Lions kick off new season with big win over Bucs, 27-20

**Admin** Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:03 am

Matthew Stafford made a triumphant return from January's shoulder surgery, completing 24 of 33 passes for 305 yards and three touchdowns as the Detroit Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 27-20. It's the first time the Lions won their season opener since 2007.

Behind great efforts from Stafford (his second career 300-yard passing day), wide receiver Calvin Johnson (88 yards receiving & two touchdowns), and running back Jahvid Best (114 total yards), Detroit scored on five of their first seven possessions and amassed 324 yards of offense by halftime.

Tampa Bay's quarterback Josh Freeman completed 28 of 43 passes for an inflated 257 yards, but never got into rhythm as the Lions dominated possession in the first half.