The Carolina Panthers lost a 49 to 35 barn burner to the Detroit Lions today. I am sorry but I am not too bummed by the loss to the Lions by the Panthers. The Panthers offense is back and Cam Newton played well against the Lions for the most part.

Two of Cam Newton’s interceptions came at the end of the game with the Panthers trying to place catch up. Rookie quarterbacks throw interceptions that is just a fact. But Cam Newton didn’t get down like he did against the Titans. Newton kept his head in the game and kept trying.

I was impressed that the Panthers didn’t give up after the Lions came back on them.Carolinahad the lead then Stafford and company got into the game.Carolina was outplayed by the better team.

Against the Lions Cam Newton completed 22 of 38 passes for 280 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. Newton did run for two touchdowns had to deal with a dropped pass or two.

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart both had a good game against the Detroit Lions. Both had over 100 yards combined running and receiving and Williams had a 29 yard run. LaFell had a good game with three receptions for 51 yards. Steve Smith was held to five catches for 41 yards but did catch a touchdown pass.

James Anderson once again had a great game with seven tackles, three assists and one interception. The Panthers did a decent job on Calvin Johnson but Stafford threw five touchdowns to other receivers.

The Carolina Panthers special teams were much improved against the Detroit Lions. Kealoha Pilares the rookie wide receiver took a kickoff for 101 yards and a touchdown. The special teams also tackled well and didn’t give up a big return against the Lions.

As Fox commentator John Lynch told us numerous times Matthew Stafford was wearing a glove to protect a broken finger.Stafford played a great game despite some early issues against the Panthers

I can’t help but feel a little good for Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith. The Lions had cut Smith in the offseason due to his injury history. Injuries and ineffective play by the other backs earned Smith a shot on the Lions again. Kevin Smith ran for 140 yards against the Carolina Panthers and played a huge part in the win by the Lions.

How can the Carolina Panthers upset the Detroit Lions? Well read this review of the Carolina Panthers at the Detroit Lions game and you will find out. After a flat post bye performance against the Titans, Carolina has no pressure but the Lions do.

Detroit started out hot this season but quickly fell back to earth. The lack of a running game and a complimentary wide receiver to Calvin Johnson has hurt the vaunted Lions offense in 2011. The Lions can pass but can’t run; on defense they can defend the pass but not the run.

Matthew Stafford is a good quarterback and Calvin Johnson is all world but only tight end Brandon Pettigrew gives Stafford an other option. Jahvid Best is a nice all round running back but he is injured all the time.

For the Carolina Panthers to upset the Detroit Lions, Cam Newton has to play well. He needs to stop pouting and keep his head in the game unlike the way he acted against the Titans.

The Lions get lots of pressure on the quarterback but Cam Newton has the skill set to roll away from Suh in the middle and make plays on the outside. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart need more carries to get into a rhythm. If the Panthers can get their running game going then that keeps Stafford and Johnson off the field.

I really hope Shockey will be able to play for the Carolina Panthers against the Detroit Lions.Detroit tends to play rough if not dirty and Shockey thrives in games like that. Of course Steve Smith does as well.

On defense the Carolina Panthers must pressure Stafford and double team Johnson. Let Stafford dink and plink to Pettigrew if he has to. Avoiding big plays to Calvin Johnson is the key for the Panthers defense to play well. Hopefully the Panthers defense won’t make Maurice Morris look like Billy Sims or Barry Sanders this week.

The Lions punt return team is average at best and that is good news for a bad specials teams unit that the Carolina Panthers put on the field. The Lions have given up one return for a touchdown this season so maybe Armanti Edwards can make a play as a returner this week.

With the pressure on Detroit, the Carolina Panthers can upset the Lions with some early big plays. If Carolina can take the crowd out of the game that will improve their chances of a win in Detroit.