spent the season looking for a consistent left guard
- rotating Daniel Loper, Manny Ramirez and Jon Jansen - and now
might have to find a new right guard. Stephen Peterman was
carted off the field with an ankle injury, and while he was
still undergoing tests on Monday, Schwartz didn't sound
optimistic about his availability for Sunday's game against
Cleveland.

"He's got an ankle that we're looking very hard at," Schwartz
said. "We've got to make a decision in the next 48 hours, and
we've got other roster issues, so we will probably stay within
our roster to replace him, but we might have to go outside our
roster."

Stafford is still less than 100 percent because of a knee
injury, but made it through the game without any ill effects and
no turnovers one week after throwing five interceptions in
Seattle.

"Matt did a very nice job of escaping the Minnesota pressure,
and thank goodness that he did, or this would have looked even
worse than it did," Schwartz said.

After crediting both Cherilus and Stafford for gutsy
performances, though, Schwartz pointed out that he expects more
from his players.

"Matt's a tough player, and yes, he battled like crazy in that
game," he said. "The whole team battled, but that's not enough.
It's about production. It's about the score on the scoreboard. I
don't want to give people gold stars for someone playing tough.
That's what we are paid to do. That's the way the game is meant
to be played."

While most of the injured Lions were undergoing tests on Monday,
Schwartz did announce that cornerback Jack Williams will miss
the rest of the season with a "significant" knee injury
sustained in the first minute of the second half. .]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134550-Lions-QB-survived-Vikings</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134550-Lions-QB-survived-Vikings</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:29:45 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Lions-Vikings Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By KATE HEDLIN
STATS Writer

When Brett Favre last took the field, all the attention was
focused on his return to Green Bay and beating his former team
for the second time.

When he and the Minnesota Vikings resume play this weekend,
they'll be concerned with much bigger goals.

Favre and the Vikings look to take further control of the NFC
North when they host the last-place Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Minnesota's bye week arrived at a good time for the division
leaders, who were coming off a 38-26 win over the Packers on
Nov. 1. The most pressing concern was a groin injury to Favre,
who doesn't anticipate it being a problem.

Favre aggravated the injury during pregame warmups at Lambeau
Field, but it didn't seem to affect him as he threw for 244
yards and a season-high four touchdowns.

"It was a concern for the game. I made it through. With a week's
rest I think I'll be fine," Favre said Wednesday. "But I'm not
going to make it a bigger issue than it is. It's kind of a new
thing for me.

"To play 18 some-odd years and not have anything like that
probably worried me more than anything. But I think I'll be
fine."

Favre, who set an NFL record with 271 straight starts when he
led Minnesota to a 27-13 victory over the Lions on Sept. 20,
needs to play in four more games to break the league record for
consecutive regular-season contests by a non-kicker held by
former Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall with 283.

"It's kind of amazing," Minnesota coach Brad Childress said of
Favre. "He's a 40-year-old that's throwing to a 21-year-old in
(Percy) Harvin and (Sidney) Rice."

The Vikings' win over the Packers two weeks ago gave them a
sweep of the season series and control of the division.
Minnesota will now look to expand on their lead during a
three-game homestand that includes matchups with Seattle and
North-rival Chicago.

"You can always say 'We could have done this,' or 'We could have
done that,'" Favre said. "I'm very pleased with where we are.
... The expectations will continue to get higher ... I consider
that a good thing."

Playing Detroit (1-7) is certainly a good way for Favre and the
Vikings to start the second half of their schedule in the right
direction. Favre is 24-9 in his career against the Lions and he
threw for 155 yards and two touchdowns in September.

Minnesota has won 11 in a row at home against Detroit since the
Lions' 14-13 victory in 1997. Detroit has struggled to score at
the Metrodome, averaging 15.8 points during the losing streak,
while scoring a combined 20 points in the last two games there.

The Vikings, though, won't have Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine
Winfield available as they look to shut down the Lions again.
Winfield said Friday that his injured right foot still isn't
quite ready, and he expects to return next week.

The Lions will try to find a way to contain Favre after allowing
Matt Hasselbeck to throw for 329 yards last Sunday in the
Seahawks' 32-20 victory. Detroit, which has lost five straight
overall and 16 in a row on the road, blew a 17-0 lead and gave
up 25 consecutive points.

"It's super tough, man," cornerback William James said. "We were
so close. We're always so close. I'm tired of being close."

Matthew Stafford threw a career-high five interceptions. His
fifth was returned 61 yards by Josh Wilson for a touchdown in
the final minute.

Stafford, the top pick of the 2009 draft, has thrown 12
interceptions and just five touchdowns. He ranks 30th in the
league with a 55.9 passer rating.

