The Lions were off to a fantastic start in New Orleans. Detroit raced out to a quick 21-0 lead on the Saints within the first quarter after some efficient offense and playmaking on defense.
Unfortunately, adversity struck. First, the Saints settled down a bit and quit making so many mistakes on both sides of the ball. They cracked the scoreboard with an impressive touchdown drive that exploited some poor coverage by the Lions safeties.
On the ensuing drive, the injury bug jumped up and bit the Lions in the paw. Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow was helped off the field after a run play with a lower leg injury. He appeared to get leg-whipped while blocking and then had his ankle bent awkwardly as he collapsed in a pileup.
The Lions quickly listed Ragnow as questionable to return with a knee injury. Graham Glasgow slid into the center spot, with rookie Colby Sorsdal replacing Glasgow at right guard.