Few would have believed that Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford could throw four touchdown passes with a man they call Megatron at perhaps one-quarter efficiency. Especially against a Browns team that had yielded a league-best two passing scores all year.
But Stafford did just that and guided his team to a 24-0 second-half blitz in a 31-17 victory on Sunday. He finished 25 of 43 with four scores - three of them to tight end Joseph Fauria - and one interception. Not bad considering his receivers dropped six passes.
He frustrated the Browns by avoiding sacks - he was dumped just once for no gain - and completing passes with slick sidearm throws under pressure. He hit six different receivers in the first two possessions, then utilized running back Reggie Bush with skill and precision in the second half for all five of their hookups for 57 yards and a touchdown. He iced the win with a 10-yard scoring strike to Fauria with two minutes remaining.
Stafford will try to upend another AFC North foe next week when the Bengals come calling.