Monday open thread: Who will score the first Lions touchdown of the season?

The 2019 Detroit Lions will feature a lot of new faces on offense, all in hopes of rejuvenating their offense. The Lions dropped from 410 points scored in 2017 to just 324 in 2018, and that regression cost Jim Bob Cooter his job. Now with Darrell Bevell at the helm, there is optimism all around for this offense.

As expected, Matthew Stafford returns as quarterback. 2018 was a down year for him, but Lions fans are hoping that it was an aberration. Joining him will be Kerryon Johnson and Kenny Golladay, both of whom are important members of the Lions’ youth movement on offense. Marvin Jones Jr. and newly-signed Lions C.J. Anderson and Danny Amendola should also be key components in the rebuilding offense. Add in rookie T.J. Hockenson and receiving back Theo Riddick, and the Lions boast a plethora of candidates to score in 2019.

Ironically, the first Lions score in 2018 was courtesy of a defensive player:

Along with Quandre Diggs, the Lions also got touchdowns from Darius Slay and Taylor Decker, not to mention Matt Prater throwing a touchdown to Levine Toilolo.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which Detroit Lion will score the first touchdown of the 2019 season?

My answer: I think it is safe to assume that their first touchdown will not be courtesy of their defense. This isn’t a knock on their playmakers, but more of a statement on the rarity of defensive scores.

What isn’t rare, however, is Matthew Stafford being involved in their touchdowns. This is more of a technicality though, given that he touches the ball on most snaps. For the sake of simplicity, I won’t award a passing touchdown to Stafford, instead giving credit to the receiver. Sorry Matthew.

The Lions had 33 offensive touchdowns in 2018, with a split of 11 rushing and 22 passing. Golladay and Jones each recorded five touchdowns in 2018, and are prime candidates to score first.

However, I am instead going to pick C.J. Anderson. In 2018, LeGarrette Blount recorded five touchdowns on the ground, and Anderson figures to take over his role this season. With Bevell looking to implement a more run-orientated attack, I expect Anderson to be involved early and often.

Your turn.