The Detroit Lions bounced back from a poor start and a 24-7 deficit against the Carolina Panther to complete a wild second-half comeback and secure a 49-35 win.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford threw interceptions on Detroit's first two possessions of the game before he rallied to put up a huge performance in front of the home crowd. Stafford spread the ball around to his playmakers, throwing five touchdown passes to five different targets, and finishing the game completing 28 of 36 passes for 335 yards.
Nine different Lions had a reception and seven had more than one catch. Calvin Johnson didn't score one of those touchdowns but he did lead the Lions with 89 receiving yards on five receptions.
The Lions scored 35 second-half points as Kevin Smith rushed for two touchdowns and Stafford hooked up with Nate Burleson, Tony Scheffler and Brandon Pettigrew for three of his five TDs. Smith's final touchdown put the game away after Chris Harris intercepted a Cam Newton pass on Carolina's last real attempt for a late-game comeback of their own. Smith had a huge day on the ground with 140 yards on just 16 carries.
Newton was picked off four times by the Lions while completing 22 of 38 passes for 280 yards and one touchdown pass to Steve Smith. Newton did flash the positive play-making ability he has running for 37 yards and two touchdowns with his feet.
The win moved the Lions to 7-3 on the season to hold on to the top NFC wild card spot while the Panthers dropped to 2-8 on the season.