Despite Stafford's struggles, first-year coach Jim Schwartz is
eager to see how the rookie fares in his second time facing the
Vikings. He went 18 of 30 for 152 yards and threw one touchdown
and two interceptions in September. Minnesota will be the first
team he is facing for a second time.

"Anytime you go back a second time there's recognition,"
Schwartz said. "That goes for veteran players as well as a
rookie, but I'm sure rookies, there's a steeper learning curve
... So yeah, it should definitely be an advantage for him."

Schwartz added there was no issue between Stafford and star wide
receiver Calvin Johnson. Television cameras captured what
appeared to be uncomfortable exchanges between them last week.

"There's no issue there," he said. "You always want to be
winning games and happy and cheerful, but goodness gracious, if
you had a camera on every person on every play, you could try to
read between the lines on a million things."

Schwartz may be more concerned with the lack of production from
Johnson. In his first game since suffering a knee injury on Oct.
11, Johnson caught only two passes for 27 yards. In six
contests, Johnson has 24 catches for 352 yards and one
touchdown, which came against the Vikings.

Detroit is looking for its first road win since a 16-7 victory
at Chicago on Oct. 28, 2007. The Lions have been outscored
151-71 in four losses away from home this season.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133114-Lions-Vikings-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133114-Lions-Vikings-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:43:05 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Favre to Rice helps Vikings get past Lions 27-10]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Sports Writer

MINNEAPOLIS(AP) -- Even when Sidney Rice is tightly covered, Brett
Favre isn't afraid to fire a pass downfield.

Favre's new favorite receiver just keeps fighting through the
contact and coming up with the ball, perhaps finally making
Minnesota fans forget Randy Moss.

Favre passed for a season-high 344 yards, 201 to Rice, and the
Vikings overcame several self-inflicted setbacks to beat the
Detroit Lions 27-10 on Sunday.

"Sidney never surprises me," said Adrian Peterson, who rushed
for 133 yards and two touchdowns. "I have a nickname for him,
and it's 'Showtime.' He's got it tattooed on his arm. It fits
him well."

Thanks to Favre's arrival at quarterback and a summer spent
working out with some of the game's greatest receivers, Rice has
emerged as quite a threat for the surging Vikings (8-1). What he
lacks in speed he has made up for with precision, position and
poise.

"It seems like each game he's getting better and better," said
left tackle Bryant McKinnie. "Some of those catches are
definitely Randy Moss-esque."

The Lions (1-8) joined the Houston Oilers, from Nov. 21, 1982
through Nov. 4, 1984, as the only NFL teams to lose 31 games in
a 33-game stretch, according to STATS.

"You see the progress and see that we're improving," linebacker
Julian Peterson said. "We just can't get over that extra hump."

After a slew of injuries and more poor pass coverage, the Lions
dropped their 12th straight at the Metrodome despite keeping
another game close for three quarters.

"We came in with our first goal, which was to stop Adrian
Peterson, but with Favre landing bombs like he did it was kind
of hard," linebacker DeAndre Levy said. "It throws off everyone,
from the D-line to the cornerbacks."

Peterson lost a fumble and threw a bad pitch to Percy Harvin for
another turnover, both inside the Detroit 20 in the first half.
The Vikings committed a season-most 13 penalties, totaling 91
yards.

"We're not here to try to impress people," linebacker Ben Leber
said. "We're here to get some wins."

The Favre-Rice combination has been impressive, particularly in
the past month. In the past four games, Rice has 27 receptions
for 553 yards.

"Anyone can be stopped, but he sure is difficult to cover,"
Favre said. "The type of plays he makes I think is what we all
expect him to do."

Rice wasn't healthy much of last season, but he never found that
connection with Tarvaris Jackson. Fittingly, when Jackson
relieved Favre late in the game, Rice dropped his first throw.

Rice compared jockeying for the ball to boxing out for a rebound
in basketball, a sport he considers his second favorite. Beyond
that, what's the secret to his success with Favre?

"Just communication and trust," Rice said.

Matthew Stafford has had a rough rookie season, learning on the
go with the Lions still dogged by glaring weaknesses a year
after becoming the first 0-16 team in NFL history. This was his
second game without an interception even against a fierce
Vikings pass rush, though, and his receivers dropped a handful
of passes.

"I'm not worried about Matt," coach Jim Schwartz said. "Good
gracious. We don't need to sit there and worry about him every
single time. It's about this team, and we didn't handle their
pressure well."

Kevin Smith's fumble - forced and recovered by Ray Edwards, who
was all over the field - on the first play of the third quarter
set up Peterson for a 27-yard run and a 1-yard score to stretch
the lead to 17-3.

