Gunther Cunningham was three plays into the game film from last week's victory over the Buccaneers when a huge smile came over his face.
"The defensive line put on a show like I haven't seen in some time," the defensive coordinator said Friday.
"I came in the next day and looked at the tape and after the three plays I got up, walked down the hall, and had a cup of coffee with the biggest smile on my face because those guys just took over the game right away."
Anyone who looked at the stat sheet — and not the game — might not understand what Cunningham is talking about.
The line had just one sack and one tackle-for-loss in the 27-20 victory.
But it's what the unit does that isn't showing up on the stat sheet that most affected the outcome.
Do opposing offenses …
Double team along the defensive front and let a much improved linebacking corps run free? Or;
Send a guard to the second level and let the defensive line work one-on-one matchups?
"Whenever you have the ability to run free as a linebacker, that's a good thing," linebacker Justin Durant said. "You saw us running around free and making plays in the Tampa game. You didn't see all the stats or what-not with the defensive line, but they played a very good game and allowed us to make plays."
The Lions held the Buccaneers to 56 yards rushing and 13 offensive points.
"Our stats didn't show how good we played until you turned on the film," defensive tackle Corey Williams said. "But don't worry, the stats will get better. I'll guarantee you that."
Delmas, Johnson practice
Safety Louis Delmas and receiver Calvin Johnson practiced Friday for the first time this week.
Johnson (ankle) participated fully in the portion of practice open to the media, while Delmas (hip pointer) was limited.
The injury report listed both players as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.
… Receiver Maurice Stovall (questionable) had a heavy cast on his right hand and was limited during practice.
If Stovall, a special teams ace, is out, that could open a spot on the roster for running back Keiland Williams .
… Cornerback Alphonso Smith (foot) is out.
Extra points
Former Boise State and current Lions receiver Titus Young said he was heading to Toledo on Friday night to watch No. 4 Boise State play Toledo. Young predicted an easy victory for the Broncos, who were 20-point favorites over the Rockets.
