DETROIT -- Calvin Johnson got off to a quiet start, then began his annual Thanksgiving feast on opposing secondaries in earnest.
The Detroit Lions' perennial All-Pro wide receiver was shut out on the first three drives and quarterback Matthew Stafford was determined to change that.
"We got through the first quarter without him having a catch and I was sitting there going, 'Man, we've got to get 81 the ball,'" Stafford said. "(Offensive coordinator) Jim Bob (Cooter) dialed up some plays for him and he got open and made some big-time catches."
Once Johnson got involved, the Detroit offense became unstoppable. Stafford threw five touchdown passes, three to Johnson, and the revived Lions won their third straight by walloping the Philadelphia Eagles 45-14 on Thursday afternoon at Ford Field.
Stafford completed 27 of 38 passes for 337 yards for the Lions (4-7), who have also won three consecutive Thanksgiving Day games. They scored on six straight possessions in their highest-scoring game of the season.
"It's just guys making up their minds that we're going to go out there and play well and win these games that we're capable of winning," Johnson said. "Less mistakes, more concentration, all those things add up."
Johnson, who tied his career high with his three touchdown grabs, caught eight passes for 93 yards. He has an NFL-record 11 touchdown receptions on Thanksgiving and at least one for seven consecutive seasons.
Running back Theo Riddick and wide receiver Golden Tate hauled in Stafford's other scoring passes. Running back Joique Bell added a rushing touchdown.
Detroit defensive end Ziggy Ansah had a career-high 3 1/2 sacks and recovered a fumble.
The Lions haven't lost since a front-office shakeup after getting blown by Kansas City in London.
"You guys are always looking for something magical, something different. Football is a bit simpler than that," Detroit coach Jim Caldwell said. "When guys do what they're supposed to do, they function the way they're supposed to function and their technique is sound, good things happen. That's what you're seeing now."
What we learned about the Lions:
1. They love to play on Thanksgiving. After a nine-game losing streak on the holiday, which led to national cries for the Lions to lose their annual nationally televised game, they have suddenly turned dominant. They have won three straight by a combined score of 119-41. "It's a blast," quarterback Matthew Stafford said. "It's a whole lot more fun when you win. And when you win convincingly like we did today, that makes it extra sweet."
2. Their three-headed running back rotation is starting to pay big dividends. The Lions alternate Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick and all three were productive on Thursday. Bell gained a combined 82 yards and scored a rushing touchdown, Abdullah led the rushing attack with 63 yards and Riddick caught five passes for 62 yards, including the first touchdown. "I think we played to our ability today and we just have to keep that going," Bell said.
3. The pass rush has some bite as long as Ziggy Ansah is healthy. The Lions had six sacks despite rushing only four players most of the way. Ansah gave the Eagles' reshuffled offensive line fits, as he notched 3 1/2 sacks and forced a Mark Sanchez fumble, which he also recovered. Ansah now has 11 1/2 sacks, eight more than any of his teammates. "I think he's really just scratching the surface," coach Jim Caldwell said. "I don't think anybody knows how good he can be."
Etc.
--WR Calvin Johnson matched his career high with three touchdown receptions while catching eight passes for 93 yards on Thursday. He has an NFL-record 11 touchdown receptions on Thanksgiving and at least one for seven consecutive seasons. Johnson took advantage of cornerback Nolan Carroll's ankle injury in the first half, beating rookie Eric Rowe on two of his touchdowns. "When we get single coverage, especially down there, we've got to take advantage of it," he said.
--FS Glover Quin suffered a left ankle injury late in the first quarter and did not return. He made a diving attempt to tackle Eagles tight end Trey Burton on a 43-yard pass play. James Ihedigbo, who recently lost the strong safety spot to Isa Adbul-Quddus, returned to his former position while Abdul-Quddus slid over to Quin's spot. "It's my first time probably missing game action since my rookie year," he said.
--QB Matthew Stafford threw five touchdown passes, the ninth time in his career he has had at least four scoring tosses. He now has 20 touchdown passes for the season. Stafford's 337 passing yards marked the fourth consecutive Thanksgiving Day game that he has thrown for at least 300 yards. He now has a team-record 29 games with at least 300 yards passing.
--WR Golden Tate had just his second touchdown reception of the season, gathering in a 2-yard pass from QB Matthew Stafford during the first half. Tate was lined up in the fullback position, took the toss from Stafford and juked a defender for a walk in score. "That's a play we've had in the bag and we pulled it out today," Stafford said. Tate had seven catches for 50 yards.