Stafford finished 29 for 51 for 224 yards and one touchdown,
which brought the Lions within 17-10. They were going for it on
fourth-and-1 at the Minnesota 48 late in the third quarter, but
with the crowd roaring they called timeout to talk it over and
then decided to punt.

Early in the fourth, Favre found Rice open for a 56-yard pass to
set up a short touchdown toss to Jeff Dugan, essentially sealing
the victory and moving the Vikings closer to clinching the NFC
North.

NOTES: Favre's 344 yards passing were third-most in NFL history
by a 40-year-old quarterback. Warren Moon had 409 on Oct. 26,
1997, and Vinny Testaverde had 355 on Sept. 12, 2004. ... Rice's
drop cost him the team single-game record, set by Sammy White
with 210 yards against the Lions in 1976. He punished himself on
the sideline afterward with 25 pushups. ... The Lions held FS
Louis Delmas out with an infected tooth, and his replacement
Marquand Manuel left later after hurting his shoulder. ...
Edwards was flagged for unnecessary roughness after hurdling a
cut block with a Superman-style leap to take down Stafford and
force an incompletion on third down at the 13, leading to
Detroit's only TD. Childress called NFL officiating VP Mike
Pereira after the game to complain about that call, and he said
Pereira agreed with him that it wasn't a penalty.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134257-Favre-to-Rice-helps-Vikings-get-past-Lions-27-10</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134257-Favre-to-Rice-helps-Vikings-get-past-Lions-27-10</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:11:46 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Lions rookie Delmas out with infected tooth, jaw]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[MINNEAPOLIS(AP) -- Detroit Lions starting free safety Louis Delmas
was held out of the lineup due to an infected tooth and jaw, and
right guard Stephen Peterman was taken to the locker room on a
cart with a leg injury in the third quarter against Minnesota.

Delmas felt increasing discomfort during warmups before Sunday's
game and was replaced by Marquand Manuel, who left in the third
quarter with a shoulder injury. Peterman was injured later in
the period when he was tangled up in a pile during a blitz.

Kalvin Pearson replaced Manuel, whose return was announced as
questionable. Cornerback Jack Williams hurt his knee on the same
play that Manuel did, and his return was also listed as
questionable.

"I don't think there's anything that's definite right now, but
we're going to look really hard," coach Jim Schwartz said.
"There's a lot of guys getting tests as we get home. There are a
lot of guys that may end up being significant."

The Lions said Delmas was available to play, but questionable to
participate. Delmas started the first eight games for Detroit
after being drafted in the second round out of Western Michigan.

"We thought that he'd be able to go. He thought that he'd be
able to go," Schwartz said, adding: "He was never able to get
over the pain."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134206-Lions-rookie-Delmas-out-with-infected-tooth-jaw</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134206-Lions-rookie-Delmas-out-with-infected-tooth-jaw</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:48:24 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Vikings try not to let up against lowly Lions]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Sports Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) --  The NFC North is under Minnesota's control as
the second half of the season starts, and the Vikings have begun
to gaze toward bigger goals.

"They had a taste of the playoffs last year," coach Brad
Childress said. "It's no secret that the people with the best
record in your conference are able to play at home as long as
they can. So it's just important that we continue to play well."

Even against the Detroit Lions.

"Really a nameless, faceless opponent," Childress said. "We just
need to worry about what we need to do to get ready."

Especially against the Detroit Lions.

"They're in a lot of games," defensive tackle Kevin Williams
said. "They just can't finish at the end, so we have to stay
true to our game plan and put the game away early."

Last year at the Metrodome, a Detroit team that became the NFL's
first to lose all 16 games led in the closing minutes before a
field goal gave Minnesota a 12-10 victory. The Vikings didn't
have Brett Favre at quarterback then, but Gus Frerotte actually
passed for 296 yards in that game despite the struggles that
were so glaring fans started chanting for Childress to be fired.

The Lions have lost 11 straight games at Minnesota and 18 of
their last 20 overall against the Vikings, but last season's
ugly contest was not unusually close. In six of those 11
consecutive road defeats to Minnesota, Detroit has come within
seven points or less.

Last year's loss even took a questionable pass interference
penalty at the end to set up the winning kick.

"That one stung," wide receiver Calvin Johnson said. "That was
history right there."

The Lions (1-7) zapped the zero from their record early, beating
the woeful Washington Redskins 19-14 in Week 3 to silence the
speculation about another full season of futility. They played
Pittsburgh close, losing 28-20, and the Steelers are the only
team to beat the Vikings (7-1) so far. They led Seattle 17-0 in
the first quarter last week before the Seahawks intercepted
rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford five times and surged back
for a 32-20 victory.

