Lions coach Caldwell sticking with Lombardi to call plays

It was do or die on Sunday night.

The Lions seemed likely to open things up more this season, and that might have happened if Stafford had time to throw and wasn’t constantly under pressure to get rid of the ball quickly, which has been an offensive theme the first three weeks.

They’re just great all across the board.

But outside of that one thorn, or perhaps because of it, everybody ever affiliated with Florida has had hell to pay when coming across Peyton Manning.

In the end, none of it mattered. Nonsense. Their 24-12 victory took shape on the practice field in early August.

JIm Caldwell’s team is in an 0-3 hole. At 0-3, they’d be bucking the greatest of odds to see the playoffs this season. “I thought the line did a really good job”.

– Papa John’s is offering the “If the Broncos win, you win!” promotion, giving fans in Colorado 50 percent off all orders on Monday.

Stafford fumbled and had a pass picked off in the last quarter.

This leads to three conclusions for the current team: One, Denver is winning because of its terrific defense.

Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford passed for 282 yards and a touchdown but was also intercepted twice and lost a fumble.

Defensive end Ziggy Ansah hurt his groin and left for good after briefly re-entering the game in the second half.

That set up Denver’s final touchdown, an 11-yard pass from Manning to Owen Daniels.

We’re serious. Every week, when debating who should get a Game Ball (and we stick with a rule of one Game Ball per player/coach/unit – no repeats), we feel bad about the players we’re leaving out. I just think we’re missing a little bit here and there, enough to slow us down.

It’s another loss that stings. The Broncos are ranked No. 1 in total defense, allowing just 259.0 yards per game.

Caldwell can change the culture again and make a bold statement the same old way is not acceptable.

Blocking remains an issue for the Lions, whether they’re running or passing.

The Lions’ margin of error is slim, Olive Oil-like. Cornelius Lucas got the start at right tackle and was replaced by the starter last season LaAdrain Waddle. He tossed two interceptions and just one touchdown on the night. “I’m not doing a very good job with these guys right now”. “I’ll go with that”. “I have to play better”.

If the Lions cannot improve their running game, much of the weight is on Johnson’s shoulders and the rest of the wide receivers to counterbalance this weakness. But coach Wayne Fontes had star running back Barry Sanders. Bell sat out the entire preseason as he recovered from a knee surgery and has looked anything but spry upon his return, amassing just 22 yards on 20 carries over the course of the season.

“Those guys are getting their hands on the ball”, Manning said of the defense.

With the Denver Broncos 24-12 win over the Detroit Lions, former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Peyton Manning showed he owns Florida Gators in the NFL. “We harped on getting turnovers”, said Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware.

With the outcome teetering in the balance, the Broncos received big plays from reserves: safety David Bruton, outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett and receiver Bennie Fowler. He took it from me.

The Washington Nationals on Monday suspended relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon for four games without pay a day after he grabbed teammate Bryce Harper by the neck during a dugout altercation in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Most expect the Lions to come home 0-4.

Detroit Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis, left, deflects a pass…