Sports

Stafford tries to shake off poor second half in loss to Pittsburgh

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Ziggy Hood (96) defends in the first half an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in Pittsburgh. the steelers won 37-27. (AP Photo/Don Wright) (The Associated Press)

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) scrambles for a first down as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) defends in the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (The Associated Press)

When Matthew Stafford and the Lions left the field at halftime, it looked like there was nothing the Pittsburgh Steelers could do to stop Detroit's offense.

That's what made the last two quarters so surprising.

After scoring 27 points in the second quarter, the Lions went scoreless the rest of the way in Sunday's 37-27 loss at Pittsburgh. Stafford threw for 327 yards in the first half — and only 35 in the second. Calvin Johnson caught six passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns, but that was all in the first half.

The Lions may have some extra help this weekend against Tampa Bay. Receiver Nate Burleson, who has been out since late September after hurting his arm in a car accident, is optimistic about his chances to return.