Despite losing running back Kevin Smith to an ankle injury midway through the third quarter the Detroit Lions scored 10 points to close within a touchdown of the New Orleans Saints. Detroit opened the half with an impressive 11 play, 86 yard drive, but only managed three points on a 31 yard field goal from Jason Hanson. The Lions did manage a stop, but were pushed inside their own 10 after a solid New Orleans punt.
Detroit was able to quickly gain traction, however, as they went 91 yards in nine plays to cut the lead to 24-17. Tony Scheffler had a 36-yard catch to the Saints' nine yard line before Matthew Stafford threw a nine yard touchdown pass to Maurice Morris.
The Lions did have a chance to tie early int he fourth quarter, but a decent drive faltered and Hanson missed a 55 yard field goal attempt. The Saints now have the ball near midfield.