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Lions seek first 3-0 start since 1980

Sep 23, 2007 - 12:15 PM Detroit (2-0) at Philadelphia (0-2) Sunday 1:00 pm EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - The Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles both are in unfamiliar positions heading into the Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.

A perennial laughingstock, the Lions enter this contest seeking their first 3-0 start since 1980.

While the Lions have struggled in recent seasons, the Eagles have been an annual Super Bowl contender. But the Eagles enter this game trying to avoid their first 0-3 start since 1999 - Andy Reid's first season as coach.

After losses against Green Bay and Washington, Philadelphia may not find things much easier against Detroit, which features an explosive offense which ranks fifth in the league, averaging 403.5 yards.

The Lions are led offensively by their wide receiving corps which features Roy Williams and rookie Calvin Johnson, who each have two touchdown catches this season.

Williams and Johnson could be salivating at the chance of going against a banged up Philadelphia secondary. Cornerback Lito Sheppard missed last week's game against Washington, and fellow Pro Bowler free safety Brian Dawkins left the game in the fourth quarter.

Williams had seven catches for 111 yards and a touchdown in last Sunday's 20-17 overtime triumph over Minnesota. Detroit was able to win despite committing five turnovers.

Offense has been a major challenge for the Eagles, who have managed just one touchdown and six field goals from David Akers in the first two games.

It has been a major struggle for five-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb, who has completed 54 percent (43-of-79) passes for 424 yards and a TD with an interception.

The biggest threat for the Eagles remains speedy running back Brian Westbrook, who has accounted for 293 total yards (181 rushing, 112 receiving) on the season.

Westbrook rushed for 96 yards and had eight catches for 66 yards in last Monday's 20-12 loss to Washington.