In Week 2 in Detroit, they were up on Minnesota 10-0 early and
didn't lose the lead until midway through the third quarter on
the way to a 27-13 defeat.

"That grabbed my attention," Childress said.

So even with a betting line that reached a whopping 16 1/2
points in favor of the Vikings this week and a Lions team that
familiarly ranks at or near the bottom in so many statistical
categories, it wouldn't be such a shock if Sunday's game was not
the blowout the talent level of the two teams suggests it should
be.

That's why the Vikings, who are chasing the New Orleans Saints
(8-0) for the best record in the NFC and the home-field
advantage in the conference, are sounding so diplomatic about
Detroit. With two more home games against Seattle (3-5) and
Chicago (4-4) following the Lions, the Vikings could actually
clinch the division on Thanksgiving weekend if the sputtering
Bears lose one of their next two games and the struggling Green
Bay Packers drop two of their next three.

"We can't taste it yet," tight end Visanthe Shiancoe insisted.
"We'll taste it when we get it. We're not going to try to eat
the meal before it's ready, you know? We've got to wait, man.
We've got to keep on going one game at a time."

Left tackle Bryant McKinnie is one of four players remaining
from the 2003 Vikings squad that started 6-0, but wound up
losing to all four of the NFL's 4-12 teams and missed the
playoffs on a final-second touchdown pass by the Arizona
Cardinals.

With Favre guiding the offense and an experienced, well-balanced
and gifted roster, this has a much different feel.

"When we went 6-0, we were winning but people weren't sure how
we were winning," McKinnie said. "But here's it's like, I don't
know, it's just a different swagger. Everybody expects to win.
There's no, 'I hope we beat this team.' It's like, 'We'll beat
this team.' Not arrogant or anything, but just a little more
confidence going out there."

That's what the Lions have been lacking for so long. The change
in leadership has brought a fresh start, but little sign of
progress yet on the field.

Detroit has dropped 30 of its last 32 regular-season games.

"I'm certainly not discouraged, but there hasn't been a whole
lot of encouraging either," new coach Jim Schwartz said. "I
think the best word is determined. We know what our issues are.
We are going to work hard to get through them."

Stafford is sure learning on the job, but Schwartz said he
wasn't worried about breaking the first overall draft pick's
spirit.

"He's got a great personality. We talk quite a bit, and he's got
great perspective," Schwartz said. "I don't worry about him at
all. I don't think anybody worried about Peyton Manning losing
his confidence, or Troy Aikman. They started off and they
struggled a little bit. Matt is a special guy, and he's going to
be a great quarterback for us."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134227-Vikings-try-not-to-let-up-against-lowly-Lions</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134227-Vikings-try-not-to-let-up-against-lowly-Lions</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:03:10 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Foote in Lions lineup, as expected]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[MINNEAPOLIS(AP) -- Middle linebacker Larry Foote is in the lineup
for the Detroit Lions at Minnesota.

Foote was listed as questionable this week because of a knee
injury, but he has started every game since the beginning of the
2004 season, 89 straight. Starting outside linebacker Ernie Sims
is out with a hamstring injury.

The Lions had defensive end Cliff Avril, who has started four
games this year, and defensive tackle Landon Cohen, who has
three starts, on the inactive list.

For the Vikings on Sunday, punt returner Jaymar Johnson was
inactive, putting Darius Reynaud back in that role. Cornerback
Antoine Winfield was declared out with a foot injury earlier.

Wide receiver Bernard Berrian, questionable with a hamstring
problem, was in the lineup.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134193-Foote-in-Lions-lineup-as-expected</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134193-Foote-in-Lions-lineup-as-expected</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:12:46 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Vikings try not to let up against lowly Lions]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Sports Writer

MINNEAPOLIS(AP) -- The NFC North is under Minnesota's control as
the second half of the season starts, and the Vikings have begun
to gaze toward bigger goals.

"They had a taste of the playoffs last year," coach Brad
Childress said. "It's no secret that the people with the best
record in your conference are able to play at home as long as
they can. So it's just important that we continue to play well."

Even against the Detroit Lions.

"Really a nameless, faceless opponent," Childress said. "We just
need to worry about what we need to do to get ready."

Especially against the Detroit Lions.

"They're in a lot of games," defensive tackle Kevin Williams
said. "They just can't finish at the end, so we have to stay
true to our game plan and put the game away early."

Last year at the Metrodome, a Detroit team that became the NFL's
first to lose all 16 games led in the closing minutes before a
field goal gave Minnesota a 12-10 victory. The Vikings didn't
have Brett Favre at quarterback then, but Gus Frerotte actually
passed for 296 yards in that game despite the struggles that
were so glaring fans started chanting for Childress to be fired.

