:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50904869/usa-today-9549730.0.jpg)
It was an ugly day overall, as the refs and injuries marred the entire game between the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans. Detroit again blew an early lead, but couldn't mount the comeback this time.
However, let’s sift through the pile of yellow flags and find five good performances from the Lions on Sunday.
Here’s a look at the Game Ball standings through one week:
Game Ball standings (3 points for first, 2 for second, 1 for third)
3 - Matthew Stafford
2 - Theo Riddick
1 - Ameer Abdullah
Onto this week’s candidate.
Devin Taylor
The Lions struggled to rush the passer last week, and when Ezekiel Ansah went down early, it looked like Detroit was in for another rough day defensively. However, Taylor immediately made a huge impact, notching 1.5 sacks and 7 tackles overall.
Matthew Stafford
Stafford had another quality game against the Titans, but several penalty erased touchdown passes from the Lions quarterback. Stafford was especially good on the move, and the touchdown pass he constructed to Anquan Boldin in the first half was magic.
Stafford's second half wasn't as good, and his late interception ended the game.
Marvin Jones
Jones had only his second career 100-yard receiving game on Sunday. Even though Jones had a few uncharacteristic drops, he picked up huge chunks of yardage, including a big 47-yard gain earned after breaking a tackle. Jones finished with 8 receptions for 118 yards.
Sam Martin
The Lions were able to pin the Titans within their 10-yard line five times this game. Sam Martin had a huge part in that. Last week's NFC Special Team Player of the Week had five punts on the day, all of which pinned the Titans within their own 20 yard line. For a Lions defense that has been struggling, winning the field position battle is huge, and Martin did his part.
Eric Ebron
For a day in which the Lions dropped a ton of passes, Ebron managed to stay clean. His amazing one-handed grab on the final drive of the game kept the Lions hopes alive, even if it wasn't enough.