Falcons 34, Lions 21

Matt Ryan is not Doug Flutie, but they both went to Boston College. Michael Turner is not LaDainian Tomlinson, but he was his backup in San Diego. This may not be your older brother or sister’s Atlanta Falcons, but these were still the same old Detroit Lions. On Sunday, in front of a packed Georgia Dome, the Detroit Lions proved that the preseason means nothing losing by a much larger margin than the score suggests – Atlanta 34 Detroit 21.

This past week it was the Lions who made all the news in their backfield with the signing of Rudi Johnson, on Sunday it was a Falcons team that a rookie quarterback does not need to throw the ball that much when they have a good line and some solid backs. Remember Jerious Norwood? He out gained the entire Lions team by 30 yards. In fact, the Falcons gained a team record of 318 yards on the Lions “defense”.

On a bright side, Calvin Johnson was solid. His homecoming proved to be a strong performance. His health looks to no longer be an issue and I believe he’ll prove enough of an asset to send Roy Williams packing before next season. On the down side, Jon Kitna’s goal line decision-making proved to be inept. Detroit should have easily put up six touchdowns on this Falcons team. The defense looks as bad as ever. How can a team give up three touchdowns of at least 50 yards? These are the Lions after all.