The Lions have lost 11 straight games at Minnesota and 18 of
their last 20 overall against the Vikings, but last season's
ugly contest was not unusually close. In six of those 11
consecutive road defeats to Minnesota, Detroit has come within
seven points or less.

Last year's loss even took a questionable pass interference
penalty at the end to set up the winning kick.

"That one stung," wide receiver Calvin Johnson said. "That was
history right there."

The Lions (1-7) zapped the zero from their record early, beating
the woeful Washington Redskins 19-14 in Week 3 to silence the
speculation about another full season of futility. They played
Pittsburgh close, losing 28-20, and the Steelers are the only
team to beat the Vikings (7-1) so far. They led Seattle 17-0 in
the first quarter last week before the Seahawks intercepted
rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford five times and surged back
for a 32-20 victory.

In Week 2 in Detroit, they were up on Minnesota 10-0 early and
didn't lose the lead until midway through the third quarter on
the way to a 27-13 defeat.

"That grabbed my attention," Childress said.

So even with a betting line that reached a whopping 16 1/2
points in favor of the Vikings this week and a Lions team that
familiarly ranks at or near the bottom in so many statistical
categories, it wouldn't be such a shock if Sunday's game was not
the blowout the talent level of the two teams suggests it should
be.

That's why the Vikings, who are chasing the New Orleans Saints
(8-0) for the best record in the NFC and the home-field
advantage in the conference, are sounding so diplomatic about
Detroit. With two more home games against Seattle (3-5) and
Chicago (4-4) following the Lions, the Vikings could actually
clinch the division on Thanksgiving weekend if the sputtering
Bears lose one of their next two games and the struggling Green
Bay Packers drop two of their next three.

"We can't taste it yet," tight end Visanthe Shiancoe insisted.
"We'll taste it when we get it. We're not going to try to eat
the meal before it's ready, you know? We've got to wait, man.
We've got to keep on going one game at a time."

Left tackle Bryant McKinnie is one of four players remaining
from the 2003 Vikings squad that started 6-0, but wound up
losing to all four of the NFL's 4-12 teams and missed the
playoffs on a final-second touchdown pass by the Arizona
Cardinals.

With Favre guiding the offense and an experienced, well-balanced
and gifted roster, this has a much different feel.

"When we went 6-0, we were winning but people weren't sure how
we were winning," McKinnie said. "But here's it's like, I don't
know, it's just a different swagger. Everybody expects to win.
There's no, 'I hope we beat this team.' It's like, 'We'll beat
this team.' Not arrogant or anything, but just a little more
confidence going out there."

That's what the Lions have been lacking for so long. The change
in leadership has brought a fresh start, but little sign of
progress yet on the field.

Detroit has dropped 30 of its last 32 regular-season games.

"I'm certainly not discouraged, but there hasn't been a whole
lot of encouraging either," new coach Jim Schwartz said. "I
think the best word is determined. We know what our issues are.
We are going to work hard to get through them."

Stafford is sure learning on the job, but Schwartz said he
wasn't worried about breaking the first overall draft pick's
spirit.

"He's got a great personality. We talk quite a bit, and he's got
great perspective," Schwartz said. "I don't worry about him at
all. I don't think anybody worried about Peyton Manning losing
his confidence, or Troy Aikman. They started off and they
struggled a little bit. Matt is a special guy, and he's going to
be a great quarterback for us."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133713-Vikings-try-not-to-let-up-against-lowly-Lions</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133713-Vikings-try-not-to-let-up-against-lowly-Lions</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:01:35 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Vikings try not to let up against lowly Lions]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Sports Writer

MINNEAPOLIS(AP) -- The NFC North is under Minnesota's control as
the second half of the season starts, and the Vikings have begun
to gaze toward bigger goals.

"They had a taste of the playoffs last year," coach Brad
Childress said. "It's no secret that the people with the best
record in your conference are able to play at home as long as
they can. So it's just important that we continue to play well."

Even against the Detroit Lions.

"Really a nameless, faceless opponent," Childress said. "We just
need to worry about what we need to do to get ready."

Especially against the Detroit Lions.

"They're in a lot of games," defensive tackle Kevin Williams
said. "They just can't finish at the end, so we have to stay
true to our game plan and put the game away early."

Last year at the Metrodome, a Detroit team that became the NFL's
first to lose all 16 games led in the closing minutes before a
field goal gave Minnesota a 12-10 victory. The Vikings didn't
have Brett Favre at quarterback then, but Gus Frerotte actually
passed for 296 yards in that game despite the struggles that
were so glaring fans started chanting for Childress to be fired.

