DETROIT --- The only thing that didn't matter Saturday afternoon at Ford Field was the scoreboard. By the time the regular season starts in September, nobody will remember -- or care -- Atlanta lost to the Detroit Lions, 27-26.
What did matter were the glimpses, no matter how brief, of what's to come. For the Falcons, it was picking up where they left off a year ago with a trip to the playoffs. For the Lions, it was taking their first step with new quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Behind second-year quarterback Matt Ryan, Atlanta ran out to a 16-3 lead. Ryan played two series and was good on 5 of 7 passes for 33 yards. Michael Turner added 66 rushing yards, including a 40-yard run up the middle, on just six carries.
"I thought it was good to shake off some rust," Ryan said. "We got into a rhythm during the second drive and we made some plays.
"I'm excited for everything to come."
By the time the second quarter started, the starters were on the bench.
Stafford, the No. 1 overall draft pick out of Georgia, began the Lions' fifth series.
Detroit went 0-16 last season, even though it went 4-0 in the preseason. Detroit fans have been starved for something to cheer about, and Stafford gave them plenty.
His first throw was to Keary Colbert, who promptly dropped the 10-yard pass. The crowd responded with loud boos.
Colbert dropped two more passes, earning even more ire from the fans, but Stafford found ways to keep an 80-yard drive alive by scrambling for five yards and a first down, then throwing a 25-yard touchdown.
He also threw an interception that Tony Gilbert returned for a touchdown.
"Hearing (cheers) is what you want," Stafford said. "I'm happy they're happy for me. I'm pumped to win this game. I love this attitude."
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