Turnovers proved to be the difference on Sunday when the Lions faced the Cardinals, as Arizona scored 35 points off of takeaways on their way to a 38-10 win.
After a scoreless first quarter full of three-and-outs and punts, the Lions found their way onto the scoreboard first, completing a pass to Calvin Johnson that put the ball on the 1-yard-line, then punching it in with Mikel Leshoure for a 7-0 lead.
Arizona did not immediately answer on the following drive, but did so instead on the following punt as they recovered the Lions' muffed return. Beanie Wells rushed 5 yards for the score on the first play after the turnover to tie the game, 7-7. Later in the quarter, Matthew Stafford was intercepted by Patrick Peterson deep in Lions territory, leading to another Beanie Wells touchdown run. After regaining possession, he turned it over again, throwing a pick-six to Rashad Johnson. The Cardinals led 21-7 at halftime.
The third quarter consisted of a field goal from each team, taking the game to the final quarter with Arizona on top, 24-10. In the fourth, the Lions threatened to cut into the 14-point deficit with just more than five minutes remaining in the game, but on fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line, Stafford threw his second pick-six of the game. Greg Toler returned the interception 102 yards for the score.
The Lions' late effort also proved fruitless and, after turning the ball over on downs with under four minutes to play, the Cardinals took advantage of the short field once again with Beanie Wells scoring his third touchdown of the game to put Arizona ahead, 38-10.
Fantasy studs and duds
Beanie Wells was the stud, using Detroit's turnovers to his advantage. He rushed 17 times for 67 yards and three touchdowns. Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson also had a good game, again. Although he did not score a touchdown, Johnson recorded his seventh straight 100-yard game and surpassed the 1,600-receiving-yard mark for the second straight season.
Matthew Stafford was a complete buster, throwing for zero touchdowns and three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.
Did they cover?
No. Detroit entered their Week 15 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals as six-point favorites. They lost by 28.
Who's next?
Saturday, Dec. 22, Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
Sunday, Dec. 23, Chicago Bears at Arizona Cardinals