The Lions have lost 11 straight games at Minnesota and 18 of
their last 20 overall against the Vikings, but last season's
ugly contest was not unusually close. In six of those 11
consecutive road defeats to Minnesota, Detroit has come within
seven points or less.

Last year's loss even took a questionable pass interference
penalty at the end to set up the winning kick.

"That one stung," wide receiver Calvin Johnson said. "That was
history right there."

The Lions (1-7) zapped the zero from their record early, beating
the woeful Washington Redskins 19-14 in Week 3 to silence the
speculation about another full season of futility. They played
Pittsburgh close, losing 28-20, and the Steelers are the only
team to beat the Vikings (7-1) so far. They led Seattle 17-0 in
the first quarter last week before the Seahawks intercepted
rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford five times and surged back
for a 32-20 victory.

In Week 2 in Detroit, they were up on Minnesota 10-0 early and
didn't lose the lead until midway through the third quarter on
the way to a 27-13 defeat.

"That grabbed my attention," Childress said.

So even with a betting line that reached a whopping 16 1/2
points in favor of the Vikings this week and a Lions team that
familiarly ranks at or near the bottom in so many statistical
categories, it wouldn't be such a shock if Sunday's game was not
the blowout the talent level of the two teams suggests it should
be.

That's why the Vikings, who are chasing the New Orleans Saints
(8-0) for the best record in the NFC and the home-field
advantage in the conference, are sounding so diplomatic about
Detroit. With two more home games against Seattle (3-5) and
Chicago (4-4) following the Lions, the Vikings could actually
clinch the division on Thanksgiving weekend if the sputtering
Bears lose one of their next two games and the struggling Green
Bay Packers drop two of their next three.

"We can't taste it yet," tight end Visanthe Shiancoe insisted.
"We'll taste it when we get it. We're not going to try to eat
the meal before it's ready, you know? We've got to wait, man.
We've got to keep on going one game at a time."

Left tackle Bryant McKinnie is one of four players remaining
from the 2003 Vikings squad that started 6-0, but wound up
losing to all four of the NFL's 4-12 teams and missed the
playoffs on a final-second touchdown pass by the Arizona
Cardinals.

With Favre guiding the offense and an experienced, well-balanced
and gifted roster, this has a much different feel.

"When we went 6-0, we were winning but people weren't sure how
we were winning," McKinnie said. "But here's it's like, I don't
know, it's just a different swagger. Everybody expects to win.
There's no, 'I hope we beat this team.' It's like, 'We'll beat
this team.' Not arrogant or anything, but just a little more
confidence going out there."

That's what the Lions have been lacking for so long. The change
in leadership has brought a fresh start, but little sign of
progress yet on the field.

Detroit has dropped 30 of its last 32 regular-season games.

"I'm certainly not discouraged, but there hasn't been a whole
lot of encouraging either," new coach Jim Schwartz said. "I
think the best word is determined. We know what our issues are.
We are going to work hard to get through them."

Stafford is sure learning on the job, but Schwartz said he
wasn't worried about breaking the first overall draft pick's
spirit.

"He's got a great personality. We talk quite a bit, and he's got
great perspective," Schwartz said. "I don't worry about him at
all. I don't think anybody worried about Peyton Manning losing
his confidence, or Troy Aikman. They started off and they
struggled a little bit. Matt is a special guy, and he's going to
be a great quarterback for us."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133280-Vikings-try-not-to-let-up-against-lowly-Lions</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133280-Vikings-try-not-to-let-up-against-lowly-Lions</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:05:15 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Calvin Johnson denies feud with Matt Stafford]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ALLEN PARK, Mich.(AP) -- Lions coach Jim Schwartz says there's no
feud between Calvin Johnson and Matt Stafford.

During Sunday's game against Seattle, television cameras caught
what appeared to be uncomfortable exchanges between the receiver
and quarterback.

Stafford threw five interceptions in the 32-20 loss. Johnson had
two catches for 27 yards after missing the previous two games
because of a knee injury.

"There's no issue there," he said. "You always want to be
winning games and happy and cheerful, but goodness gracious, if
you had a camera on every person on every play, you could try to
read between the lines on a million things. There are times you
need to talk things out, but there's no issue here with the
players, and I don't understand why people are trying to create
one."

Stafford didn't appear during Detroit's media availability, but
Johnson was equally adamant that there wasn't a problem between
the pair.

"I haven't seen the TV replays, because there's no reason for me
to watch them - we're fine," he said. "People are blowing this
way out of proportion. Trust me, no one is going to be happy
during a game like that. If you win, all this goes out the
window."

Seattle turned the ball over on its first two plays, and the
Lions took advantage by building a quick 17-0 lead, only to be
outscored 32-3 in the final three periods.

