Matthew Stafford is having an absolutely huge day for the Detroit Lions in Tampa Bay. Things started a little rough -- his interception in the first quarter was returned by Aqib Talib for a touchdown -- but he's since thrown a pair of touchdowns to guys wearing the right jersey, completing 18 of 25 passes for 265 yards. That's a good tally for an entire game, and he's accomplished it in two quarters.
Lions Vs. Bucs Halftime Score: Matthew Stafford Leads Detroit To 20-13 Lead
Perhaps even more impressively, he's done so without relying on a single receiver. Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew and Nate Burleson all have four catches, with Johnson leading the pack with 84 yards and a score. Tight end Tony Scheffler's lone reception of the day accounts for Stafford's other touchdown, an 11-yard strike.
Things haven't gone as easily for the Bucs. Josh Freeman (10-of-16 passing, 98 yards, INT) hasn't been too bad, but LaGarrette Blount and the rest of the rushing attack have combined for just 14 yards on the ground. Without a better effort to balance the offence, things won't get easier for Freeman, Mike Williams (two catches, 32 yards) or Kellen Winslow (three catches, 24 yards).
For more on the Lions, head over to Pride of Detroit. For more on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation.
See More:
