Calvin Johnson Puts Up Impressive Numbers in Detroit Lions Loss

Calvin Johnson caught only his second touchdown pass in the Detroit Lions loss against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday. The Lions star wide receiver now has two touchdowns on the season, after an amazing 16 in the 2011 season. Sunday’s touchdown catch by Johnson was also his first from quarterback Matthew Stafford in the 2012 season. Johnson’s previous catch came from backup quarterback Shaun Hill in week 3.

On the day, Johnson caught 12 passes for 207 yards, averaging 17.3 yards per catch. Along with his one touchdown, Calvin did suffer his first fumble of the season and turned the ball over to the Vikings. Calvin was targeted by Stafford 13 times in the game.

Twelve receptions by Calvin marked a new career high. The 207 yards gained was the third highest total by Calvin in a game, after he had two 200+ games in 2011 (214, 244). Calvin has hit double digit in receptions twice in this 2012 season. Triple digit yardage has been obtained by the Lions receiver in five of the nine games played.

Johnson’s numbers were impressive, considering he may have gotten an earlier concussion in the season. On Thursday, Johnson came out saying he had suffered “nerve damage” in the earlier matchup with the Vikings. The Lions retracted Calvin’s statement on Friday to make sure that the NFL did not think Calvin had suffered a concussion. The Lions could have received a fine for not reporting a concussion.

On Friday, Calvin said, “I am aware that I did not suffer a concussion in our game against the Vikings earlier this year. I misused the terms nerve damage and concussion.” Calvin is believed to have suffered a “Stinger”, a sports injury that is similar to a pinched nerve.

Calvin did take some hard shots in Sunday’s game and appeared shaky at times. Calvin has missed several practices recently with lingering knee issues as well. After seeing Jahvid Best shut down for concussion issues, the Lions can not afford to lose their star receiver to the same. The Lions will be hoping that Calvin is okay going into their home game against NFC North rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday November 18^th.