Detroit had the ball with 35 seconds left and trailing by 5, but
Stafford's fifth interception was returned for the clinching
touchdown.

"After watching the tape, it's hard to believe that we had a
chance to win that game at the end," Schwartz said. "That was a
game filled with errors on offense, defense and special teams.
Based on the number of errors, it is amazing to me that we even
had a chance at the end of the game."

The quick start and bad finish had Schwartz confused.

"Honestly, I don't know whether to look at it as glass half-full
or glass half-empty," he said. "We took a cross-country trip,
played in a loud place under adverse conditions and were up
17-0. There's positives there. The fact that we were up 17-0 and
let it slip away, there aren't many positives that you can look
at there."

Linebacker Ernie Sims, who pulled a hamstring, didn't have any
mixed emotions.

"I'm sick and tired of losing," he said. "We couldn't have asked
for a better start than that, and we still lost. It's really
tough."

NOTES: Sims was unsure of the severity of his injury, and was
scheduled for more tests Monday evening. "I've never had a
hamstring pull before, so I don't know how to judge it. I'm
hoping it won't keep me off the field." ... S Louis Delmas, who
injured his right knee late in the game, said he was fine. "I
just twisted it a little - I'm OK today," he said.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132576-Calvin-Johnson-denies-feud-with-Matt-Stafford</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132576-Calvin-Johnson-denies-feud-with-Matt-Stafford</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:34:31 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Seahawks turn 17-0 hole into 32-20 win over Lions]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By GREGG BELL
AP Sports Writer

SEATTLE(AP) -- Matt Hasselbeck had a throbbing shoulder, to go
with broken ribs.

His Seahawks had even bigger issues. Faster than you can say
"road kill," they were down 17-0 at home to the Lions.

"It was like, 'You've got to be kidding me.' Seriously?"'
Hasselbeck said, raising his voice as high as he then raised his
game.

Told by coaches to win the game himself, the ailing, three-time
Pro Bowl passer did. He rallied Seattle to 25 consecutive points
with a franchise-record 39 completions, and the desperate
Seahawks held off Detroit 32-20 Sunday to avoid the indignity of
being the first home team to lose to the Lions in more than two
years.

"I don't care who you're playing, if you have Peyton Manning,
Tom Brady, whoever at quarterback - Troy Aikman - you don't want
to get down 17-0. We're just fortunate," said T.J.
Houshmandzadeh, who caught a 2-yard touchdown pass late in the
third quarter to finally put Seattle ahead.

Yet he still thought his team was going to win.

"It could be that we were playing Detroit," Houshmandzadeh said.

Yep, could be.

Seemingly headed for their first road win since Oct. 28, 2007,
at Chicago, the Lions (1-7) instead flew home unhappy. Again.

"It's super tough, man," said Detroit cornerback William James.
"We were so close. We're always so close. I'm tired of being so
close."

Josh Wilson returned an interception 61 yards for a touchdown
with 22 seconds left, the last of five INTs by rookie Matthew
Stafford.

Playing his second game since missing two weeks with a knee
injury, Stafford was 22 of 42 for 203 yards. When he wasn't
forcing long throws, Stafford watched passes clang off the hands
of tight end Casey FitzSimmons and others.

Starting at his own 5 with no timeouts remaining and 2:03 left,
he moved Detroit to midfield before his final, decisive mistake.

He stood on the sideline with his hands on his hips and silver
helmet popped halfway off his head. He spat into the ground. For
a while, no teammate or coach came near him.

"You have to understand, I can't turn the ball over. I (gave) it
right back to them," Stafford said.

Asked if the top overall pick regressed against a defense that
had shared the NFL low with three interceptions in seven games,
coach Jim Schwartz said, "I agree in some part. We also need to
do a better job helping our quarterback out."

Hasselbeck banged his shoulder making a tackle following the
interception he threw on Seattle's first play. He then relied on
short throws until his shoulder loosened and finished with the
first 300-yard passing game in two seasons for the Seahawks
(3-5). He was 39 of 51 for 329 yards.

"He shows his true leadership to me. He showed everything that
he is," said Seattle coach Jim Mora, who's been in the league 26
years. "I don't know if I have had any more respect for any
player I've ever coached."

So what did Hasselbeck do to celebrate keeping Seattle at least
within sight of the NFC West-leading Cardinals (5-3), heading
into next weekend's game at Arizona?

He took his family to Krispy Kreme.

Sure beat the doughnut he and his team swallowed in that first
quarter.

Seattle's first six plays included the interception; a lost
fumble by Justin Griffith forced by former Seahawks linebacker
Julian Peterson; two negative-yardage runs by Julius Jones; then
another for no gain on a fourth-and-inches gamble in his team's
own end by a desperate Mora.

