The Detroit Lions dominated the Denver Broncos all day, cruising to a 45-10 road win to push their record to 6-2 on the season.
The Lions defense alone outscored the Broncos thanks to a fumble-recovery touchdown by defensive end Cliff Avril and then a 100-yard interception return by defensive back Chris Houston. Houston's pick stopped what was the best offensive drive of the day by Tim Tebow and the Broncos. At 38-3, it was clearly garbage time early in the fourth quarter, but the Broncos had marched 70 yards to the Lions eight yard line. Tebow threw the ball high and wide on an out pattern, missing his receiver and instead hitting Houston in the numbers for the pick six.
The Detroit defense eventually relented a late touchdown but the damage was done. Tebow finished with 172 yards passing (many late in the game) and 63 yards rushing but seemed under duress on nearly every pass play until the game was out of reach. The Lions would end up sacking Tebow seven times costing him 55 yards the wrong way.
The Lions did plenty of damage on offense, as well thanks to a strong day from Matthew Stafford who put any concerns about his injured ankle to rest early. Stafford hit an open Titus Young for a 41-yard touchdown strike on the team's first possession and the route was on. Stafford was a tidy 21 for 30 for 267 yards and three touchdowns before giving way to Shaun Hill midway through the fourth quarter.
Calvin Johnson led the way for Detroit's receivers, hauling in six receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown.
Running backs Maurice Morris (58 yards) and Keiland Williams (25 yards) combined to keep the Broncos honest in the running game. Morris punched in a touchdown just before the end of the first half to put the Lions in control at the break.
The win sends Detroit into their bye week on a positive note, giving them a chance to rest and recover from nagging injuries while preparing for the second half of the schedule.