Lions pull off heroic TD in opener to defeat Rams, 27-23

**Admin** Mon Sep 10, 2012 3:31 am

Matthew Stafford threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Smith with 10 seconds left, lifting the Detroit Lions to a 27-23 win over the St. Louis Rams in the season opener, despite throwing three interceptions before halftime for the first time. Stafford finished 32-of-48 for 355 yards and currently leads the league in passing yards for the week.

Detroit's All-Pro receiver Calvin Johnson caught six passes for 111 yards, including an 18-yard grab just before Smith was left alone for his second touchdown of the game.

Up next for Detroit (1-0) is a west coast trip to San Francisco to face the 49ers, who defeated division foe Green Bay, 30-22. Game time is set for primetime next Sunday night.