"I'd had enough," Mora said.

Stafford turned the interception into a 7-yard touchdown pass to
Brandon Pettigrew. Bryant Johnson made a diving, one-armed catch
in the back of the end zone for a 29-yard score off Griffith's
fumble. Then, after Larry Foote denied Jones on fourth down,
Jason Hanson atoned for missing from 34 yards at the end of a
14-play opening drive by making a field goal.

Detroit had its largest lead on the road since Sept. 7, 2007, in
the third quarter of an eventual 15-point win at Oakland. And
the Seahawks had their formerly lovable home fans booing them
off the field.

Seattle was helped late in the third quarter by a 16-yard
pass-interference penalty on James when Hasselbeck's pass
skidded 20 yards past Nate Burleson on third-and-3. That set up
Houshmandzadeh's go-ahead score.

"He said I impeded his progress," James said in expressing his
displeasure at the call by side judge Keith Washington.

NOTES: It was only the second time this decade Seattle had five
INTs in a game. ... Detroit WR Calvin Johnson caught just two
passes for 27 yards in his first game since Oct. 11 following a
right knee injury.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132423-Seahawks-turn-17-0-hole-into-32-20-win-over-Lions</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132423-Seahawks-turn-17-0-hole-into-32-20-win-over-Lions</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:57:26 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Detroit LB Sims leaves with hamstring injury]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[SEATTLE(AP) -- Detroit Lions outside linebacker Ernie Sims left in
the third quarter against Seattle with a hamstring injury
suffered trying to track down Seattle running back Julius Jones.

Sims appeared to injure his right leg, although the Lions didn't
specify which leg. The team said his return was questionable.

Sims was chasing Jones at the front-end of a screen pass that
went for 49 yards. After laying on the field for several
minutes, Sims slowly walked to the Lions bench. He had three
tackles.

Detroit cornerback William James was also shaken up later in the
quarter after a hard collision with receiver T.J.
Houshmandzadeh. He returned in the fourth quarter.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132412-Detroit-LB-Sims-leaves-with-hamstring-injury</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132412-Detroit-LB-Sims-leaves-with-hamstring-injury</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:45:26 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Calvin Johnson in Lions lineup]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[SEATTLE(AP) -- Dynamic wide receiver Calvin Johnson is in the
Detroit Lions' starting lineup for the first time in almost a
month.

Coach Jim Schwartz had said his "special" target would be a
game-time decision Sunday against the Seahawks. He is active for
the first time since he injured his right knee on Oct. 11
against Pittsburgh.

Johnson has 20 catches of 25-plus yards the last two seasons,
second most in the NFL. The 6-foot-5 receiver has a huge size
advantage on Seattle's smallish secondary.

Starting defensive tackle Grady Jackson was inactive for the
first time this season. Detroit had listed him as probable with
a knee injury, though he did not practice Thursday or Friday.

Seattle was relatively healthy, given it's had 12 starters miss
at least one game to injury.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132376-Calvin-Johnson-in-Lions-lineup</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132376-Calvin-Johnson-in-Lions-lineup</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:27:40 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Lions coach hoping Johnson, Smith can play Sunday]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ALLEN PARK, Mich.(AP) -- Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz says
he's optimistic that wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running
back Kevin Smith will play Sunday at Seattle.

Johnson has missed Detroit's past two games with a sore right
knee but practiced all week. Smith, who injured a shoulder in
last weekend's 17-10 loss to St. Louis, missed Wednesday's
practice but took part in workouts Thursday and Friday.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford was limited in practice this week
by a sore right knee but is expected to play against the
Seahawks.

The last time Stafford, Johnson and Smith all played together
was during the first half of the Lions' only win of the season,
a 25-17 decision over the Washington Redskins on Oct. 26.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131848-Lions-coach-hoping-Johnson-Smith-can-play-Sunday</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131848-Lions-coach-hoping-Johnson-Smith-can-play-Sunday</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:23:36 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Lions RB Smith back at practice for Seahawks game]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ALLEN PARK, Mich.(AP) -- Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith
returned to practice Thursday after sitting out the previous day
with a shoulder injury.

Smith injured the shoulder during last Sunday's 17-10 loss to
St. Louis. He worked Thursday with the first-team offense, but
coach Jim Schwartz didn't indicate whether Smith would be
available for Sunday's game at Seattle.

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who has missed Detroit's past two
games with a right knee injury, also took snaps with the
first-team offense. The team said he, Smith, quarterback Matthew
Stafford and three other players were limited in practice.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131657-Lions-RB-Smith-back-at-practice-for-Seahawks-game</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131657-Lions-RB-Smith-back-at-practice-for-Seahawks-game</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:37:48 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
	
			
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