At the start of today's game between the Eagles and Lions, the playoff stakes were high but visibility was low.
The Lions won the toss and elected to receive. With reports saying that Reggie Bush re-aggravated a previous calf injury in pre-game warm-ups, Joique Bell got the start at running back. It was later announced that Bush did indeed suffer a calf injury, and he is questionable to play today. Starting their first drive at their own 16, Detroit would go three-and-out, with Matthew Stafford fumbling the snap on second down. From the get-go it was clear that the heavy snow would be a big factor.
After a Detroit punt, it was the Eagles' turn to brave the elements. DeSean Jackson would lose 10 yards on a second-down run, and the Eagles would also go three-and-out on their opening possession. A punt from Donnie Jones would set the Lions up at their own 40-yard line.
The Lions would fumble another snap on the ensuing possession, but on a third-and-ten play, Stafford would find Calvin Johnson over the middle for 10 yards, picking up the first first-down of the afternoon for either side. Bell would then pick up another first down on the ground, driving the Lions into Eagles territory. A delay of game penalty made it third and 15, but Stafford would find Brandon Pettigrew for 23 yards, taking the ball to the Eagles 26 yard line. On a second-and eleven play, Cedric Thornton forced the ball free from Bell, and Connor Barwin fell on the ball for the first turnover of the day.
Starting at their own 20, the Eagles again could not move the ball. On a third down, Foles threw a pass intended for Riley Cooper that fell incomplete, forcing another Jones punt, and it was a good one. Jones boomed one 53 yards through the snow storm, setting the Lions up at their own 40.
Three Bell carries would bring the Lions into Eagles territory, and on third down, Stafford would find Johnson deep down the middle for 33 yards, down to the Eagles 14-yard line. Bell would carry for no gain on the next play, and the first quarter would come to an end, with the score tied at zero.
