Miscues Doom Lions In Carolina, Lose 24-7

The Detroit Lions turned the ball over three times and missed two field goals as they dropped their first road game of the year to the Carolina Panthers 24-7 at Bank of America Stadium Sunday afternoon. Detroit (1-1) was only down 6-0 at the half but two missed field goals from rookie kicker Nate Freese prevented a potential tie going in to the intermission.  The Lions did take the lead in the third quarter on Jed Collins' one yard touchdown catch from Matthew Stafford. The lead, however, was short lived when Cam Newton found Jason Avant on a 14-yard strike to go ahead for good at 13-7. Carolina (2-0) also had a Jonathan Stewart one yard touchdown run and three Graham Gano field goals. Stafford was 27 for 48 for 291 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Calvin Johnson had six receptions for 83 yards and a crucial drop in the end zone in the second quarter and led Detroit in rushing with yards. Detroit next faces long time rival Green Bay next Sunday at Ford Field. Pregame coverage begins at 12noon on Lansing's Big Talker 1240 WJIM.