Hi all, back again for another installment of the series history of the 2011 Falcons opponents. This week, the Lions. The Lions lead the all time series, 23-10, going back to 1966. The Lions won the first nine games of this series until the Falcons finally broke through with a 17-6 victory in the ATL in 1977. The 1978 affair also in the ATL, saw the Falcons get their first ever home shut out, 14-0. The 1980 game in the ATL, saw the Falcons blitz the Lions in short order in the second quarter with I believe 28 points enroute to a 34-6 half time lead, and go on to win, 43-28. The 1998 game in Detroit was special, without Dan Reeves, the Falcons struggled through most of the game, but were able to come from behind, to win, 24-17, and the NFC West. The 2002 game in the ATL, was a 36-15 laugher, with Michael Vick running all over the Lions. And, of course, the 2008 season opener, remember that one? Hmmm, wasn't the game when Matty Ice's first NFL pass was a 62 yard TD pass to Michael Jenkins? Always will remember that moment and game. The 2005 game in Detroit was the first ever Thanksgiving game for the Falcons, winning that one, 27-7. There has been some duds as well in this series, the 2006 game in Detroit, in which a 5-2 Falcons team, got crunched, 30-14, and then the roof fell in on that season. As for this game on Sunday, the Falcons have an excellent chance of winning, especially after last week's performance. The Lions are still a young team learning how to win, and they will make mistakes. Developing a pass rus is key against Matthew Stafford, force him into mistakes. As far as Megatron Calvin Johnson goes, well just let him go, can't cover the dude! The Lions are horrible against the run, and their secondary is so-so, so if the Falcons stick to the forumla from last week, they will win this game, 28-24. Minimize penalties and turnovers, and keep the potent Lions offense on the field, and the birds will have success. If you of came to me a couple of weeks ago, and said what are the Falcons chances against the Lions, I would said your were friggin' nuts! There will no be post next week, due to the bye, I'll be back in two weeks with the Colts series. Go Falcons, Good Luck!