Detroit Lions' WR has Moore to show ex-New Orleans Saints mates

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Even with the Detroit Lions eliminated from the postseason at 4-9 and the New Orleans Saints nearly out of it at 5-8, expect a high-scoring game Monday night in which both teams try to make a lost season look a little better.

Assuming the Lions' offense performs better than last week after being shut out in the first half in St. Louis, Detroit veteran wide receiver Lance Moore could provide an intriguing storyline in his first game against his former team.

"Once I get out there and it's time to warm up, it's time to go to work," he said after admitting it would be awkward being in the visiting locker room. "I can't worry about any of the past events that took place there or any of the moments that I had in that stadium. It's all about business."

Moore was with the Saints for most of his first nine seasons and won a Super Bowl with them in 2009. However, in the 2013 offseason, New Orleans cut him. He struggled in Pittsburgh last year, making 14 catches in 14 games, but he is enjoying a bit of a resurgence with the Lions.

Now 32, Moore has been a reliable No. 3 receiver in Detroit this year, recording 27 catches for 321 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games. In a win over the Bears in Week 6, he had his first 100-yard game since 2012.

"I almost feel like it's kind of re-energized my career, and I feel great," Moore said of his first year in Detroit. "And hopefully playing well this year will allow me to play a couple more."

The Saints' defense has really struggled this season, ranking 30th against the pass and 32nd against the run, so the Lions should have some success passing the ball. The key will be better blocking after experiencing some issues up front against the Rams.

Moore said he doesn't hold a grudge against the Saints, and having the chance to play there gave him some memorable moments with one of the most exciting offenses in recent history, including the Super Bowl run.

"We had played together for a long time," he said. "We were in that offense for four years, and for whatever reason, everything just kind of jelled that year.

"Especially early on, we just felt like we couldn't lose. It was weird, we'd be in tough situations in games, and we'd find a way to win. That's what great teams do, and hopefully we're building something like that here."

SERIES HISTORY: 23rd regular-season meeting. Saints lead series, 11-10-1. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford made his debut in New Orleans in 2009 in a 45-27 loss in which Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw six touchdown passes.

GAME PLAN

--For the Lions to beat the Saints, the offense has to find its rhythm after a lackluster game in St. Louis. Luckily, the Lions have performed well against some of the poor defenses they have faced this year, so a matchup against the 32nd-ranked scoring defense should help. They should get wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Theo Riddick more involved.

On defense, the Lions need to focus on stopping the run. New Orleans back Tim Hightower isn't great, but the Lions' defense plays well when making the opponents play one-dimensionally.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH

--Lions strong safety Isa Abdul-Quddus, who struggled covering Green Bay tight end Richard Rodgers a couple weeks ago, vs. Saints tight end Benjamin Watson, who can create big plays and has two 100-yard games.

--Lions right defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, who has 8.5 sacks the past seven games, vs. Saints left tackle Terron Armstead, who has been a top pass-blocker this year.