3 things we learned about the Lions

New Orleans managed zero touchdowns in the first half against Detroit. “You get behind like that and your margin for error in the second half becomes pretty small”.

“I don’t know what exactly we’ve got going on here”, Brees said of his injury.

First, Drew Brees completed a 28-yard pass to Brandin Cooks that was ruled a touchdown on the field.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees is scheduled to get an MRI today for the foot he injured in last night’s loss to the Lions.

The Lions rushed for 150 yards on 23 carries (6.5 average), which opened up play action and softened an already soft Saints pass defense.

New Orleans forced a three-and-out from Detroit on its first possession, but sandwiched that drive with a couple of three-and-outs of its own. He didn’t have a chance to learn the Saints defense as much as rookies in other years, but he tried to stay in the best possible shape to give him a chance to make the team.

“I felt it was only right that Raiders fans, my fans, fans that have watched me play for a long time, I would let them all know that this Thursday night would be the last time in the Coliseum I would be able to run out there in front of our fans at home”, Woodson said at a news conference. None of his three touchdowns went for more than 5 yards, with Tate catching scoring passes of 1 and 5 yards and fullback Michael Burton scoring his first career TD on a 4-yard pass. Looking increasingly comfortable in the scheme of Jim Bob Cooter, who was promoted to offensive coordinator in mid-season, Stafford did not turn the ball over and had much of his success throwing to tight ends and running backs. Additionally, Brees tossed a trio of touchdown passes, all of which came during the New Orleans Saints ‘ second half comeback.

After Hightower ran to the 1 on second-and-goal from the 5, and was stopped for no gain on third down, the Saints called timeout with three seconds left in the half.

The Lions challenged the play, but it wasn’t overturned. Brees also talked about settling for a field goal inside the 10-yard line during the second half. But right guard Jahri Evans was penalized for being an ineligible receiver downfield to negate the touchdown and end the half. “He battled back”, Saints coach Sean Payton said. When the Lions claimed him in February 2014, they were transitioning to a new coaching staff, and he appreciated having a fresh start in a new city. “I’m sure there will be explanations and maybe apologies about that”.

When running back Ameer Abdullah raced 15 yards untouched for a touchdown on Detroit’s first series of the second half, the Lions led 28-3.

The Saints punted, forced a punt, and then began their rally.

Drew Brees fired a 27-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Brandin Cooks, tacked-on a field goal and Brees hit Marquez Colston for another TD to close the gap 28-20 with about 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Bell had just scampered 36 yards to set the Lions up inside the Saints 10-yard line that allowed Detroit the opportunity to ice most of the time off the clock and secure the win on Prater’s right foot in the final seconds.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) celebrates his touchdown reception with center Travis Swanson (64) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 21, 2015.

The Saints asserted that Kelemete reported on the play before he was flagged and should not have had to report again.