DETROIT — A week after DeMarcus Ware and Malik Jackson were docked, Von Miller and Demaryius Thomas face potential fines. The league is cracking down with strict enforcement on specific penalties, meaning Miller could be fined $17,363 for a late hit on quarterback Matthew Stafford. Thomas received a taunting penalty for back-pedaling into the end zone on his second-quarter touchdown. It is an infraction with a potential $8,681 fine.
Talib’s block party
Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib missed a shot at his third interception when Detroit’s Calvin Johnson stole a pass from him in the second quarter. But Talib provided an unlikely contribution after the Lions’ scoring drive, blocking Matt Prater’s extra point. Chris Harris nearly returned it for two points before tight end Eric Ebron forced him out of bounds.
Thompson injures neck
Broncos coach Gary Kubiak continues to stress the importance of establishing a physical identity and mindset. He used bigger back Juwan Thompson for the first time in the first half. Thompson exited after injuring his neck on a running play at the goal line and was ruled out for the game. He left as C.J. Anderson returned to the game after clearing the concussion protocol.
Ward a force
T.J. Ward made up for lost time. The Broncos safety who was suspended for the opener against Baltimore recorded a tackle for a loss on the first play Sunday, his 16th tackle for a loss since 2013, his first Pro Bowl season, the most in the NFL by a defensive back in that span. He closed out the first half with a team-high five tackles (three solo).
No fullback
More shotgun for Peyton Manning. The Broncos’ quarterback worked out of the shotgun and pistol for the entire first quarter and much of the second.
Footnotes
To cap his pregame warmup, Manning spent about 10 minutes at midfield talking to his former offensive coordinator in Indianapolis, Jim Caldwell, who is now the Lions’ head coach. … Any mystery over how the coaches viewed the Broncos’ previous game vanishes with the next week’s captains. They are rewarded. Sunday, Todd Davis (special teams), Thomas (offense) and Miller (defense). … The Lions paid homage to local music stars. They featured Eminem in heavy rotation during pregame, and Kid Rock’s “Bawitdaba” blared at ear-drum bleeding decibels during the opening kickoff.
