Thursday 26 November 2015 22:19, UK
Matthew Stafford threw five touchdown passes as the Detroit Lions continued their recent resurgence with a 45-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Lions quarterback connected with Calvin Johnson for three of his touchdowns, completing 27 of 38 passes for 337 yards as Detroit picked up their third straight win.
Running back Theo Riddick and wide receiver Golden Tate hauled in Stafford's other scoring passes, while Joique Bell, another running back, added a rushing touchdown.
Stafford connected with Riddick on an eight-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter, but the Eagles drew level in the opening minute of the second quarter as quarterback Mark Sanchez found tight end Brent Celek for a two-yard score.
The Lions pulled into a 14-7 lead midway on their next possession through Stafford's two-yard scoring pass to Tate.
Matt Prater's 48-yard field goal then opened a 10-point lead before Stafford's 25-yard touchdown pass to Johnson came with 12 seconds left in the half, making it 24-7 at the break.
Detoit continued to pile on the points as Johnson held off Eric Rowe on a four-yard, back-shoulder toss from Stafford to move 31-7 ahead.
Sanchez, again standing in for the injured Sam Bradford, made a costly turnover which allowed Johnson to beat safety Malcolm Jenkins on a three-yard catch for his third score.
The Eagles (4-7) gave up 45 points for the second time in five days and lost their third straight.
