Lions Lose Rivers But Win Again

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —  The Detroit Lions have proven they can win without one of the best running backs to play the game. Now they get to see if they can do it without his replacement.

Overcoming the early departure of Ron Rivers because of a broken ankle, the Lions rode a strong performance by quarterback Charlie Batch and their defense to stay atop the NFC Central with a 24-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

“They have really responded to the things we’ve asked them to do,” Coach Bobby Ross said of the Lions and their 4-2 start, a surprising record after Barry Sanders’ off-season retirement.

Rivers, Detroit’s top runner once Sanders retired, was injured after only one carry, initially diagnosed as a sprained right ankle. But X-rays showed a fracture that likely will end Rivers’ season, Ross said.

“We’ve been down this road before,” offensive tackle Ray Roberts said. “We’ll just plug Greg Hill and Sedrick Irvin in there and keep on truckin’. We’ll be OK.”

Those two did their part Sunday, with Hill rushing for 70 yards and Irvin scoring on a one-yard run to make it 7-3 in the second quarter.

Batch threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns and the Lions defense repeatedly made big plays. Five times the Panthers (2-4) drove to the Detroit three-yard line or closer, but they came away with only three field goals.

“We didn’t do anything tricky,” said Detroit safety Mark Carrier, who ended one of the drives with an interception in the end zone. “I think they were getting mad. They were getting upset.”

The other failed Panther drive inside the three came early in the fourth. Lion safety Ron Rice sacked Steve Beuerlein, creating a fumble that was recovered by defensive end Tracy Scroggins.