Early on Sunday morning, October 26th, NFL fans got to see a Week 8 game from London, as the Detroit Lions (5-2) played the Atlanta Falcons (2-5). The game was played at Wembley Stadium, in London and was televised on Fox TV.
The game seemed to be all in the Lions quarter as they led the scoring going to half-time at 21 to nothing, but then the Tigers surprised the fans, coming from a 3 TD deficit to win the game 22-21 scoring a TD and FG for 10 points in the 3rd quarter, then a FG and TD for 9 points and with time expiring kicked another 48 yard field goal to win the game 22-21.
What was incredible, was that the first 43 yard FG attempt with 4 seconds left in the game that FK Prater attempted, he missed wide, but got another opportunity as the Lions were given a delay of game penalty, and then he kicked the 48 yard FG through the post for the winning score.
In this game the statistics actually favored the Lions, who had 22 first downs with 70 total plays in the game, with 325 passing and 60 yards rushing with 1 turnover. Their QB Stafford with his two passing touchdowns in the game, became the Lion’s all-time TD pass leader with 120 touchdowns, breaking Bobby Layne’s record of 118 touchdowns. Leaders offensively for the Lions were QB Stafford who completed 24 of his 47 passes for 325 yards with touchdowns and 1 interception. RB’s Bell & Stafford combined for 17 carries and 48 yards rushing, while Receivers Tate & Riddick combined for 15 receptions for 225 yards with each scoring 1 TD.
The Falcons offensively in the game also had 22 first downs and 55 total plays for 291 yards with 213 passing and 78 rushing with 1 interception. The offensive leaders for the Falcons were; QB Ryan completed 20 of 27 passes for 228 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. RB Jackson had 18 carries for 60 yards with 1 TD. Receivers White & Jones had 9 receptions for 124 yards and no touchdowns.
As the game clock wound down in time, the scoring in the game was left to Detroit kicker Prater, which was not the Lion’s, choice as their kickers were 0 for 7 in 40 yard or longer field goals, and Prater, one of three Detroit kickers was 0-1 for the same distance. But Prater came through and the Lion’s had a 2nd comeback win, as last week they rallied to beat the New Orleans Saints, whom on this same Sunday, beat the Green Bay Packers.
With the Falcons leading, at half-time 21-0, this loss tied their record for the biggest loss while leading a half in Falcons history. Amazingly, now the Falcons in their last 6 games have been outscored in the 4th quarter 70-7.
Now for the NFL fans who bet on NFL football at offshore betting sites such as SBG Global the next game for the now 6-2 Lions (1st NFC North) after a bye week on Nov. 2nd and then they play the Miami Dolphins at home on Sunday the 9th of November. Meanwhile, the struggling Atlanta Falcons now 2-6 (3rd NFC South) will also have a bye week and their next game will be at Tampa Buccaneers now 1-6 (4th NFC South) also on the 9th of November 2014.