Without Tim Lester, the vaunted running game again sputtered. For the third consecutive week, the passing game posted impressive completion numbers, but the critical number on the scoreboard was not so impressive. Red-zone failures, critical mistakes and the lack of a deep threat pose major concerns.

Detroit had a slow start but Charlie Batch led a magnificent second-half comeback. The Lions had to overcome a sub-par day by running back Barry Sanders, and a number of bizarre calls by the men in the striped shirts. Johnnie Morton and Herman Moore had clutch receptions and the Lions got a big victory.

Thanks to Lee Flowers, Earl Holmes, Carlos Emmons and a host of others for a superb job in shutting down Barry Sanders. Thanks to Joel Steed, Kevin Henry and Nolan Harrison for relentless pressure on Charlie Batch. And thanks to a secondary that disguised and confused the entire day. This unit played well enough to win.

The defense, led by Stephen Boyd, shut down the Steelers' running game and pressured Stewart all day. Although the defense lost a little composure the last four minutes of regulation, it forced the Steelers into overtime. And that's all the Lions needed. Remember, the Steelers' lone touchdown was a fluke, but the outcome wasn't.

Kudos to Orpheus Roye, Hines Ward and the entire coverage unit for smothering Terry Fair the entire day. The return work of Courtney Hawkins was outstanding; the punting of Josh Miller commendable. However, a spectacular effort was ruined by a botched reverse exchange late in the fourth quarter that spelled doom.

Although Terry Fair, one of the league's best kick returners, was contained, special teams delivered. The kickoff team contributed a turnover that led to a late field goal. Jason Hanson was superb with four field goals, including the game-winner. In close games, special teams are often the difference, and in OT so is the coin toss.

An unforgettable Thanksgiving to say the least. On these days when even the coin toss erupts in controversy, you're probably better off being lucky than good. Fumbles, penalties, tipped balls and bad calls will negate even the best of game plans. Today just wasn't meant to be.

It's tough to totally prepare for a Thursday game, but the Lions were ready. The game was a defensive struggle affected by a number of bizarre bounces and unusual officiating. But nothing was more important or unusual than the OT coin toss. The Lions got the call and the ball, and the victory.