Sign of the times: The "John 3:16" signs that used to be popular to display in sports venues might be updated at Ford Field to "Matthew 3:17" for the way Matthew Stafford has orchestrated comeback drives in all four of the Lions' victories. The Lions have scored the winning points with a combined 3:17 left on the clock. Three field goals by Matt Prater came with four seconds, 1:28 and 1:29 left. Sunday's TD pass to beat Washington came with 16 seconds left. – Mike O'Hara
Sign of the old times: When Eric Hipple came off the bench to keep the Lions in playoff contention in 1981, someone put up a sign at the old Pontiac Silverdome that read: "Thank You, Mrs. Hipple." – Mike O'Hara
What a trio: Detroit's receiving trio of Marvin Jones Jr., Golden Tate and Anquan Boldin just might be one of the best in the league, partly because the Lions use them in such a way that enhances their skill sets.
Take last Sunday for example. Jones is terrific as a down-the-field threat, as he showed on his diving 52-yard catch in the third quarter. Tate is terrific running after the catch, which he proved in the second quarter taking a short pass 27 yards for a first down on a 2nd and 20 play. Boldin is as tough as they come in the slot over the middle. His game-wining touchdown proved that. – Tim Twentyman
Role playing: The Lions got big plays again Sunday from players who did not play many snaps. Brandon Copeland played only eight of 73 snaps, but he was credited with forcing the fumble by Redskins running back Matt Jones that Tavon Wilson recovered in the end zone. Copeland, who's a combination defensive end/outside linebacker, also assisted on two tackles. – Mike O'Hara
Missing weapons: Considering how good Matthew Stafford and the Lions receiving corps has been the last three weeks, just imagine how much pressure Detroit's offense could put on opposing defenses once they get Theo Riddick and Eric Ebron back.
Without Riddick the last two games, Detroit running backs have four total catches for 34 yards. The last three games without Ebron, the Lions have gotten just three catches for 19 yards from the tight end position. How good can Detroit's passing game be when its full contingent of pass catchers is healthy and playing with as much confidence as they are right now? – Tim Twentyman
Here to stay: Rookie Graham Glasgow replaced 2015 first-round pick Laken Tomlinson at left guard Sunday and played pretty well. There's always room for improvement, obviously, but Glasgow was very good in pass protection, allowing just one quarterback hurry on Stafford all game. It appears Glasgow, the team's third-round pick this year, is here to stay in the starting lineup. – Tim Twentyman
